Web Log
Apr 4, 03:47 AM | Author: jane kim | Category: personal
15 years!
Last Saturday, April 1st, my youth program, Chinatown Community Development Center’s youth leadership program, Adopt-An-Alleyway Youth Empowerment Project (AAA) celebrated our 15th Anniversary.
I just want to give big ups to youth leaders that made the dinner (which they poured so much of their energy and pride into) possible.
SHOUT-OUTS
1) First, I want to give a shout out to the first class of young people that I worked with. They spent all 6 years with me (many even longer than I)- the ‘01 and ‘02 Crew. They built the foundation of the AAA program that we know today and expanded our program immensely!
The ‘01 Crew
Rosa Wong-Chie | Dinner Chair and Alumni Organizer. The most love goes out to Rosa. Rosa is in her seventh year in the program, remaining active after her HS graduation as a Chinatown Alleyway Tour Guide. I am most proud that we recently hired her as our FIRST SECOND community organizer for the youth program!
Judy Kuang, Patty Zhou and Mandy Liu | the foundation, they were the logistical heavyweights of the dinner and were the hardworking base of AAA when I first came. These graduates are now Americorp and Asian Law Caucus Interns. Yes, AAA is taking over SF.
The ‘02 Crew
This was the first group that I spent a full school year with (and obviously much more). They eventually grew this program, the number of service and advocacy projects that we took on and raised the bar of exemplary work, commitment, hours spent in the office and what it means to be a youth organizer. Recognition to Gloria Chan, Wendy Li, Jason Pang, Jimmy Do, Yvonne Chan, Jack Choi, Linda Diep and many more. Special ups to our most active alumni: Diana Pang (currently a SF Youth Commissioner and Organizer Extraordinaire), Tim Ho (Super Sunday Organizer, community photographer… I wish you knew how incredible you are), Jennifer Wong (wonder recruiter and the heart of AAA) who continue to lead and mentor AAA.
Now, these last few folks were not in the ‘01 and ‘02 crew, but started around the same time as me. I have to recognize Alan Tam, ‘03 (there is so much principle in Alan, it hurts) and Wendell Lin ‘04 (two term president, no one beats the hours he put in during high school, although I suppose it wasn’t always voluntary), who joined their sophomore and freshman year and stayed all 6 years.
2) Community Folks and Friends
Special thanks goes to the friends (who are also work allies) that came to support. My boss Reverend Norman Fong and Gordon Chin, Phil Ting and Victor Hwang who helped me get this position at CCDC, Gen Fujioka at ALC, Sally Matsuishi, Kenji Treanor, Alicia Yang (all youth workers), Youth Commissioners, Samantha Chanse, David Chiu, Nicole Derse and the revoluntionary babies in attendence. And of course, CCDC staff Hoi Yee Cheung, Wai Ching Kwan, Peggy Lee, Wil Din and Susie Wong. How can community work not be fun when you love and have fun with the people that you have to work with.
Did I mention Kimshree Maufas, former Thurgood Marshall PTSA President, changed her clothes and came back to help us clean CellSpace! She brought her Bronco and loaded 50 chairs to bring back to another space and worked until midnight? Damn!
3) SFPO Family
was in the house! Michael Goldstein (former President of Harvey Milk Democratic Club), Donna Linden (Progressive Voter’s Project), Jeremiah Jeffries (Teachers for Change), Cat Rauschuber (Green Party), David Ho, Malcolm Yeung (Asian Law Caucus), John Avalos (Coleman Advocates). We’ve only worked together 9 months, but I appreciate the coalition that we are building. One year ago, we would have never all sat in the same room all together and become friends.
4) Chris Daly and Matt Gonzalez
Yes, electeds came to give their honors and awards, but Chris Daly and former President of the Board of Supervisors, Matt Gonzalez came, sat for the full 90 minute dinner program, donated at the top donor levels and never asked to speak or be recognized. Much love!
5) And most love to the AAA Family
Class of ‘01-08, I love you all. I am so proud and enlivened to be part of a community with some of the most talented leaders and natural community organizers in San Francisco. I feel fortunate to work every day with people who are passionate about making a difference for their community and building a family. I am proud to be part of a program that has pumped out hundreds of conscious, emerging leaders in San Francisco. You are the present.
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Sometime around 885 days ago, Diana said:
You’re phenomenal.
With AAA love and Jane Kim spirit, diana*
Sometime around 878 days ago, Mandy L. said:
ditto
Sometime around 875 days ago, Angelina, Eric, Rosa said:
Hi Jane! 여보세요, 우리는 배고프다. We love you Jane. Keep being our awesome coordinator!