Event Toolkit
Map Our Journeys: Tracing Paths to America
Theme Purpose:
To visually and verbally trace the journeys that brought our families to the United States — whether generations ago or in recent years. By mapping these paths, participants see the diversity of origins, routes, and experiences that shape Asian American communities and the many other communities who share life in America today.
This activity builds empathy, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging, reflecting DOI250AA’s mission: Asian American–led community connection through shared stories, equality, and mutual understanding.
Group Size
4–20 people.
Time Needed
60 minutes.
Materials
- Large world map & U.S. map (paper or projected on screen)
- Stickers, push pins, or small sticky notes in different colors
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Pens & index cards for writing short notes
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Optional: string or yarn to connect places on the map
Step-by-Step Program
1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)
Host Script:
“Welcome to ‘Map Our Journeys.’ Each of us — whether Asian American, from other immigrant communities, or born here — carries a story about how we or our families arrived in the United States. Some journeys crossed oceans, borders, or multiple countries; others moved from state to state.
Today we’ll map these paths to better understand the experiences that shaped us and to see how all our stories meet here, in our shared community. This gathering is part of DOI250AA, an Asian American–led initiative focused on bringing people together as America approaches its 250th year.”
2. Mark the Map (15 minutes)
Give each participant a sticker or pin to place on:
Country or city of origin (or ancestral origin)
First place lived in the U.S.
Optional: connect the two points with a piece of string to show the route.
Participants may add multiple points if their family moved through several countries or U.S. states.
Encourage participants born in the U.S. to mark meaningful places (e.g., ancestors’ homelands or significant moves within the country).
3. Story Sharing (25–30 minutes)
Invite each participant to share their journey in a way comfortable for them.
Prompts:
What brought your family here or led you to move?
What was one challenge your family faced in the early days?
What helped you feel at home or welcomed?
What value, tradition, or teaching from your family still guides you today?
What part of your story connects you to others in this community?
Keep the tone reflective, supportive, and inclusive of all backgrounds.
4. Reflection (10 minutes)
Participants write a short note:
One thing they learned from someone else’s journey
What surprised or inspired them
How shared stories help build stronger community relationships
5. Closing (5 minutes)
Collect notes for a “Community Journey Wall” or invite participants to submit reflections to the DOI250AA website.
Mention BoostInMinutes.com incentives.
Host Closing Script:
“When we see our journeys together, we see more than lines on a map — we see resilience, courage, hope, and the many paths that brought us into the same community. These stories remind us that we are connected, and that the bridges we build across cultures make our shared future stronger.”
Optional Add-ons
- Scan or photograph the completed map to post online as a community keepsake.
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Invite older generations to bring photos or documents related to their journey.
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Turn the event into an ongoing “Journey Stories” display in a local library or school.
Connect With DOI250AA
We’d love to hear from you—community members, sponsors, partners, cultural enthusiasts, educators, and friends. Your insight and support help us bridge cultures, generations, and regions. Use the contact form or email us at support@doi250aa.net. For mail: 5831 Forward Ave, Unit #918, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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