There is so much opportunity to be together, and we often walk past very critical moments, we walk past something magnificent in the midst of everything. This is a hopeful look at young people inspired to build a better world.
In June 2022, the Pulaski Users Group (PUG) and the Flourish Foundation embarked on a collaborative trip to the Garden Isle of Kaua'i. Five alumni from the Compassionate Leaders Program, along with a student from Oahu, and PUG and Flourish staff, spent two weeks exploring the island, deepening their understanding of and appreciation for the cultural practices and significance of the Hawaiian culture and engaging in regenerative tourism. What makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is the stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and the deeply rooted practice of mālama. Mālama means to take care of, tend, attend, care for, preserve, protect, save, and maintain. The Hawaiian culture exemplifies this practice and the group was fortunate to experience this in a deep and profound way by giving back to the local trails. We want to extend boundless gratitude for Mark Hubbard from the Friends of the Kalalau Trail, Myranda "Wai" Kuapahi at the Koke’e State Park CCC Camp, Kawika Smith, Kekoa Aana, and David Tsuchiya from DLNR, the wonderful people at the Alekoko Fishpond, Ron O’Brian and others from the state, and Uncle Presley Wann of the Hui Maka'ainana o Makana, all of whom opened their hearts and paved the way for us to make this trip a reality! The joy and character of the trip came to life because of the wonderful CLP Alumni: Sebi, Tony, Sage, Kim, Sofia and our wonderful new edition, Skye. Lastly, mahalo no kou lokomaika‘i (thank you for your generosity) to all of the Flourish and PUG donors who continually support our work and missions. To get involved check out the “Na Ala Hele” Trails and Access Program of DLNR Dept. of Forestry, https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/nah/ Special Thanks to: Mark Hubbard – Friends of Kalalau Trail https://www.kauaipath.org/civicrm/eve... Uncle Presley Wann - Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana https://www.huimakaainanaomakana.org/
A view of a Compassionate Leader, Amy Aranda from 2017-2023.
The first ten day Compassionate Leadership Retreat with ten wonderful students from the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
A group of Alumni from the Compassionate Leaders Programs in Idaho supported the restoration and care of vital trails on the Hawiian islands.
Everything was filmed in South Africa, India, and Hawai'i in the summer of 2023 during Flourish Foundation's summer programing.
