Learn More About the Program

Voices in Liberty - Free Speech Brochure

Amaris Y., Leslie C., Reed K.

Student led and ran, we are a project dedicated to advocating for freedom of speech and first amendment rights through advocacy and education initiatives. 

Voices in Liberty offers a range of accessible resources designed to educate and empower students and communities to protect free speech and civil liberties. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or advocate, these tools help bring the conversation on liberty and expression to your community.

Final Presentation
Instagram
Website - In Progress

Fish With Legs - Gentrification Documentary

Coming Soon

Taiki E., Owen H., Anju H., Audrey K., Ellis K.

Fish with Legs focuses on themes of gentrification, immigration, and cultural preservation throughout Little Tokyo. Like a fish with legs, we believe that our group and Little Tokyo itself are constantly evolving, even in the face of challenges.

Our documentary explores the impact of gentrification on Little Tokyo, one of the most endangered historic neighborhoods in the United States. Through the voices of business owners and community leaders, we highlight the ongoing fight to preserve its rich cultural heritage while balancing survival and advocacy.

Final Presentation
Instagram

Threads of the World - Immigrant Rights Workshop & Event

Thanathai S., Ethan L., Katie L., Sabrina S., Chelsea C., Evelyn L., Maleeya M.

We are a passionate group of high schoolers, united by our commitment to making a difference in our community. Together, we are organizing an impactful public event that celebrates the richness of our diverse cultures while shining a light on the pressing issues of racial injustice and immigration rights.

“Threads of the World: A Multicultural Celebration” aims to combat racial injustice by weaving together the filaments of global cultures within our community, creating a tapestry of shared stories, traditions, and diverse voices. Now, it is imperative that we come together as a community amidst the increased stigma surrounding immigration. This is why we hope to foster understanding, appreciation, and unity among people of all backgrounds by celebrating cultural differences through speakers, performers, and workshops.

Final Presentation
Instagram
Event Photo Gallery

Empower Her Rights - Reproductive Rights Fashion Apparel

Angela J., Athena K., Jacqueline S., Safia Y., Natalie Q.

We are a group of high schoolers in the 2025 Kizuna Leadership in Action program. Our topic is reproductive freedom, and with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we aim to promote female reproductive rights through fashion apparel.

Final Presentation
Instagram

Behind the Story - Disability Rights Documentary

Coming Soon

Taylor N., Jayden L., Dennis L., Yoshiko M.

Our organization, Behind the Story, is focused on raising awareness about disability rights by sharing the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Through personal testimonies, we aim to create a documentary that highlights the challenges, achievements, and daily lives of the disabled community.

By engaging diverse voices and collaborating with advocacy groups, we strive to drive change, inspire action, and promote inclusivity. Our goal is to educate, encourage advocacy, and foster a society where every story is valued, every voice is heard, and all individuals can thrive without barriers.

Instagram
Final Presentation

Behind the Story - Disability Rights Poetry Book

Emma M., Mana I., Kaydyn M., Siddhi K.

We are the Book Team for our Behind the Story organization. We hope to spread awareness of different disabilities and special needs, create an environment where people with conditions can be represented, and change the stigma regarding disabilities and different needs. We wish to represent all individuals of all ages and conditions, and provide them a spotlight to share their story.

Final Presentation
Instagram
Book Draft

Project Heirloom - Racial Justice Interactive AI Webpage & Curriculum

Kira L., Maya N., Rebecca C., Audrey N., Allison L.

Project Heirloom’s mission is to preserve and share stories from the Japanese American incarceration during World War II through interactive AI technology. By bringing firsthand accounts to life, we provide students and educators with a deepened understanding and empathy for those impacted by civil liberties violations. Just as an heirloom is passed down through generations, we want to ensure these stories live on forever.

We use StoryFile’s Conversa AI technology, which powers an interactive storytelling experience like never before. This cutting-edge technology allows users to ask questions and receive responses from pre-recorded video interviews, making it feel as though they are having a real conversation with those who lived through history.

Instagram
Website
Final Presentation

Unspoken Women - Women’s Rights Art Gallery

Alisa B., Elaine S., Amaya N., Emily G., Elly L.

We are 5 teenagers who have a dream that women would be less unrepresented! That’s why we started “Unspoken Women.” We are a way for women who aren’t talked about enough to finally be seen for the work that they have done.

Our goal is to put on a pop-up art gallery showcasing amazing women throughout history and currently. Through the medium of an art gallery, we wanted to display writing, give others a chance to contribute, and support women artists.

Final Presentation
Instagram
Art Gallery Photo Gallery

Anonymous, 2025 Leadership in Action Participant

This program has not only taught me leadership and collaboration skills, but it has also completely shifted my perspectives when it comes to civil liberties. I’ve come to understand that the issues we see in the news are real struggles demanding our attention and, as young leaders, it’s our job to step up, advocate, and move beyond awareness to action.

Anonymous, 2024 Leadership in Action Parent

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.

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.

Blog Post on the 2024 LiA Experience
2023 Civil Liberties Group Projects
2024 Civil Liberties Group Projects

Program Co-Sponsor