Forward Together records

According to their Web site, "Forward Together is a multi-racial organization that works with community leaders and organizations to transform culture and policy to catalyze social change. Our mission is to ensure that women, youth and families have the power and resources they need to reach their full potential. By developing strong leaders, building networks across communities, and implementing innovative campaigns, we are making our mission a reality." Founded in 1989 in the wake of the US Supreme Court's "Webster" decision as the Asian Pacific Islanders for Choice (APIC), the organization broadened its focus in 1992 to more than just abortion rights and became Asian and Pacific Islanders for Reproductive Health (APIRH). Based in Oakland, California, APIRH conducted a critical survey in 1993 of the API communities in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles that provided evidence that these communities supported a woman's right to choose. These findings were contradictory to the commonly held belief regarding Asian Americans and abortion rights, thus the report gained APIRH national notice amongst pro-choice organizations. During the 1990s, APIRH initiated several programs, including The HOPE for Girls Project, as they also increased their focus on Southeast Asian women and girls and, within their community organizing, making explicit the connection between environmental justice and reproductive rights. In 2004, executive director (since 1999) Eveline Shen oversaw yet another metamorphis as APIRH became the Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice (ACRJ), reflecting a growing connection to the broader movement for reproductive justice groups organized by women of color. In recognition of their program Strong Familes, in 2013 ACRJ changed its name once again to Forward Together. While still working for reproductive justice, Forward Together is committed to other issues as well and to connecting "to other sectors based on our shared interest of ensuring that all families can thrive". [Source: http://forwardtogether.org]