Resist Hate, Defend Hope

Since 2020, Asian American communities in the United States have faced a rise in hate and violence. Stop AAPI Hate reported nearly 3,800 hate incidents in just one year. Experts think this number is much lower than the real problem. These incidents cause not only physical harm but also lasting emotional effects. Many people feel fear, isolation, and are less willing to join their communities. This is especially true for seniors, youth, and essential workers.

Flushing, Queens, has one of the largest and most diverse Asian American populations in New York City. This community faced many challenges. Elders reported that they avoided public transit. Small business owners saw a drop in foot traffic. Families were worried about their children's safety. There was an urgent need for a safety plan that respected the community's culture, but this need was not met.

Program Overview

Resist Hate, Defend Hope is a grassroots, multi-organizational initiative designed to address community safety, trauma prevention, and empowerment in response to anti-Asian violence. The program was launched through a strategic partnership between Public Safety Patrol (PSP) and the Kiwanis Hope Foundation, combining public safety expertise, youth development, and philanthropic support into a unified response model.

Rather than focusing solely on crisis intervention, the program emphasizes prevention, education, leadership development, and long-term resilience.

Leadership & Organizational Capacity

The initiative is led by Boss Li, President of Public Safety Patrol and Director of the Kiwanis Club of Douglaston. Since the surge in anti-Asian incidents in 2020, Mr. Li has played a central role in mobilizing volunteers, engaging local institutions, and coordinating safety efforts throughout Queens. His dual leadership roles uniquely position him to align public safety operations with service-based community development.

The Kiwanis Hope Foundation brings decades of experience in youth programming, family support, and community service, ensuring the initiative is grounded in sustainable nonprofit infrastructure and strong governance practices.

Program Design & Key Activities

Resist Hate, Defend Hope operates through an integrated set of program components:

1. Community-Based Self-Defense & De-escalation Training
With funding support from local donors, weekly training sessions are led by Coach Jon Yue, a nationally respected martial arts instructor and descendant of the legendary Chinese general Yue Fei. Participants learn situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, and practical self-defense techniques tailored to real-life scenarios.

Training sessions are hosted at Aeon Martial Arts on Northern Boulevard, with venue support generously provided by Founder Master Jason Oak, ensuring consistent access to a safe and trusted location.

2. Youth Engagement & Leadership Development
While adults participate in safety training, Kiwanis volunteers provide childcare and youth activities. Youth participants who demonstrate interest and commitment are guided into Kiwanis leadership pathways, fostering confidence, civic responsibility, and long-term community engagement.

3. Resource Connection & Holistic Support
Participants receive access to:

• Legal aid referrals

• Mental health support resources

• Community safety directories

• A network of designated “safe haven” businesses along the 7 train corridor

This ensures the program addresses both immediate safety concerns and longer-term emotional and legal needs.

4. Business & Worker Protection Initiatives
Local businesses are invited to participate as visibly marked safe spaces using PSP decals. Targeted workshops are also provided for vulnerable worker populations, including home health aides and delivery workers—groups that face heightened risk due to the nature of their work.

Measurable Outcomes & Community Impact

Since its launch, Resist Hate, Defend Hope has achieved the following outcomes:

• Increased participant confidence and situational awareness, particularly among seniors and women

• Greater youth engagement in structured leadership and service programs

• Strengthened trust between community members, nonprofits, and local businesses

• Expanded access to mental health and legal support services

• A visible, neighborhood-wide safety presence that deters harassment and encourages reporting

While rooted in qualitative outcomes, the program continues to build data collection capacity to track participation rates, training completion, and referral follow-ups.

Sustainability & Growth

Now entering its third year, Resist Hate, Defend Hope has evolved from an emergency response into a sustainable community safety network. The program’s longevity is supported by:

• Volunteer-driven implementation

• Donor and small-grant funding

• In-kind venue and service partnerships

• Integration with existing Kiwanis programs

Future funding will allow the initiative to expand training capacity, enhance data reporting, and replicate the model in other neighborhoods facing similar challenges.

Replicability & Broader Significance

The success of Resist Hate, Defend Hope demonstrates that community safety solutions are most effective when organizations work across sectors rather than in isolation. This model—combining public safety, youth development, philanthropy, and cultural competence—offers a scalable framework that can be adapted by communities nationwide.

At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, this initiative proves that collaboration, local leadership, and shared purpose can transform fear into resilience—and hate into hope.