Applications open for HAPA’s Kuleana Academy 7th cohort
Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA) is now accepting applications for the 7th Kuleana Academy cohort, a three month political leadership and non-partisan candidate training program for emerging leaders in Hawai‘i.
The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi has been providing training workshops on Red Hill and other environmental justice issues as an Education Alliance partner for Kuleana Academy.
Kuleana Academy has been growing community accountable civic leadership and engagement since its inception. Since HAPA’s first cohort in 2016, 98 participants have graduated from the program. Over 50% of alumni have run for office on a State or County level. Twelve alumni are serving in elected office. Five graduates are currently serving as State House Representatives, four are serving on Maui County Council, two on Hawaiʻi County Council and one is serving on the Honolulu City and County Council. Two alums are serving on boards or commissions. Several graduates who are presently serving on Oʻahu's neighborhood boards. Many others are serving their communities in a variety of capacities - through policy advocacy, community organizing, and much more.
Who Should Apply?
The program is geared towards individuals from across Hawaii with a track record of community service and engagement who are seeking to grow their political leadership, advocacy and organizing skills. Whether it is running for elected office, managing a political campaign or honing advocacy and organizing skills, Kuleana Academy provides in-depth training, mentorship and connection to a community of like-minded leaders.
The Academy will run from June to September 2023, in three parts:
Political Leadership and Campaign Skills Training
Participants will attend training over the course of 12 Saturday virtual sessions and 3 in person weekends. This will cover personal and political leadership development, public speaking, media training, critical community organizing skills, the basics of the legislative process and the nuts and bolts of running a campaign.
Hawaiʻi-wide Issues Education
HAPA’s Education Alliance Partners will host these sessions in their areas of expertise on issues that affect county, state and federal policy. Topics may include: Understanding your political kuleana; Kānaka Maoli cultural values, law and rights; environment, sustainability and development; labor, workers' rights and economic justice; agriculture and food systems; educational policy; civil rights, reproductive rights and gender equity; criminal justice reform and public health. Most importantly, the program will explore the interconnection of all these issues.
Community Based Hands On Experience
Participants will engage in community service projects, mentorship programs with HAPA and Education Alliance Partners, and gain real world experience in public speaking, writing, organizing and fundraising.
The deadline to apply for Kuleana Academy is March 31, 2023
Applicants will be evaluated by a selection committee composed of HAPA board members and Kuleana Academy Education Alliance Partners.
Applicants will be announced by May 1, 2023.
ABOUT KULEANA ACADEMY
Each Kuleana Academy cohort identifies 15-20 rising leaders from across Hawaiʻi and provides them with in-depth political leadership training. Participants run for elected office, manage political campaigns, and deepen their community organizing and engagement. By attending Kuleana Academy, individuals are given the opportunity to do the following:
Examine their own political responsibilities
Develop skills in leadership, community organizing, communications, and advocacy
Attend campaign training sessions conducted by professional trainers
Develop an understanding of how to engage in important community issues through policy education sessions led by our Education Alliance Partners
HAPA is hosting the program in partnership with other leading public interest organizations. Past and current presenters from Kuleana Academy Education Alliance Partners include:
ACLU
Earthjustice
Hawaiʻi Americans For Democratic Action
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice
Hawai’i Center for Food Safety
Hawai’i Children’s Action Network
Hawaiʻi Commission on the Status of Women
Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association
Hawaiʻi Peopleʻs Fund
Hawai‘i SEED
Hawai’i's Thousand Friends
HULI
KAHEA
Life of the Land
Maui Tomorrow
Native Hawaiian Legal Corp
Planned Parenthood of Hawaiʻi and the Northwest
Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi
Surfrider Foundation
UNITE HERE! Local 5.
DISCLAIMER:
HAPA’s Kuleana Academy is a non-partisan educational program. HAPA will NOT..
Endorse any political candidates for public office
Make any campaign contributions (monetary or in-kind)
Ask candidates to sign pledges on any issues
For questions, email Kuleana Academy Program Co-founder and Advisor, Aria Juliet Castillo at ariajuliet@HAPAhi.org