Mental Care Initiative - Homelessness & Mental Health Brochure
Leah H., Zihan/Linda L., Timothy L., Amber L., Aariel L.
Being apart of Kizuna’s Leadership in Action program, our topic revolved around advocating for mental health support for LA’s unhoused population.
By conducting interviews, carrying out research, and finding data, our goal is to raise awareness and inform the public about the complicated, two-way relationship between homelessness and mental health issues individuals could endure.
Unseen No More - Disability Rights Documentary
Ryden S., Kayla W., Alison T., Ethan K., Melody O.
We all have family members, friends, and others that have disabilities. We witnessed the struggles which motivated us to take action.
Our goal is to make a documentary that’s eight minutes long and helps people understand what it is like to live with disabilities. Disabilities, whether they are mental or physical affect people’s lives in big ways. We want to tell stories and show what people with disabilities really go through. We hope to show the things people face and how strong they are. We also want to show how we can all be better at helping and understanding people with disabilities. We think this is important because people with disabilities are not just people we see sometimes; they are people who live and experience life every day like everyone else.
The Shabu Scoop - Immigrant Rights Magazine
Kevin T., Aaron T., Alaina C., Andrea B., Ashley M.
“The Shabu Scoop” represents the idea that many different ingredients come together to create something special. In shabu-shabu, each ingredient is unique on its own, but when they are combined, they create a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. In the same way, America is made up of people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Our differences come together to create a diverse and vibrant community that makes the country unique.
We hope to spread awareness about the immigrant experience here in the U.S. by sharing their stories through diverse perspectives and cultural traditions because we believe every voice deserves to be heard. culture and diversity are a part of what makes this country so unique and we think it’s important to preserve those cultures and traditions.
Hernatomy: Her Rights - Women’s Rights Brochure
Aya S., Emily S. R., Sabrina S., Kaitlyn Y., Yvonne T., and Elyse W.
For decades, women’s symptoms, health concerns, and anatomy have been overlooked in research and education—from medicine to everyday items and training models.
Through data, education, and testimonials, our goal is to raise awareness about the gender health gap and advocate for action based solutions to improve women’s healthcare outcomes.
Project Strung Together - Racial Justice (Bronzeville) Jazz Night Event
Riley Y., Mina B., Risa S., Eva L, Elise K.
Project Strung Together aims to spread awareness about the historical significance of Bronzeville in Little Tokyo as well as support nearby small businesses & communities by standing up to gentrification and involve the community through musical celebration.
Bronzeville, which serves as a short-lived but vital period for African Americans who were migrating to Little Tokyo during WW2, became a cultural hub that fostered a space for African culture to flourish, especially the jazz scene which we hope to share with our attendees.
We plan on hosting a live jazz music event on May 16, celebrating and honoring the history of Bronzeville. This event will not only be a fun community night, but a chance to educate others on the history of both Japanese and African Americans in Little Tokyo. Local small businesses, like Mr Ramen, as well as a few others who we're in contact with will also be selling at our event, with proceeds going to Little Tokyo Historical Society + small businesses.
Voice Awakens - Free Speech Website
Elaine S., Lillyana G., Alex C., Ethan W.
Voice Awakens is a student-led project based in the Little Tokyo Area. Our mission is to spread awareness of different ways that people can use their First Amendment rights. By showing real examples, we aim to provide an understanding that free speech should be protected and advocated for.
Our goal is to empower the next generation to use their voices effectively. We highlight the importance of non-violent participation through walkthroughs of youth-led movements and non-violent protests. We aim to demonstrate that speaking up is not just a right, but a necessity for community growth. Join us as we bridge the gap between silence and action!
The Price of Belonging - Immigrant Rights Documentary
Allison J., Kimi F., Lauren K.
The Price of Belonging is a student-directed documentary covering the lasting damage of assimilation on Japanese American communities. Through Kizuna’s 2026 Leadership in Action program, we are able to share the accounts of June Hibino, Kyoko Nakamaru, and Richard Katsuda.
Our documentary focuses on the long-lasting impacts of assimilation including the erasure of cultural identities, loss of appreciation for diversity, and the emotional pressure of trying to fit in. Shown through a mixture of storytelling and interviews, The Price of Belonging demonstrates the cost of trading culture for societal acceptance to shed light on the very real issue which still lingers today.
Kaleidoscope - Immigrant Rights Culture Night Event
Lanlan H., Chau P., Amira I., Emi L., Ava V.
Our team’s focus is on Immigrant Rights and our approach is hosting a cultural night to not only create a night for the community to enjoy, but also serve as a platform to spread awareness about current infringements on immigrants’ legal rights.
Artists in Solidarity is a fundraiser event hosted by Kizuna Kaleidoscope, a youth project under Kizuna’s Leadership in Action program. We invite the community to enjoy a night of cultural performance while spreading awareness about current infringements on immigrant legal rights. All proceeds from tickets, food, and raffles will go to Immigrant Defenders Law Center, a social justice law firm defending immigrant communities against injustice.
Update: Thank you to everyone who showed up to our Artists in Solidarity Culture Night last week (4/12/26) at the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles! With the help of our audience and donators, we raised $1,472 in total for immigrant rights! All profits will be donated to the Immigrant Defenders Law Center!
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
