Meet Asian Vibes In Denver | Asian Community Organization

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asian Vibes In Denver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asian Vibes, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
A huge part of our success is our community members – we are over 925 strong now on our social media since we started this group in April 2023! Followers have told us that an organization like us is needed and wanted in the community – a safe space to breathe, to share, and meet with others in a welcoming environment, to encourage connection, and to feel like they’re not alone. Another factor is how we celebrate different experiences and value diversity as a key part of our group identity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Part of our mission is to create a diverse and welcoming space for all Asian Americans in the area. This means fostering a sense of inclusion by celebrating our shared heritage while also recognizing our individual experiences. The eight of us came together just under a year ago to create this kind of space, with support and collaboration with other affinity organizations in the area focused on specific issues, populations, and activities. Our identity continues to evolve and grow as more vibrant voices join us, though we have always prioritized the need for inclusivity and respect across our events. Of utmost priority is for our spaces to be created by and for the members of the AANHPI community, upholding values that center our experiences first and foremost.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love exploring the area for AANHPI-owned businesses to support! More often than not, you’ll see an AVID organizer (or five) at Yummy Hot Pot off Alameda Ave for a family dinner. We also strongly encourage members to suggest and lead social events. This communal organizing structure has kept our AVID calendar and members busy sharing what they love with others! We’ve hosted climb nights, potlucks, BBQs, ice skating and rollerskating events, movie nights, picnics, and even a car maintenance event! When AVID’s not hosting events, we’re always excited to support and attend the plethora of community events from other BIPOC organizations in the area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would not have the momentum of our first active year without the love and support from other AAPI- and BIPOC-supporting communities in the Denver area, all of whom have helped plan and share our events to their respective communities! We are particularly grateful to Outdoor Asian Colorado, Denver Bouldering Club, Filipino-American Community of Colorado, Comrade Brewing Company, Denver Queer Asians, Asian Girls Ignite, Asian Avenue Magazine, Asian Pacific Development Center, BIPOC Mountain Collective, Latino Outdoors, Backcountry Together, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Cruxing in Color, and Escaladores Unidos, for sharing our collective power in events we’ve planned this past year. In terms of books, a lot of our organizational identity rests in Grace Lee Boggs’ activism outlined in “The Next American Revolution.” She brings words of sustainability activism through the lens of community building principles that we draw from everyday.

Website: linktree.com/asianvibesindenver

Instagram: instagram.com/asianvibesindenver

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/asianvibesindenver

Other: discord.com/invite/yJAk7vFwvP

Image Credits
Viridian Visions Media, Jo Wang, Stephanie Agtarap, Mooji Boldbaatar, and Chris Thai Photography