We Are Enough to Create a Better Future!

For nearly 30 years, AmazeWorks has been doing something revolutionary and necessary: helping children feel like they belong—especially in classrooms, where those early messages about who matters and who doesn't tend to stick for a lifetime.

Above, you’ll see a photo of my middle son (right) next to a picture of me when I was about his age. I look at him and think: I hope you grow up proud of who you are. I want his classrooms—and every classroom—to be a place where identity is affirmed, differences are celebrated, and every child knows they are enough, just as they are.

Because my experience wasn't like that.

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs with fond memories of friendship, cheese fries, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs. However throughout my upbringing was a constant message that being Asian was different- and different was not okay. 

I remember kids pulling their eyes back.

                             mocking me with 'ching chong' comments.

                             telling me how gross my leftovers were at lunch.

I rarely saw teachers, coaches, or even characters on TV who looked like me. And when I did, they were either a joke or a stereotype.

These became my core memories of being Chinese American.

But it doesn't have to be this way for the next generation.

Whether it's race, gender, family structure, class, religion, ability, neurodiversity, or more- AmazeWorks has equipped thousands of educators with stories that provide windows & mirrors for students to see their identities reflected with pride and dignity. Our curriculum offers the tools needed to talk about identity, difference, and belonging—with courage and care.

Because diversity isn't the problem. 

  The problem is pretending it doesn’t exist. 

  The problem is not knowing how to talk about it. 

  The problem is silence—and silence can be deeply harmful.

When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they thrive. They learn better. They connect. They become more empathetic humans.

That's why I'm raising $5,000. 

Like many nonprofits and educational institutions, AmazeWorks' mission is currently under threat. However in the face of deep polarization and othering, we choose belonging. And belonging for some is not enough. We’re working toward a world where belonging is for everyone—and we need your help to make that possible.

Let's build a better future together!

With Gratitude,

Andrew Zhao, Associate Executive Director