Youth Leadership

All of us, even if you say you don’t, have something we are passionate about. Many of us end up pursuing this passion in life…whether it’s through a volunteer opportunity, discovering a talent or hobby, or a following a dream career. 

If you feel you don’t have a passion, pump up your curiosity by exploring your surroundings! There are plenty of options to choose from including getting active in your community, joining a slam poetry or dance group, or participating in a political activism event on an issue you are really interested in. These issues can range from education, student government, to art or music. 

It’s a fact, getting involved will open doors you never knew were there...and in the process you may meet new friends and finally discover your passion.

Self-Empowerment goes hand-in-hand with Youth Leadership and it starts with you. It means not only taking on a passion, but also having the right attitude and building a support system, as well as learning and educating yourself and others. Self-empowerment is what you make of it… it’s about taking on the world one small step at a time.

Hawaii’s Very Own Youth Leadership

Here are some features of Hawaii’s own local youth leaders and community groups!

GoCyberSafe.org

Created by Esther Chan — Esther Chan is a junior at Punahou School. Through her passion for keeping seniors safe from cybercrime, she started the Cyber Safe Seniors Initiative (www.gocybersafe.org), a series of educational tools designed to promote cybersecurity among our kūpuna. She also has other involvements such as music which she works on at The Royal Conservatory of Music! Esther is an inspiring embodiment of a youth leader in our community. Read her story in the Punahou Bulletin here!

Ilima Intermediate School’s Student Activists Making Change

Starting fall 2022, public schools across Hawai‘i are required to provide free menstrual products, in part because of a group of student activists from ‘Ilima Intermediate School’s Activist Club and the Rainbow Royales Gender Alliance Club.

In this animated short film, youth activists Riez and Alana - who championed this cause along with fellow club members and their teacher, Sarah "Mili" Milianta-Laffin, share their story and advice for would-be change-makers.

IM SO HI Above the Influence

IM SO HI Above the Influence is a project by the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii in partnership with Kapolei High School and E Ola Pono Ma Kapolei. Learn more about them on our webpage here.

EWAlution 96706

EWAlution 96706 works to support the many prevention efforts and youth leadership initiatives that are being conducted in the schools and community. Check out their page here to see the great work of amazing students and community partners taking action to create a support network for LGBTQ+ students; end period poverty in Hawaii; connect people through social media; implement underage drinking prevention events/activities; create visual media and prevention messages; coordinate Ewa Beach-Kapolei Collaborative activities; educate their peers on important issues; and advocate for what they believe in.

Bottles4College

Bottles4College is an organization that recycles bottles and funds tuition for students to go to college! It was founded by Genshu Price, a freshman from O’ahu, who picks up bottles and cans, recycles them at local centers, and saves the money for Hawai’i students’ college scholarships. Check out their webpage here, and enjoy their video from the Hawai’i Children and Youth Summit to the right!



HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawai’i

HIKI NŌ is a weekly student news program airing on PBS Hawai’i that features student produced and led news videos! It involves middle and high school students from across the state and allows them to share their stories and acquire professional and life skills needed to succeed in college and their career. Check out all of the full news videos here!

Kapalama `Oiwi Leadership

Kamehameha Middle School, Kapalama `Oiwi Leadership students Shelby Aoki, Naiʻa Gordon-Medeiros & Sophia Juan created a presentation about a topic they are concerned about in their community and presented to their peers. These amazing KS students teamed up to increase awareness on marijuana and nicotine as their topic featuring TeenLink Hawaii as a go-to resource for information and resources.

Take action for peace & become empowered

Be empowered by...

  • Becoming a truly resourceful and resilient person

  • Facing any uphill challenges with comfort, focus, energy and decisiveness

  • Applying your experiences to refine a talent, find a possible career, better your health (or your community’s health), or just simply follow your life passions

  • Standing up for what you believe in, even when others disagree. Your opinion matters!

For more information about taking action, leadership opportunities, or volunteering:

Youth Leadership Resources

Born This Way Foundation
If you are interested in LGBTQ issues and want to learn more about how to become an advocate for change visit this website:

 
 

TAP808
TAP808 is a program that promotes healthy relationships by tapping out teen dating violence! Check out their page to see the various ways in which you can help.

Teens Health
Teens Health gives you some insight about the importance of volunteering. Check them out, get involved, and find your passion by learning about yourself and the issues that interest you!

 
 

Hawai’i Department of Education
The Student Activities program allows students to gain valuable life skills by taking on leadership roles at their schools and participating in student government.

 
 

Hawai’i State Youth Commission

A chance to make change by helping to advise the governor and legislature on the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs, and budgets concerning the youth of the State.

 
 

Brave New Voices
Brave New Voices is a network of organizations committed to building safe spaces that challenge young people to develop and present the power of their voices through poetry...slam poetry. 

Young Workers
Props to you for being a working teen! Make sure to get the facts on your rights at work and tips on staying healthy and safe.