Nā ʻŌpi‘o Waiwai: Building a Better Tomorrow Through Youth-Led Justice
November 21 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm HST
We will explore Nā ʻŌpi‘o Waiwai (NOW), a youth-led initiative committed to transforming the future for justice-involved Native Hawaiian youth. We 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 highlight how NOW provides opportunities for these youth to reconnect with Hawaiʻi and their cultural heritage, which is critical to their healing and success. We believe that 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.
What will participants learn?
- Creation and mission of NOW
- Youth leadership and justice reform
- Support networks for justice-involved youth
- Culture connections and its role in healing
- Sustaining youth programs
Who is this workshop for?
- Youth Advocates and Educators
- Community Leaders and Organizers
- Policy Makers and Justice Reform Advocates
- Anyone Interested in Indigenous Justice
Learn more about Nā ʻŌpi‘o Waiwai (NOW)
Looking to receive continuing education contact hours?
Papa Ola Lōkahi (NASWHI-CEP-13) has been designated an approved provider of social work continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers Hawai’i Chapter. The Papa Ola Lokahi maintains responsibility for the program. This program is approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (Approval# PENDING) for up to 1.5 contact hour(s). NOTE: Participants are responsible for submitting proof of attendance to their respective certification or licensing board. ʻOhana CoE & Papa Ola Lōkahi do not submit this information on behalf of training participants.
Participants will receive a link to verify attendance at the end of the workshop.