Events & Learning Opportunities
Explore our upcoming events, workshops, and gatherings focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Kahanaiki Work Day
Kahanaiki Work Day led by Experiential Ed Team at Le Jardin Academy
Please note: this is not a Shanti Alliance Event
Sign-up Here
Aloha all, thank you for your interest in volunteering at Kahanaiki. Please read the information provided below to prepare for your workday.
Kahanaiki is a ~3 acre restoration site within Kawainui, along Kapaʻa Quarry road, that Le Jardin Academy is stewarding in collaboration with DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Since January 2021, students have worked to clear invasives, plant native species, and maintain Kahanaiki as an educational native garden and outdoor classroom. This partnership is an effort to restore ecosystems, increase community connection to place, and promote outdoor and environmental education within and beyond Kailua.
Meeting Logistics: Meet at the DLNR the parking lot on the makai (ocean) corner of Kapaʻa Quarry Road, 200 ft after the turn off Kalanianaʻole Hwy. There is a large yellow gate and grass parking lot, please do not drive further up the road. Plan to arrive around 8:50, we will walk up to the road, sign waivers, do brief introductions and start our work day at 9am. We usually end work days around 12pm. Please be aware, there are no facilities such as running water or restrooms at this site.
About Kawainui: Kawainui is historically the second largest historical fishpond in Hawaiʻi, a breadbasket within the Koʻolaupoko region. Kawainui is currently a RAMSAR protected wetland which provides habitat to native waterbirds including the endangered aeʻo, ʻalaeʻula, ʻalae keʻokeʻo and kōloa maoli. Various community organizations around Kawainui are working to restore abundance to different sections of the marsh. Our workdays entail a mix of weeding, planting native species and building and maintaining site infrastructure such as trails. We may use tools including pick axes, sickles, shovels and hand saws. Come prepared to get muddy.
Please bring:
Signed waiver attached below
Full water bottle(s)
Snacks/lunch
Closed toed shoes/boots
Gloves if you have them
Recommend long sleeves and long pants for sun and abrasion protection
Contact site coordinator Aubree Woods, aubree.woods@lejardinacademy.org and Local Impact Programs Manager, Joel Saito joel.saito@lejardinacademy.org for questions
Save the Date: Our Annual DEIB Conference 2025
Mark your calendars for our Annual Conference this February 15th & 16th, 2025! As the culmination of our year’s work, this conference will be an inspiring gathering filled with workshops, discussions, and reflections on cultivating belonging in our communities.
DEI Social Justice Social
DEI Social Justice Social by Mid-Pacific’s DEI Club
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM HST
Location: Scudder @ Mid-Pacific, 2445 Kaala St, Honolulu, HI 96822
Cost: Free
Join students and educators for a relaxed and welcoming community-building event hosted by Mid-Pacific’s DEI Club! This Social Justice Community Potluck is the perfect opportunity for high school students, educators, and anyone passionate about social justice to connect, share experiences, and have fun together.
Come enjoy food, games, and networking with like-minded peers, and meet special guests from Spill the Tea Cafe: Kiki Rosario, Director of Operations, and Kai Chung-Schultz, Youth Advisory Member. This is a chance to build connections, exchange ideas, and find solidarity with others who care deeply about creating inclusive, equitable spaces.
Whether you're a member of a high school club, an educator, or simply interested in meeting others committed to social justice, we welcome you to join us! Bring your favorite dish for the potluck, and get ready for a day filled with food, laughter, and community spirit.
RSVP Here
Hawai'i Social Justice Educators Community Quarterly Gathering: Post-Election Listening Circle
oin us for a powerful Post-Election Listening Circle on Thursday, November 7. This free, online gathering is your chance to connect deeply with fellow social justice educators, share your experiences, and explore how restorative practices can transform our schools. Hosted by Shanti Alliance, Punahou School’s Davis Democracy Initiative, and Hanahauʻoli School PDC, this session will focus on building empathy and community through deep listening.
Secure your spot now! Limited availability for a meaningful and intimate circle. 💬
Second Circle #2: Transforming Narratives
Amid a climate of division and 'social splatter,' The Second Circle offers a transformative gathering led by Kevin Kahakula’akea John Fong (he/they/o’ia). Join us to bridge our differences, reclaim our shared stories, and collaborate in building a community where everyone can thrive. Facilitated by experts in transformative justice, this event invites us all to make a difference together.
Kauaʻi Regional Kick-Off
Join us for an empowering event at the Kauaʻi Campus, where local educators and students will come together to explore our theme of cultivating belonging. Through hands-on activities and thought-provoking conversations, you will leave with practical strategies for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments that benefit every member of your community.
Northern California Regional Kick
We are excited to bring our regional kick-off event to Northern California! Hosted at Crystal Springs Uplands School, this event invites K-12 educators and high school students to engage in a meaningful dialogue on how to cultivate a sense of belonging in your educational spaces. Connect with peers, share innovative ideas, and participate in discussions that will fuel your passion for DEIB-focused education.
Big Island Regional Kick-Off
Join us at the Big Island’s Hawai’i Preparatory Academy for a day of connection and inspiration. Whether you’re an educator or a high school student, this event is designed to help you explore how we can cultivate stronger, more inclusive learning environments. Let’s build community together while sharing knowledge and experiences that will shape the future of education. #BigIslandEvent #CultivatingBelonging #CommunityConnections #EducationMatters #HawaiiEvents
Oʻahu Regional Kick-Off
Oʻahu Regional Kick-Off
Date: Saturday, 9/28/24
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Hawai’i Technology Academy, Waipahu Campus, 94-450 Mokuola St. #200, Waipahu, HI 96794
Kick off the year with a vibrant gathering at the Waipahu Campus. This is your opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators and students from across the island, share best practices, and dive deep into this year’s theme of “Cultivating and Growing our Spheres of Belonging.” Let’s unite in fostering inclusive spaces that will empower both students and educators in the classroom and beyond.
Second Circle #1 with Kevin John Fong
Amid a climate of division and 'social splatter,' The Second Circle offers a transformative gathering led by Kevin Kahakula’akea John Fong (he/they/o’ia). Join us to bridge our differences, reclaim our shared stories, and collaborate in building a community where everyone can thrive. Facilitated by experts in transformative justice, this event invites us all to make a difference together.
