How to Host AAPI Heritage Month Trivia at Work
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of AAPI individuals throughout history. As a way to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity in the workplace, hosting AAPI Heritage Month trivia can be a fun and educational activity. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of hosting AAPI Heritage Month trivia at work and provide some example AAPI Heritage Month trivia questions and answers.
How to Host AAPI Heritage Month Trivia at Work
Step 1: Set the Date and Time
Before anything else, you need to choose a date and time that works for everyone. It's important to consider the availability of your colleagues, especially if you have a diverse workforce with varying schedules and time zones. A good way to ensure maximum participation is to send out a survey or poll to gauge the best date and time for everyone. Once you have determined the best time, you can also choose to host the trivia game during a lunch break or happy hour. This not only makes it more relaxed and enjoyable, but it also provides an opportunity for colleagues to bond and socialize outside of work tasks. Remember to keep in mind any dietary restrictions or preferences when providing refreshments for the event. A thoughtful and inclusive approach will ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued during the AAPI Heritage Month trivia game.
Step 2: Choose the Format
There are different formats you can choose from when hosting AAPI Heritage Month trivia. You can use online platforms like Kahoot or Google Forms, or you can create a PowerPoint presentation with questions and answers. If you’re hosting a virtual trivia event, you can use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to share your screen and present the questions.
Or, turn to the help of a professional game night company, like Bar None Games! We offer educational and engaging content live-hosted by professional entertainers and brought to you in one seamless experience.
Step 3: Create the Questions
The most important part of hosting AAPI Heritage Month trivia is creating the questions. Make sure the questions cover a wide range of topics related to AAPI culture and history, including art, music, food, and achievements. You can also include current events or recent news related to AAPI communities - like the 2023 Oscar wins of the hit movie Everything Everywhere All At Once! The questions should be work appropriate, respectful, and educational while still feeling accessible. See below for example AAPI Heritage Month trivia questions and answers.
Step 4: Test the Trivia Game
Before the trivia game, it's essential to test the game to make sure everything works correctly. One way to ensure that the trivia game is engaging and informative is by collaborating with a group of colleagues who have expertise in AAPI history and culture. You can ask them to review the questions and answers, and provide feedback on any areas that may require clarification or expansion. Additionally, it's important to test the trivia game on different devices and platforms to ensure compatibility and avoid any technical difficulties during the event. By doing so, you can identify any technical issues or errors with the questions and make any necessary adjustments before the game.
Step 5: Host the Trivia Game
Finally, it's time to host the trivia game! Make sure to explain the rules before the game starts and encourage everyone to participate. It's important to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to feel comfortable participating, regardless of their background or knowledge of AAPI history and culture. You can also incorporate multimedia elements such as images and videos to make the game more engaging and interactive. You can divide the participants into teams or individuals, depending on the number of people involved. By doing so, you can create a friendly competition that fosters collaboration and teamwork among colleagues.
After the game, announce the winner and provide them with a prize or recognition. Additionally, you can also share the trivia questions and answers with everyone, so they can continue to learn and explore AAPI history and culture beyond the trivia game. A post-event survey or feedback session can also provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving future events.
AAPI Heritage Month Trivia Questions
Here are some example AAPI Heritage Month trivia questions and answers that you can use for your trivia game:
Who was the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, serving in the House of Representatives for 12 terms? (Answer: Patsy Takemoto Mink, a Japanese American woman from Hawaii who was also the first woman of color elected to Congress.)
What is the traditional Filipino dance performed during weddings and other celebrations, which involves two people rhythmically tapping bamboo poles together while dancers step in and out of the moving poles? (Answer: Tinikling, a fun and energetic dance that showcases the creativity and skill of Filipino performers.)
Who was the first Asian American to win an Academy Award for Best Director, receiving the honor for his work on the films "Brokeback Mountain" and "Life of Pi"? (Answer: Ang Lee, a Taiwanese American director who has made a significant impact on the film industry with his innovative and thoughtful storytelling.)
What is the traditional Japanese garment worn during formal occasions, which is characterized by long, flowing sleeves and a wrap-around design? (Answer: Kimono, a beautiful and elegant garment that has been worn by Japanese people for centuries, and which represents the country's rich cultural heritage.)
What is the name of the Hawaiian dish made with diced raw fish, soy sauce, and sesame oil, which has become popular around the world as a healthy and flavorful meal option? (Answer: Poke, a delicious and versatile dish that reflects the diverse cultural influences in Hawaii.)
Who was the first Asian American to win a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, receiving the award for her debut collection of short stories titled "Interpreter of Maladies"? (Answer: Jhumpa Lahiri, an Indian American author whose work explores the experiences of immigrants and the complexities of identity in the modern world.)
What is the name of the largest Filipino island, which is home to the capital city of Manila, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage? (Answer: Luzon, an island in the northern Philippines that is known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural traditions.)
Who is the first Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States, breaking barriers and making history with her election in 2020? (Answer: Kamala Harris, a biracial woman of Indian and Jamaican descent who has been a trailblazer in her career as a prosecutor, senator, and now Vice President.)
What is the name of the ancient Cambodian temple complex that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and which was built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist site? (Answer: Angkor Wat, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Khmer art and culture.)
Who is the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating, inspiring generations of young athletes with her grace, athleticism, and hard work? (Answer: Kristi Yamaguchi, a Japanese American skater who won the gold medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.)
Host an AAPI Heritage Month Trivia Event with Bar None Games
Hosting AAPI Heritage Month trivia at work is an excellent way to celebrate and promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. By creating questions that cover a wide range of topics related to AAPI culture and history, you can educate and entertain your colleagues while promoting diversity and inclusion. So go ahead and plan your AAPI Heritage Month trivia game, and remember to have fun and enjoy the process!
It’s important to note that hosting AAPI Heritage Month trivia is just one small step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. Beyond trivia games, it’s crucial to take actionable steps towards creating a more inclusive workplace for all employees, including those from AAPI communities. This can include providing cultural awareness training, promoting diverse hiring practices, and actively listening to the voices of AAPI employees to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.
If you’re looking to level up your celebration, Bar None Games is here to help. As an AAPI-owned small business, DEI is at the heart of what we do. Choose between two unique events, Trivia or Celebration Games, for the perfect addition to your AAPI Heritage Month programming.