Kupu

Mahalo Nui Loa to the ʻohana for hosting the 27th Annual Charity Breakfast benefitting Kupu! 💚💙

The team expertly prepared 1,200 ono breakfast bentos. 🍱

Mahalo the many, sponsors, businesses and community members who made this event a huge success! 🌱

Kupu is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) program! Established through Hawaiʻi’s Green Job Youth Corps, KAC is a workforce development initiative offering one year of paid work experience in sustainability-focused professions. 🌱✨

We invite participants and host site applications from across the Hawaiian Islands in areas like sustainability, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture & aquaculture, climate adaptation, wildfire recovery, and natural resource management.
 
Position Availability:
📆 1 yearlong term, part-time and full-time position options available.

Benefits for Participants:
💵 $18-$20 Hourly wages 🏥 Medical insurance (if eligible) 💵 Retention bonus & Paid time off 🤝 Network with potential employers

Eligibility:
Applicants must be 17 to 38 years old for the program duration.
 
For more details, visit www.kupuhawaii.org/aina/

🔗 Apply Now!
🌐 Participant Application: kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/321
🌐 Host Site Application: kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/320
 
Need help with your application?
Join Kupu’s virtual workshops! Sign up on our website.
📝 Resume Writing: Wednesday, July 24 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
🗣 Interview Skills: Wednesday, August 21 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
 

Kupu ʻĀina Corps '24-'25 Applications Now Open! - https://mailchi.mp/9a8b44d2d903/kupu-ina-corps-applications-now-open-818566

Mahalo for all your help with our photo contest! Help us with our graduating Kauaʻi Kupu ʻĀina Corps participants! 💜

As their year-long terms come to a close, we invite you to be a part of the celebration by voting for your favorite photo captured during their impactful experiences.

These snapshots embody the essence of their service and the profound connections they forged along the way.

Swipe to see the four Kauaʻi finalists and COMMENT your vote below! Voting ends July 17th. Mahalo! 💜

Help us celebrate our graduating Hawaiʻi Island Kupu
'Aina Corps participants! ❤️

As their year-long terms come to a close, we invite you to be a part of the celebration by voting for your favorite photo captured during their impactful experiences.

These snapshots embody the essence of their service and the profound connections they forged along the way.

Swipe to see the four Hawaiʻi Island finalists and COMMENT your vote below! Voting ends July 17th. Mahalo! ❤️

Help us celebrate our graduating Maui Kupu ʻĀina Corps participants! 🌱

As their year-long terms come to a close, we invite you to be a part of the celebration by voting for your favorite photo captured during their impactful experiences.

These snapshots embody the essence of their service and the profound connections they forged along the way.

Swipe to see the four Maui finalists and COMMENT your vote below! Voting ends July 12th. Mahalo!

Mahalo for having us!

Congratulations to our graduating KAC O’ahu cohort! We celebrated our member’s yearlong term with a hōʻike where we learned about their experiences, what they learned at their host sites, and their next career steps.

We also awarded Katie Coogan, participant at , with a KAC award!

“The winner of this award has shown significant professional and personal growth throughout their program term. They have established lasting connections with their site supervisors and/or host site coworkers. The awardee has also maintained quality communication with program staff and demonstrated engagement in the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program by attending program events, connecting with program peers, and completing quality program assignments.”

With your help voting, Makoa Salagdron, , was also awarded winner of our photo contest!

We have 3 more O’ahu hōʻikes coming up this year – stay tuned for more opportunities to vote on photo contests and congratulate our KAC graduates!

KAC Host Site Applications Now Open! - https://mailchi.mp/3e5e59133caf/kupu-ina-corps-applications-now-open-818554

Kupu recently hosted its 2024 Environmental Fair at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Ho‘okupu Center, which helped kick off Kupu’s annual Hawai'i Youth Conservation Corps Summer (HYCC-S) program. Bringing together Kupu staff, alumni, host site partners, board members, and friends of Kupu, the fair gave youth the opportunity to learn about the diverse career pathways in conservation. 🙌🏼 Over 150 attendees enjoyed a luncheon, awards ceremony, and career expo featuring jobs in conservation, education, natural resources, agriculture, and financial well-being. 🧡💚 Mahalo to everyone who helped make this happen!
 
A special congratulations to our Alumni of the Year, Alex Awo ( ) who delivered an impactful speech for our young up-and-coming leaders. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the inspiration he brings to our community. 🌱

Lastly, a big mahalo to the Hawaii State Office on Energy ( ) and American Savings Bank ( ) for their steadfast support and for sponsoring this wonderful event! Your contributions make it possible for us to continue our mission and impact the lives of so many. 🩵🌱💚

Our CLDP members spent a week at Hakalau Forest Reserve 🌳🪶 They removed invasive species, planted 178 Koa Trees and 66 ʻōhiʻa trees, made lei, made friends, and made memories!

Mahalo to our partners, members, and staff who dedicate their time and service to aloha ʻāina 💚

"The biggest highlight for me was going to Hakalau with the Kupu service group! It was incredible to be in the Hakalau forest, and so fulfilling getting to know other Kupu members whose values align with mine." - Garrison Ishikawa-Gonzalez, CLDP Member

🌿✨ Highlighting our incredible Environmental Education Leader (EEL), Kaela Leahna! Here she shares why she was inspired to become an EEL and how the program has helped shape her future goals. If her story moves you, consider joining us in bringing ‘āina-based education into Hawaiʻiʻs classrooms!
 
Learn more and apply today on our webpage: www.kupuhawaii.org/eel/
 
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO APPLY TO BE AN EEL?
 
“When I was working in the māla at the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu during my undergrad, an EEL at the time visited and brought her students for a field trip. At the end of our workdays, we do a mahalo circle, where we share something we are grateful for. One of the students responded with ‘I am grateful to be outside and not in the classroom.’ Hearing that response made me interested in ‘āina-based education. There is so much the ‘āina can teach us, especially life lessons we don’t often get to kilo (observe) and reflect on while in a standard classroom setting. Never thought I would be in the field of education, but nonetheless, I am so grateful ‘āina guided me here.”

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR ROLE AS EEL WILL SHAPE AND/OR BENEFIT YOUR FUTURE GOALS?

“My role as an EEL is instrumental in fostering my future goals. Being an EEL has allowed me to become more comfortable in public speaking and networking. During my job, I meet and talk with many organizations in various levels of professionalism. Also, by working at two different schools, it has allowed me to be more adaptable to change, be more organized, and be able to juggle many tasks at once. After my time at Kupu, I am going to be working in the field of Native Hawaiian Substance misuse and mental health. High school is an age group where they are influenced by social norms and an age where they are building their steps towards their future. Being able to be with the high schoolers every day, at different schools throughout the week, exposed me to many different communication, learning, and social styles varying by community. Talking with the students, being able to be a resource for them, allows me to see different perspectives and approaches. Skills I will definitely use in my future career.”

The Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) 2024-2025 term is here! 🌿
Are you an early professional (17+) passionate about conservation? Join Kupuʻs paid AmeriCorps program and gain hands-on experience with a Host Site that aligns with your interests!
 
🌺 Locations include: Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI Saipan, and Rota.
 
💵 Member Benefits:
- Living stipend equivalent to $14.50 - $18/hr
- Up to $7,395.00 AmeriCorps education award
- Healthcare and childcare for eligible members 
- Certifications and professional development workshops
- College education benefits
- Explore new organizations through Service Days and Trips
 
🗓️ Apply anytime, but for the best opportunity, submit your application now for August and October start dates!
 
🔗 For more details visit: kupuhawaii.org/conservation 
🔗 Apply online at: kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/318
 
Samoa 🌱

Travis Travers is a Kupu ʻĀina Corps member located in Kohala on Hawai'i Island. As part of the Wildfire Recovery initiative, Travis is working to increase the community's food security and local food production at his host site, hub. 
 
In one word, Travis describes his term so far as: Fulfilling
 
"Seeing all the beautiful and locally grown produce is really eye opening for me. It is so easy to not realize how much abundance is around us and a lot of food is grown here in Kohala. It's inspiring as an amateur farmer."
 
More about Travis' host site:
Kohala Food Hub ( ) connects local community members and businesses to local farmers and food producers. Their mission is to grow our local food system by increasing community access to locally produced food. KFH aggregates, markets, and distributes locally grown produce, proteins and locally produced food products via an online market, a CSA program, a "Veggie Rx" free community food program, the Kaukau for Keiki summer free food program, and wholesale accounts with local resorts and restaurants. Kohala Food Hub helps to build and support our farming community, our local economy, and regenerative agriculture practices that preserve the land and waters for generations to come. 👨🏽‍🌾🌱🥔🥒🥕

The EED team is growing! Join us on our journey and become a Program Specialist today! ☺️
 🌱
The work of Kupu’s Environmental Education Department (EED) is innovative, exciting, and fast-paced, with many new and changing projects! This open position will support the Environmental Education Leaders program.
 
This position will also:
- Provide assistance to operations of other EED programs
- Improve, refine, and develop evaluation methods of programs
- Develop and improve internal department systems, communications, and tools
- Contribute to a dynamic, collaborative team!

Join our ‘ohana today at kupuhawaii.org/careers/

Eō e Molokaʻi Nui a Hina! Help us celebrate our graduating Molokaʻi Kupu ʻĀina Corps participants! As their year-long terms come to a close, we invite you to be a part of the celebration by voting for your favorite photo captured during their impactful experiences. These snapshots embody the essence of their service and the profound connections they forged along the way. Swipe to see the four Molokaʻi finalists and cast your vote below! Voting ends May 16th. Mahalo!

Help us celebrate our graduating Oʻahu Kupu ʻĀina Corps participants! As their year-long terms come to a close, we invite you to be a part of the celebration by voting for your favorite photo captured during their impactful experiences. These snapshots embody the essence of their service and the profound connections they forged along the way. Swipe to see the four Oʻahu finalists and cast your vote below! Voting ends May 16th. Mahalo!

Last month, Kupu ‘Āina Corps participants and Kupu staff gathered together to serve at DLNR DOFAW Na Āla Hele - Trails and Access Program just before Earth Day! This host site’s participants thoroughly educated all of us on how to build sustainable hiking trails that require minimal maintenance from their team in the future. We were also able to assist with removing invasive plants in the surrounding area.
Mahalo nui loa to everyone that attended!

🌍💼 Exciting news!

The American Climate Corps is OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS! Thousands of opportunities are available in conservation, renewable energy, environmental justice, and more.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now at ClimateCorps.gov and join the movement for a sustainable future.

Follow for updates, success stories, and inspiration! 🌱✨

Calling all aspiring educators with a passion for protecting Hawai‘i’s natural resources! Help bring ‘āina-based education into the classroom by becoming an Environmental Education Leader!
 
As an EEL, participants are part of a year-long program that provides direct support to schools, teachers, and students in natural resource pathways. EELs support the goal to help build a homegrown natural resources workforce. 
Full-time EEL positions are available at intermediate and high schools across Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, and Maui.

Priority deadline May 20, 2024. Applications will remain open until all 2024-2025 positions are filled.
 
Learn more information on our webpage: 
www.kupuhawaii.org/eel/
 
Apply using the online application: 
https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/315
 
Contact us for more information:
[email protected]
 

👋Meet Madison, a CLDP member with the USFWS Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge! Dive into her Q&A  below to learn more about her incredible journey thus far.
🌱From hands-on conservation to fostering community connections, sheʻs embracing her Kupu role and making positive change! 

❓Interested in joining CLDP? Learn more at kupuhawaii.org/conservation/
 
What is one word you would use to describe your service term so far?
Engaging! As a visitor services assistant, I’ve had the opportunity to actively engage with the community and work alongside a diverse range of people. Embracing various perspectives has allowed me to shape my own. As a hands-on learner, serving directly in the field has provided me with invaluable experiences beyond what a textbook could offer. I truly feel that I’m making an impact.
 
Why do you aloha ʻāina? 
Aloha ʻāina has taught me to appreciate the connection between humans and the environment, including my own interactions with nature. Growing up, I developed a deep love for the outdoors, frequently hiking the Appalachian Mountains and exploring scenic places along the East Coast; the ʻāina has always held a special place in my heart. This appreciation has fueled my passion for serving in the conservation field. 
 
What got you interested in joining Kupu? 
I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience in conservation, and Kupu seemed to be the perfect fit for my goals. The program offers multiple host sites, service days, and opportunities for collaborative learning, which has greatly enriched my understanding of conservation practices! By serving on the Visitor Services team, I’ve become more interested in social science, sustainable tourism, and the importance of human-nature connection.

High School Students! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a career in ʻāina stewardship and how to get there? By participating in Kupuʻs Kākoʻo Connections Program this summer, you can get all of your conservation career questions answered! Tour University of Hawaiʻi (UH) college campuses and engage with natural resources organizations and professionals to learn about different pathways to a career in Hawaiʻiʻs natural resources and conservation fields. ♥️🌄🌊🎓
 
LEARN MORE! 👉 kupuhawaii.org/kakoo-connections/
APPLY TODAY!  👉 kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/313/
➡️Applications close Friday, May 17, 2023 ⬅️
 
WHO: Oʻahu and Hawai’i Island, public DOE 11th and 12th grade students as well as recent high school graduates with a passion for ʻāina

WHEN: Monday, June 3 - Friday, June 14

WHERE: UH campuses and natural resources organzations across Oʻahu and Hawai‘I Island. Travel accommodations will be provided to students to travel to/from O’ahu and Hawai’i Island.

BENEFIT: 
• $595 stipend awarded upon successful completion 🤙🤩

🌺🌼🌺🌼ALOHA LĀ LEI 🌺🌼🌺🌼

Don't forget: pick the pua 🥀 get the ua 🌧️ Pick pono if you're making lei today! Also, mālama the plant and ʻāina around so it may continue to bloom for future Mei Days 🌼

What's your favorite lei?

We're hiring for staff positions! 💙💚

Check out https://www.kupuhawaii.org/careers for more information!

Happy kākou! 🌎🌱🌳

We are grateful to our Kupu participants, partners, staff, and friends who continuously support us to celebrate Earth day every day! ⛰️🌊

We hope everyone gets to go outside and mālama ʻāina today! 🌴🌿🍃🌳🪴

Audrey is an 11th grade student at ‘Iolani School and a current participant in this year’s Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC)! As a part of her HYSC project, Audrey is coordinating and hosting ʻIolani’s “Intersections” Sustainability Fair on Saturday, April 27th. See below for more information about Audrey’s project and how to attend the “Intersections” Sustainability Fair - we hope to see you there!
🌱
Aloha kākou!
ʻIolani School welcomes you to our “Intersections” Sustainability Fair on Saturday, April 27th!  This fun event will be in the One Team Fieldhouse on the Lower-School side of our campus, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 
The “Intersections” fair theme highlights the many different fields, organizations, and individual efforts that intersect in the fight against climate change. 
 
This will be a time to connect with Kupu Hawaiʻi, the Pacific Voyaging Society, Ka Papa Loʻi o Kānewai, Hawaiʻi Green Growth, Kaimukī High School W.O.R.M. ʻOhana, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Youth Climate Coalition, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, the Episcopal Creation Care Task Force, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, composting experts, Keep it Simple, and others!
 
You can also join us to . . . 
• Write an ocean reflection 🌊
• Hop on our blender bike; pedal your way to a smoothie 🚴‍♀️
• Make beach debris into a treasure 🏝️
• Try a locally-sourced “lite bite” 🍴
• Adopt a huli kalo 💚
• Screen-print a shirt or bag (BYO shirt!) 👕
 
Register to participate and stay tuned for the Intersections podcast using this link: https://linktr.ee/intersectionsiolani. We can’t wait to see you at the fair! 🌺🌎

Mahalo to everyone who joined us for our Spring Lau Kupu Event (Community Workday) on Saturday, April 6th, 2024! Your presence and participation made the day truly special, and we are grateful for your commitment to our mission.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous Lau Kupu donors who made this event possible: , , 'iStevedores and . Your support enables us to continue our important work in the community, and we are deeply appreciative of your contribution.

Together, we partnered with in Kailua, Oahu, to honor and engage in aloha 'āina practices. From lo'i kalo restoration to Hawaiian plant restoration and invasive plant removal, each activity was a meaningful step towards strengthening our bond with the 'āina and our community.

We also extend our gratitude to Kupu's Culinary students for providing a delicious lunch and for their fresh coffee!

Your support of Kupu and events like Lau Kupu Day directly impacts our ability to respond to community needs and implement programs that create positive change. Together, we are working towards a brighter future for Hawai'i and beyond.

Calling all young professionals! 🌟
In honor of National Volunteer Month this April, join us for the annual YP Community Connect networking event.

We will be there to talk about our programs, staff positions as well as educate attendees on the impact we are making in the natural resources sector all over the Pacific. 🌴

🤝 Learn about local nonprofits and their impactful work
🎯 Discover open positions on nonprofit boards and committees
🌱 Explore opportunities to serve and enhance leadership skills
🔗 Expand professional networks and forge meaningful connections

Register today and join us for an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and community building. Together, let's make a difference!

🔗: https://business.cochawaii.org/events/details/yp-community-connect-04-17-2024-1114447

✨ Stay gold 👾PONI👾boy 🌟

Mahalo for following along the 🌈 ānuenue 🌈 this ! 💙 and mahalo NUI to all our Americorps service members across the pae ʻāina o Hawaiʻi, Guam and Sāmoa for your dedication to helping our communities 💪🏼🫵🏼

Keep following to learn about how you can help your community 🌱🫂 🤙🏼 E mālama kākou!

Does our program sound too good to be BLUE? 💙🩵🦋🌀🐳🐟🐬🦕

Find out for yourself 😉 More info about our Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) on our website! 🤙🏼

Hope everyone's ending this Friday with something as soothing as these 🔹blue 🔹 hues 😎

Comment/Poll: what's the Hawaiian word for "Blue"? 🦋