Event Toolkit

Stories Across Generations: Asian American Voices

Theme Purpose:

To bring Asian Americans of all generations together to share experiences of migration, adaptation, opportunity, and identity — while also learning how these stories connect with the broader community around us.

This gathering strengthens understanding across generations, highlights shared values, and inspires people to participate confidently and respectfully in civic and community life as America approaches its 250th year.

It also contributes to DOI250AA’s national effort to document real voices and lived experiences that show how Asian Americans grow, contribute, and collaborate with others in the places we call home.

Group Size

4–20 people.

Time Needed

60–90 minutes total.

Materials

Chairs in a circle or small pairs

Paper & pens for notes

(Optional) Camera or phone for photos/videos (with permission)

(Optional) Snacks or tea to make it warm and welcoming

Step-by-Step Program

1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)

Host Script:

“Welcome to ‘Stories Across Generations.’ Today we’re creating a space to share our journeys — how we came to America, how we adapted, what we appreciate here, and how we hope to contribute to our community’s future.

This gathering is part of DOI250AA, an Asian American–led initiative that encourages connection, mutual learning, and shared participation as our country approaches its 250th year. Today’s stories will help us understand one another better — and help others understand us too.”

2. Icebreaker (10 minutes)

Choose one:

Cultural Roots: Name, family’s origin, one tradition you still keep today.

Firsts in America: Share your first big memory here and one thing you like most about life in America.

3. Story Pairing – Elders & Youth (40 minutes)

Step 1 — Elders Share (20 minutes)

Prompts:

How and why did you or your family come to America?

What support was harder to find when you first arrived?

What challenge did you face, and how did you overcome it?

What do you appreciate most about being here?

Step 2 — Youth Share (20 minutes)

Prompts:

How is life different for your generation?

How do you balance your heritage with American culture?

What positive changes do you see for Asian Americans today?

What motivates you to be active and engaged in your community?

4. Group Reflection (10–15 minutes)

Invite each pair to share one insight with the full group.

Prompts:

“One thing I learned today…”

“One way I can help strengthen our community’s presence is…”

“One value we share across generations is…”

This reinforces the idea of shared responsibility and shared belonging.

5. Closing & Positive Action (10 minutes)

Step 1 – Reflection Notes

Participants write:

Something positive they heard today

One way our community can collaborate better with other cultures

What makes America worth contributing to

One action they can take to connect more with people outside their own community

This shifts the focus toward community-building, not inward-only reflection.

Step 2 – Submitting Stories

Encourage participants to submit:

A short written reflection

A story summary

Or a drawing/photo representing their conversation

Remind them of the BoostInMinutes.com thank-you learning incentive.

Share Event Reflections

Host Closing Script:

“Thank you for sharing today. These stories remind us where we came from, how far we’ve traveled, and how much we continue to grow. By sharing through DOI250AA, we help others understand Asian American experiences while showing how we work with our neighbors to build strong, connected communities. Our stories matter — not just for ourselves, but for the future we create together.”

Optional Add-ons

Group Photo: Caption it with one sentence each about “Why I’m proud to be here.”

Memory Wall: Post short quotes from reflections.

Tradition Tasting: Share small snacks and the stories behind them.

Share Event Reflections

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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Request To Join Voice Across America Community Exchange Request To Join Voice Across America Community Exchange Virtual sessions are free (non-paid) and designed as calm, reflective dialogues with up to 10 participants. Sessions may be recorded and lightly edited at the discretion of DOI250AA for general access on its platforms for public civic engagement education and will not be monetized. Speakers may be introduced with their name, title, and affiliated organization or business, and topics will be curated and aligned, at our discretion, with relevant panel themes. Content sharing on online platforms is free; selected segments may also be used for live events, and where budget allows, reasonable efforts will be made to notify contributors. Please sign up in advance and indicate in the message box which sessions you are interested in; a coordinator will follow up with a Zoom link as space becomes available.

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