ʻŌpio Alliance for Kuleana Advancement
Amplifying youth leadership through civic engagement
The Issue
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.
The Strategy
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.
ʻOAKA is 100% 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
Vibrant Hawaiʻi Ambassadors
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).
Adulting 101 Workshops
Our youth Ambassadors co-create and present Adulting 101 workshops to students and youth across Hawaiʻi Island. Each workshop is designed to teach essential life skills and explore topics that are not typically offered in traditional academic settings.
Ongoing workshops include:
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Designing a Professional Profile
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Financial Literacy
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Hands-Only CPR & AED Training
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Mālamalama
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The Art of Interviews
To learn more or to schedule a workshop for your school, group, or organization, email oaka@vibranthawaii.org.
Become an Adulting 101 Trainer
ʻOAKA calls on individuals aged 18-24 to become Adulting 101 Trainers. The position offers an opportunity for young adults to serve as workshop presenters and educators for intermediate, high school, and college-level students across Hawaiʻi Island. Trainers will build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen community relationships - all while receiving compensation for each completed workshop.
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.
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