LEADERSHIP IN ACTION PROGRAM: Community Connection & Change
Do you see issues in your community that need a call-to-action that is tangible, impactful, and bold? Interested in collaborating and connecting with activists and peers from across Southern California in an historical community that is deeply rooted in resilience, struggle, and progress? Want to learn leadership skills that enable you to identify, address, and solve problems?
How do you feel about changing the world?
Leadership in Action examines civil liberties and civil rights issues by diving into past violations, surveying current challenges in our diverse communities, and determining a course of action to fight such infringements. Open to teens 13-18 years old.
2025 Application is now CLOSED!
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2025 Application is now CLOSED! 〰️
DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 2nd, 2024
OVERVIEW
Participants will meet in Little Tokyo, one of only 4 remaining Japantowns (Los Angeles, Sawtelle, San Jose, San Francisco) in the U.S., to learn firsthand from community activists through guided tours, presentations, discussions, hands-on activities & more over 10 Saturday afternoons. Little Tokyo, being an ethnic enclave, wills serve as our training grounds due to its deep history of ingenuity, oppressions, and resilience.
Ultimately, participants will educate the public by collaborating, designing, and executing group projects which address civil liberties infringements that are currently happening OR have happened so as to prevent their happening again.
Our program is meant to inspire leadership, involvement, and/or activism in one’s own community. The 21st century skills of leadership, public speaking, critical thinking, (and even rebellion!) ready youth for a myriad of opportunities as they branch out in the world.
Over the past decade, our program has become the largest Japanese American leadership development program in Southern California.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Limited space - open to 40 youth (ages 13-18)
We will conduct brief virtual interviews with applicants during the first 3 weeks of December. CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR UPDATES.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 2, 2024
Please email info@gokizuna.org for more information!
PROGRAM DETAILS
LOCATION
Little Tokyo
SESSION DATES (Proposed Dates; Subject to Change)
10 consecutive Saturday afternoons from 1-4 PM
1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29
NO COST (Donations Welcome But Not Mandatory)
A stipend is available to each group to realize and launch a project.
PROGRAM CO-SPONSOR
Anonymous, 2024 Leadership in Action Participant
“I loved being able to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a meaningful project through ways I never could have otherwise had the opportunity to do. Additionally, being surrounded by a group of people who are also driven to make a positive impact on our community made me feel like I belonged there.”
Sophie, 2023 Leadership in Action Participant
“I believe that anybody who's interested in making a change in their community can benefit from Kizuna's program. In the program, it helps give a starting point as to what you can do, it opens your perspective and shows that even though you may be a high schooler, you can still make a difference. Anybody who is interested in becoming a leader, making a difference and having their voice heard could benefit.”
Anonymous, 2024 Leadership in Action Parent/Guardian
“I love that your program allows our kids to experience real world struggles through their group projects - negotiating differences of opinions, project planning, managing a real budget, pivoting when faced with adversity, moving on from disappointment - but all within the safety rails of having mentors nearby. Thank you for providing the opportunity for our kids to explore their community, discover their interests, and find their place in it in order to develop their own voice.”
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION PROGRAM
Our Leadership Program has been cited as the only program in our community covering the topics that we do. The personal growth our students gain through our program is incredible.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
IN OUR 13TH YEAR
This will be the 13th year of our Leadership Program. Over the years we have perfected our formula and created a program that is both engaging and transformative for our students.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
We develop valuable leadership skills including public speaking and peer-to-peer communication. Service projects also provide practical opportunities for students to exercise these skills.
PROGRAM GROWTH
Throughout the years, over 300 students have been trained through our Leadership Program. Joining our program is joining the next generation of community leaders.
RISING ABOVE
Our students rise above. Skills and leadership learned through the program gives our students an edge as they look to their futures. Our students cite this program as a core component which has helped them develop as adults.
SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
Ranging from college bound, to career focused individuals, Kizuna has a track record of successful students who have graduated from the program.
