On March 23rd two events, co-hosted by St. Andrew’s Justice & Outreach Ministries, successfully took place on campus with resounding effects. In Davies Hall, a collaborative Youth Summit organized by 808Urban, Pacific Tongues, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence held a weekend-long conference for youth regarding the prevention of violence against women. Kanaka Maoli Youth from all over the state converged on Davies Hall to work with noted educators on community change. Speakers included: Dr. Jon Osorio, Daniel Alexander, Eri Oura, Laulani Teale, and Kathryn Xian. The youth closed their summit by paying homage to Queen Emma and Queen Liliuokalani at the baptismal font with protocol and lei.
The Youth Roots and Justice Project is a youth-driven, community organizing project and collaborative partnership between HSCADV, 808 Urban and Pacific Tongues. The project aims to build the knowledge and skills of 14-24 year olds to end violence against women and
advocate for justice in their communities and create a new generation of leaders to bring new perspectives, voices, and tactics to the movement. The project will prioritize participation from Hawaii’s diverse and vulnerable communities, including immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income, LGBTQ communities.
The second justice-centered event on campus that day was a joint discussion hosted by Justice & Outreach and Girl Fest Hawaii on the issues of sexuality and homophobia in our community. This workshop helped attendees of all sexualities– gay, bi, straight, etc– identify and appropriately confront issues of homophobia in our daily lives and included a commentary on religious homophobia. Facilitators included: Ciera Cummings; Shain Miller of Ong King; and Kathryn Xian of St. Andrew’s Justice and Outreach and director of Girl Fest Hawaii. To get involved with Justice & Outreach, email: kathy.xian@thecathedralofstandrew.org.
