Aloha Family and Friends,For many years I have been involved with youth and community wellness. Advocating with the inspiration and guidance of my native host culture. I am writing to ask for your help in my journey to partake in an amazing national conference about clean energy and green jobs in which I was personally asked to share my knowledge and represent the state of Hawaii and its native peoples.The conference, Power Shift, will bring 10,000 young people together at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC between February 27 and March 2, 2008. Power Shift’s agenda includes a mixture of issue briefings from the nation’s leading scientists and policy experts, trainings on organizing and advocacy from some of the most successful practitioners, an “opportunities fair” featuring nationwide environmental employers, and built-in networking opportunities for attendees. More information on this historic conference can be found at www.PowerShift09.org.I have dedicated most of my life to the continuation, protection, and implication of my ancestor’s ancient wisdoms. From early in my high school years I vowed to up hold the ways of my people and this was enforced by my attendance at Kanu o Ka Aina NCPCS. Kanu opened both my eyes and many doors for me to walk in this world carrying the strength and wisdom of the ages.After graduating from Kanu o Ka Aina in 2004, I never stopped my push to fulfill my vow. My views grew as I learned and traveled. Having the opportunity to have met with many other indigenous people from around the world I have developed the skill of obtaining wisdom and knowledge from many different sources in so many ways and forms.I have now positioned myself back into my home town of Honoka’a on the Hamakua coast. It is here, in my home community that I continue my life’s work beginning with na keiki. (The children) I have been the Hawaiian studies teacher for Honoka’a Elem. School for three years now, as well as the Activates Specialist with the YWCA Hamakua Youth Center. Through these two programs I fulfill my cultural roll as opio, (older roll model) to the kamali’i. This also forms a strong connection between me and pretty much all of Honoka’a’s families.Much sacrifice has been made on behalf of me and my family to continue this work for the betterment of our communities. Having been part of numerous projects and literally thousands of hours of volunteer community service, giving freely and openly was the true way of my kupuna. A trait I intend to restore. So I am asking for your support in this journey, it is long and far from home. But the knowledge to be gained and message that I carry from Hawaii I feel will bring great waves of positive change for our islands. Your support helps insure an optimal learning exchange opportunity on this journey.This conference couldn’t have come at a better time. I am just about to begin through the YWCA Hamakua Youth Center, the Hamakua Jr. Forest team. We will be starting projects such as reforestation, specie preservation, ecosystem management, and Native species out planting in the Hamakua district. Upon returning from this conference we will be holding a community gathering to present our experiences and share of future plans and ideas to implement and initiate shifts toward healthy change for our community.I will also be joined by 2 other local youth from Hawaii to partake and share in this awesome opportunity.I will follow up with you by February 10, 2009 to inquire if you are able to support local youth advocating for lean energy and green jobs. If you are interested in making a donation or have questions, please feel free to contact me at (808) 938-9308 or by email at, lanakila_nyce@yahoo.com Thank you so much for your consideration of this proposal!Mahalo piha me ke aloha,Joshua Lanakila Mangauil
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