Our Theory of Change

Next year it will be 30 years since APANO began as a small group of grassroots activists working towards change in Oregon. Over that time, we’ve been proud to be a part of so many campaigns that have forever changed Oregon’s social justice landscape. From expanding healthcare access, to a historic Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) win, to gaining protection for reproductive health equity and abortion rights-–the strides we’ve made together are no small feat! These wins didn’t happen overnight—but are the result of community members like you who organize, resist, and help us build power together. As we look back on these three decades, we’re also reflecting deeply on what comes next. 

During the summer of  2024, we began drafting a new Theory of Change, bringing together a team of staff and board guided by APANO’s core values: self-determination, solidarity, integrity, care, and belonging. After months of conversation, reflection, and collaboration, we finalized our Theory of Change in the winter of 2024—and began the important work of putting it into practice.

What is a Theory of Change?

We believe meaningful change doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention, strategy, and a clear vision. The Theory of Change is a tool we use to map out how the work we do today leads to the just, equitable future we’re fighting for. It connects the dots between our actions and the long-term impact we want to see, like dismantling systemic racism or creating safe, thriving communities. A good Theory of Change also helps us stay accountable. It makes us pause and ask: Are we doing what really matters? Are we making the changes we set out to make? In a world where the issues we face are complex and interconnected, having a plan keeps us going in the right direction.

A Shift to Disaggregate APANO

A key part of this reflection and our work has included looking inward and asking hard questions about who we are as an organization. We’ve especially been reflecting on what it has meant for us to use the term “AANHPI” over the years. For far too long, grouping Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders together has invisibilized and harmed Pasifika communities on both national and local levels. APANO has had a role in perpetuating this harm. As we continue to grow and shift our organization, we know that disaggregation is necessary so that we can build relationships based on trust, respect, and shared liberation with Pacific Islander communities. 

And while we embrace the breadth and depth of what “Asian” and “Asian American” hold, we also remain conscious of the shortcomings of lumping together so many diverse communities under those umbrellas too. Without further disaggregation, many voices within our communities are often erased, including many of our South Asian and Southeast Asian voices. 

As a start, we refreshed our c3 organization’s brand to APANO Communities United Fund in 2023, dropping “Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon” as our moniker. In 2024, APANO staff and board came together with the Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition to discuss our history, accountability, and next steps together. Out of this process, our Theory of Change, Mission, and Vision were updated to reflect that APANO is an Asian-led organization. Our disaggregation work has also included collaborating with our VOTE Network partners to host a convening for funders that highlighted the importance of disaggregating our identities.

Our Pasifika staff, board members, volunteers, supporters, and community continue to shape our work in countless ways. That’s something we honor with deep care as we engage in this process. And while we honor that, we also know that disaggregation is essential. With this shift we’re wholly committed to following the lead of the Pacific Islander organizations that have long been leading, organizing, and building power for Pasifika communities, and we’re honored to be able to learn from them and show up in solidarity. We’re also doing the internal work to ensure disaggregation is happening across our organization—from how we collect data and share stories, to how we talk to funders. 

As we put our Theory of Change into action, we’re committed to:

• Disaggregating data and language in our communications
• Continuing to listen to and collaborate with the communities we serve - including our staff and board - and the many communities that share our vision and values 
• Supporting funding equity and advocating for funders to disaggregate their distribution of funds
• Deepening relationships with our Pacific Islander partners and community
• Following the lead of our Pacific Islander partners on campaigns for Pacific Islander issues

It is long overdue that APANO addresses disaggregation on an organization wide level, but we cannot do this work alone. We invite our community, funders, and partners to join us and we especially encourage other Asian organizations to reflect on how they can participate in the disaggregation work. When we disaggregate, we see how rich our communities are and how we can lift one another up to thrive. When we lean into discomfort, we create space for deeper understanding, growth, and the strengthening of our community bonds.

Our Theory of Change

Our new Theory of Change isn’t a finish line, it’s a starting point. It’s our guide for how we show up with intention, stay accountable to our values, and continue working toward a future where our communities thrive. As we continue this work, we know we are not starting from scratch. The seeds have been sown, and together we can foster them to grow. We invite you to join us by reading through our Theory of Change and reaching out today if you want to learn more about joining us!

Read our Theory of Change