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ʻŌpio Alliance for Kuleana Advancement
Amplifying youth leadership through civic engagement
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The Strategy
ʻOAKA aims to address the opportunity gap that exists for many Hawaiʻi Island youth that hinder employment mobility, reduce civic engagement, and deepen inequity. ʻOAKA offers experiences that empower Hawaiʻi Island youth to embrace their kuleana, and lead with aloha, turning today's ʻōpio into tomorrow's alakaʻi.
ʻOaka means to open, sprout, and flash. It signifies new beginnings; an upheaval of energetic motion like that of lightning. ʻOAKA is also an acronym for ʻŌpio Alliance for Kuleana Advancement.
ʻŌpio Alliance for Kuleana Advancement
ʻOAKA is designed for youth and led by youth ages 15-24 to ensure equitable opportunities for youth to develop a strong work ethic, build capacity as civic change agents through mentorship, and gain employability skills through application of knowledge in community based, real world environments.
Collectively, ʻOAKA’s Core Team represents all districts of Hawaiʻi Island, with a majority of youth representing rural, Native Hawaiian communities.
ʻOAKA in Action
The Vibrant Hawaiʻi Ambassador is a paid internship program intended for opportunity youth and gap year graduates aged 18 to 24 who are passionate about Hawaiʻi Island and aim to develop skills that will aid their careers in public service, social services, and organizational leadership. The program's objective is to provide hands-on experience in community work, expand one's comfort zone, develop courage, character and leadership skills through dynamic and complex conditions. View the full job description.
To apply, email your resume and cover letter to oaka@vibranthawaii.org
(Include 1 personal or 1 professional reference).
Each workshop is designed to teach essential life skills and explore topics that are not typically offered in traditional academic settings.
Workshops include:
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Art of Interviews
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Designing a Professional Profile
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Fentanyl Awareness & Narcan Training
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Financial Resilience
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Hands-Only CPR & AED Training
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Mālamalama: A Guide for Compassionate & Active Listening
To learn more or to schedule a workshop for your school, group, or organization, email oaka@vibranthawaii.org.
The Best and
The Brightest
Written by Hawaiʻi Island youth, this article addresses the perception that Hawaiʻi's brightest individuals are leaving the state and explores its impact on the youth who choose to stay or return. It highlights personal stories of individuals who found valuable opportunities for education and career development in Hawaiʻi. The article emphasizes the importance of reframing the narrative, supporting those who stay or return, and redefining success to strengthen their commitment to their Island home. Click here to read the article.
