LEADERSHIP IN ACTION PROGRAM: Impact Your Community NOW
What issues do you see in your community that need a call-to-action that is bold, strategic, and effective? Do you want to collaborate and connect with activists and peers from across Southern California in an historical community rooted in resilience, struggle, and progress? Want to learn leadership skills that enable you to identify, address, and solve problems?
LiA examines civil liberties and civil rights issues by examining past violations, such as the unlawful incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War 2, and surveying current challenges in our diverse communities. Ultimately, we will determine a course of action to remember, prevent, and fight such infringements.
2027 Application Now Live
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2027 Application Now Live 〰️
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Sunday, November 29, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST
OVERVIEW
Participants will meet in Little Tokyo, one of 3 officially recognized Japantowns (Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco) in the U.S., to learn firsthand from community activists through guided neighborhood tours, presentations, discussions, hands-on activities & more over 10 Saturday afternoons. Little Tokyo, an ethnic enclave, will serve as our training grounds due to its deep history of resilience and advocacy.
Participants will form small groups to educate the public by collaborating, designing, and executing group projects which address civil liberties infringements that are currently happening OR have happened to prevent them from happening again.
Our program is meant to inspire leadership, engagement, 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 35 youth (ages 13-18)
Kizuna staff will conduct brief virtual interviews over Google Meet with applicants during the first 3 weeks of December. CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR UPDATES.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Sunday, November 29, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST
Please email alan@gokizuna.org for more information!
PROGRAM DETAILS
LOCATION
Little Tokyo
SESSION DATES (Proposed Dates; Subject to Change)
10 consecutive Saturday afternoons from 11 AM - 2 PM
1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27
NO COST (Donations Welcome But Not Mandatory)
A stipend is available to each group to realize and launch a project.
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.”
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
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.
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.
