6 Organizations Improving Communities In Hawaii
Though the state may have its problems, the citizens of Hawaii are committed to helping one another, and there are many organizations leading the fight for better education, child care, and environmental protections. Each of these groups is doing something different to help the local community as well as the world at large through dedicated projects. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Active And Committed Organizations In Hawaii
| Organization | Headquarters | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Malama Learning Center | Kapolei, West O'ahu | Bringing together the disciplines of art, science, and conservation in a variety of educational programs |
| Honolulu Gay And Lesbian Cultural Foundation | Honolulu | Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival and other outreach events for the LGBT community |
| Hawaii Community Foundation | Offices in Honolulu, Lihue, Kahului, Hilo, and Kamuela | Makes strategic charitable investments in many areas |
| Hawaii Food Bank | Honolulu | Distributing food to those in need |
| PATCH | Honolulu | Child care research and referral agency |
| Kupu | Honolulu | Empowering youth through conservation education and service-learning opportunities |
Kupu's 10th Anniversary
Where Hawaii Ranks As A State
| Metric | Rank (out of 50 states plus District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Personal Income | 17 |
| Average Annual Employee Wage | 24 |
| Unemployment Rate | 1 |
| Poverty Rate | 3 |
| Household Income | 4 |
| Non-English-speaking Population | 4 |
| Health Insurance Coverage | 2 |
| Population with Bachelor's Degree | 19 |
| Home Ownership | 47 |
| Monthly Gross Rent | 1 |
The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
In Depth
Many citizens want to take action and help their neighbors, but it's sometimes difficult to figure out the best way to go about it. Thankfully, there are many active groups in Hawaii doing great work in different facets of society, ensuring important issues don't get ignored. In no particular order, here are six generous organizations doing their part to improve culture, education, and equality across the state.
Kicking things off at #1 is the Malama Learning Center. Located in Kapolei in West O'ahu, it brings together educators, businesses, conservation groups, and members of the community for an innovative learning center built on art, science, culture, and the principles of sustainable living. It provides support for teachers so students can partake in projects that give them hands-on knowledge and a better understanding of conservation and how to take an active role in preservation.
The Without Walls program involves artistic workshops that let participants develop skills while encouraging a greater appreciation for the connection between nature and art. The center also works with Camp Palehua to bring students and teachers out for adventurous learning experiences. The Me Plus Tree campaign invites supporters to sponsor a native tree in the Wai'anae Mountains, and is a great gift idea for budding environmentalists.
The Without Walls program involves artistic workshops that let participants develop skills while encouraging a greater appreciation for the connection between nature and art.
At #2 is the Honolulu Gay And Lesbian Cultural Foundation. Founded in 1997, it works to raise awareness within the greater community about LGBT culture, art, and lifestyle. The goal is to instill a sense of pride and respect among members of the LGBT community, and highlight the contributions of important voices that need to be heard.
The organization also presents the yearly Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, which was founded in honor of Adam Baran more than thirty years ago. The festival has become a major event, attracting notable films, actors, directors, and celebrities. Movies are shown from around the world, with special attention paid to filmmakers from Hawaii. The organization is always on the lookout for volunteers who can help with screenings and events, and encourages the public to come take part in the festival.
In the #3 spot is the Hawaii Community Foundation. With multiple offices throughout the state, it helps to foster a spirit of giving by identifying where help is needed, and making charitable investments in programs that will have maximum benefit. By bringing together various philanthropic partners, including other nonprofits, businesses, and government leaders, the foundation plays a crucial role in ensuring funds have the greatest impact possible.
With multiple offices throughout the state, it helps to foster a spirit of giving by identifying where help is needed, and making charitable investments in programs that will have maximum benefit.
The portfolio includes causes related to the environment, health care, homelessness, and education. Organizations looking for help with grants can get in touch with the foundation, and students in need of scholarships can apply through the website. Individuals who wish to support this work can donate, and if you have a specific cause in mind, there is an online search tool for finding individual funds related to key issues.
#4 is the Hawaii Food Bank, which distributes more than 12 million pounds of food annually from its warehouses to those in need through approximately 200 charitable agencies on the islands of O'ahu and Kaua'i. Far from being just about canned goods, the organization also provides millions of pounds of fresh produce each year, and has been active in the state for more than 35 years.
The food bank helps ensure kids obtain proper nutrition through its school pantry program, as well as a summer lunch program that distributes hot lunches through partner agencies like the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii. The key to the group's success is the generosity of average citizens. Those who wish to help can participate in a food drive, and you can even volunteer to run one yourself and take part in fighting hunger.
The food bank helps ensure kids obtain proper nutrition through its school pantry program, as well as a summer lunch program that distributes hot lunches through partner agencies like the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii.
At #5 is PATCH, or People Attentive To Children in Hawaii. A child care resource and referral agency, it works to support both parents and caregivers. The group's website features a rundown of the different types of child care available, including tips for preparing kids for this big step in their lives. There are special services for military families, and the Preschool Open Doors program provides subsidies to eligible families based on income.
Parents can use the online search feature to find available providers in their area. For those who wish to become caregivers, PATCH offers in-person training throughout the state, as well as scholarships for individuals taking college courses in early childhood education. Interested parties can find all of these resources on the group's website, and those who wish to help can donate or subscribe to the newsletter.
Finishing things up at #6 is Kupu, which translates as "to sprout" or "to grow." The organization has two main goals: to preserve the land, and to empower local youth. It aims to foster the next generation of environmental and cultural stewards through education and training for young adults, including hundreds of internships and service-learning opportunities at more than 100 sites.
The organization has two main goals: to preserve the land, and to empower local youth.
Kokua Camp is a way for teens to learn about Hawaiian culture and natural resources by taking part in conservation activities and interacting with professionals from a variety of career fields. Whether it's a full-time summer program like the Youth Conservation Corps or Citizen Forestry Crew, or a part-time, month-long experience like the culinary program, which includes earning a Food Handlers Certification, Kupu has something for everyone that will be fun and enlightening, showing the next generation how they can make an impact.
