Participants will explore Nā ʻŌpi‘o Waiwai (NOW), a youth-led initiative committed to transforming the future for justice-involved Native Hawaiian youth. Participants will dive into the origins of NOW, discussing the reason it was created and how it continues to sustain its mission today. NOW was founded under the umbrella of ʻEkolu Mea Nui (EMN), in response to the intergenerational issues surrounding the high rates of Native Hawaiian incarceration.
Recognizing the need to break these cycles, NOW seeks to create a supportive environment for youth to flourish, not through direct services but through a good support system where they can openly discuss their struggles, challenges, and experiences.
This session will be held virtually on November 21 and highlights how NOW provides opportunities for these youth to reconnect with Hawaiʻi and their cultural heritage, which is critical to their healing and success. Fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and community is necessary for long-term well-being. The workshop will answer key questions on how culture can play a pivotal role in reshaping the lives of youth, and why having justice-impacted voices at the forefront is vital to creating lasting change for future generations.
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