Catalyzing Support for Hawaiʻiʻs Grassroots Organizations

Aloha Friends and Family!

I am participating in Hawaiʻi Peopleʻs Fundʻs Giving Project! =) The cohort/project started in January and will run until May. Itʻs been an incredible journey so far, and Iʻve experienced some very profound personal shifts (and professional shifts), while deepening my knowledge about Hawaiʻiʻs history and the unique contemporary social issues that our communities face. I feel honored to work with an organization like HPF that has been working, tirelessly, since 1972, toward a more just and equitable Hawaiʻi.

The cornerstone of this project is learning about and connecting with HPFʻs community partners - grassroots organizations across the state who are re-imagining and re-designing a better future for Hawaiʻi - and mobilizing funds to support them. These are the TRUE frontline organizations that are actively making a difference. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the resources (financial and otherwise) that HPF is mobilizing. They have been critical in supporting Lahina's recovery - which still needs our support and collective attention on rebuild efforts.

I am so grateful to call Kauaʻi home, however, the privilege of living here comes with a deep responsibility. Our communities are weighted down by serious systemic issues: extractive tourism, the displacement of Native Hawaiians, housing insecurity, food insecurity, vulnerabilities linked to climate change, the misappropriation of cultural and natural resources, rampant development from foreign corporation...the list goes on and on.

As a settler, it is clear to me that it is not ok for me to merely take up space. More and more, I find myself wanting to do more - to be a person of action - to connect deeper to ʻāina and our community - and live by the foundation of reciprocity. Often I feel off-center as the world around me spins out of control, but I take comfort in knowing that even in the chaos and overwhelm, I can help make a difference right where Iʻm at. As I learn more about these organizations and the work that they are doing, I start to feel more hopeful.

I have the deepest love, respect, and gratitude for Hawaiʻi, and I recognize that it is time to use my voice to uplift these organizations and support their work. I hope that you will consider donating and supporting me in my fundraising journey with HPF!

MAHALO! With deep and sincere love and gratitude,

-Megs

The land remembers, and the land speaks.

It holds the stories of generations past and carries the hopes of generations to come.

Haunani-Kay Trask