Join educators across the state and build networks of advocacy
Updated: July 15, 2024
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Committee, in partnership with the NEA Community Advocacy and Partnership Engagement (CAPE) Department, is excited to launch Hoʻokaulike: Building Equity in Schools.
Overview
Our year-long initiative aims to build a network of strong, committed, passionate educators across Hawaiʻi working collaboratively across and within their communities to build solidarity, foster understanding, educate, advocate, and empower students of marginalized groups in our diverse communities.
Oʻahu convening
On July 25–26, the HSTA HCR Committee will host a two-day convening at Ala Moana Hotel on Oʻahu for dozens of HSTA members and member leaders. Day 1 will focus on learning and gathering inspiration as members, community organizers, and youth share their insights on various racial and social justice topics. Day 2 will focus on organizing and networking with dedicated time for participants from the same island and/or chapter to build their local network and develop a targeted advocacy project. Ideas may include advocating for policy changes at the school, county, or state level, launching and connecting student clubs (such as GSAs or culture-based clubs), or developing a youth-oriented program with community partners.
Agenda
Swipe over the schedule or rotate your device if viewing on mobile!
Thursday, July 25
| 8:30 to 9 a.m. | Check-in, breakfast |
| 9 a.m. | Oli: Waikāhi Ka Pono Hanohano Hawaiʻi Welcome address: HSTA HCR Committee Keynote: Moanalua Micronesian Club |
| 10:15 a.m. | Foundations of Racial and Social Justice Presented by HSTA CARES |
| 11:15 a.m. | Lunch |
| 12:15 p.m. | Panel: Work with decision-makers to advance public education With Senate President Ron Kouchi, Rep. Amy Perruso, Rep. Jeanné Kapela, and Board of Education members Kaimana Barcarse and Mary Hattori |
| 1:15 p.m. | Break |
| 1:30 p.m. | Uplifting Youth Voice: An introduction to strategic sharing practices Presented by EPIC ‘Ohana |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break with refreshments |
| 3 p.m. | How to spot signs of sexual violence and respond as a trusted adult Presented by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center |
| 4 p.m. | Molokaʻi Youth Social Justice Summit: A case study in chapter-level organizing Presented by HSTA Molokaʻi Chapter |
| 4:45 p.m. | Closing |
Friday, July 26
| 8 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:25 a.m. | Hanohano Hawaiʻi |
| 8:30 a.m. | Building connection, kuleana: A case study in school, community organizing Presented by HSTA Pono Award winner Kaleo Hanohano |
| 9:45 a.m. | Addressing period poverty: A case study in youth advocacy Presented by Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin |
| 10:30 a.m. | How to be Leaders for Just Schools Presented by Verona Holder and Aaron Kubo |
| 11 a.m. | Structured networking, planning |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30 p.m. | Structured networking, planning |
| 1:30 p.m. | Closing |
Presenters
Moanalua High Micronesian Club
Keynote speakers
The Moanalua High School Micronesian Club consists of passionate, caring youth who love to showcase and share the rich culture, history, traditions, and diversity of the islands and people of Micronesia. Their goal is to connect with Micronesian youth across the state, and help them celebrate not only their heritage, but also their journey as young leaders in Hawaiʻi. Follow them on Instagram at @mohs_micronesian_club!
EPIC ‘Ohana
Uplifting Youth Voice: An introduction to strategic sharing practices
Using the HI H.O.P.E.S. youth organizing and advocacy successes — including legislative achievements such as securing a statewide statutory Foster Youth Bill of Rights, the right to extended foster care, and access to Medicaid to age 26 for former foster youth — as a model, youth leaders from EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. will train educators on how to use strategic sharing to support their students’ advocacy journey and help them amplify their voices.
Presenters: Delia Parker Ulima, Anastasia Neuman, Tianna Celis-Webster, Kacie Lambert, Melissa Mayo, and Laurie Tochiki.
The Sex Abuse Treatment Center
How to spot signs of sexual violence and respond as a trusted adult
One in four females and one in 13 males become victims of sexual violence before the age of 18. Ninety-three percent of these youth know their offender. As a trusted adult, you can support youth in situations of sexual violence, and educate them on awareness, understanding, and prevention. This workshop will inform you of the sexual violence prevention education strategies available via SATC, teach you how to successfully navigate disclosures as a mandated reporter, and understand trauma-informed best practices for survivors of sexual violence.
Presenter Hannah Gaerlan, MSW, is an education coordinator at SATC. With the embodiment of her own resilience, she has provided direct service to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and currently focuses on sexual violence prevention and education. Hannah is on a lifelong journey of learning about this issue, as well as learning from and supporting all people who have been impacted by sexual violence.
Community projects
The HCR Committee will organize collaboration and training opportunities throughout the school year, including virtual presentations on racial and social justice topics. HCR will provide funding whenever possible, and committee representatives will support project-related work and events.
Participants are expected to communicate regularly with the committee and report on their progress throughout the year. The committee will host virtual check-ins to keep track of each team’s progress and provide support where needed.