Civic Engagement in Hawaiʻi, A Forum: How Local Organizations are Making a Difference
Story and Photos By Jade Silva
On Sept. 20, community leaders gathered to discuss the importance of civic engagement, or, voluntary work and actions aimed at making a difference in your community. The evening began with four international students' presentations on organizations they are involved with, followed by a forum moderated by Amaya Hirata, President of UH Hilo's Political Science Club.
The panelists included Charlene Iboshi of the Rotary Club, Dr. Ellen Meiser (representing UH Hilo), Julie Tulang from the Zonta Club of Hilo, and Dr. Nina Buchanan from the League of Women Voters and professor emerita at UH Hilo.
What are the key objectives for these organizations?
Rotary International is a global organization focused in part on providing community service.
At the forum, Iboshi shared an example of the Rotary Club on this island working to improve water access for Ocean View residents by purchasing water trucks for the community, eliminating the need for residents to drive two hours to the water spigots.
The League of Women Voters advocates for voters' rights, submits testimony about active bills, and fights for more transparency in local and state government "because the government won't run properly just by itself", as Buchanan said during the forum. The League acts as a watchdog, protecting everyday people by keeping an eye on the government. This is especially important here in Hawai'i because "the seat of power is often so far away from us that it is difficult for us to have input," said Dr. Buchanan.
As explained by Meiser, instructors at UHH aim to share knowledge to open up the eyes of students and colleagues. "Hopefully as your eyes are more open, when it relates to democracy, you realize your role in it."
Amaya Hirata, President of UHH’s Political Science Club, moderates a panel on Sept. 20 featuring Julie Tulang from the Zonta Club of Hilo, Dr. Ellen Meiser representing UHH, Dr. Nina Buchanan, professor emerita at UHH and member of the League of Women Voters, and Charlene Iboshi of the Rotary Club
Tulang said the Zonta Club works on "building a better world for women and girls, echoing its official mission. She emphasized the power of working with several people, especially in an NGO, and how that makes it easier to make a difference. The Zonta Club of Hilo, among various other efforts, has helped pass anti-human trafficking legislation.
Iboshi shares a flyer for an upcoming Peac Crane Project event, which aligns with Rotary's mission of promoting peace through community engagement and service.
What is civic engagement, anyway?
Civic engagement "means feeling something not only for yourself but for your community" and helping those around you "lift themselves up," said Charlene Iboshi. She emphasized that this help and participation do not need to be grand gestures; they can be small, like donating food or shopping for a kupuna (elder).
To Buchanan, civic engagement does not end with voting. Getting involved also means keeping up to date with government operations, knowing who your representatives are, or coming up with ideas to improve our community because, "democracy is not a spectator sport."
On what civic engagement means to her, Tulang said, "It's my community. And if I want it to be a great place to live, to work, to play, not only for myself, but for my children, my grandchildren, and those others in the community, then I need to give my time."
How can students get involved?
Iboshi said that with increasing access to technology, "participation is easier than it's ever been before." For those interested in The Rotary Club, she said help is needed updating their Peace Pole Project website.
Students of any gender can join the League of Women Voters for free. Buchanan says that being in "the relatively small community of Hilo," you can have a big impact, especially compared to larger cities.
According to Meiser, 44% of college students in Hawaiʻi are food insecure, meaning they lack regular access to adequate and healthy food. To help address this problem, Dr. Meiser suggests volunteering or visiting at Hale Lako (UH Hilo's food pantry and free supply house) or larger local organizations like the Food Basket. Hale Lako is open on Tuesdays from 3 - 6 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in PB 22.
Meiser also said that she is open to any students who want to do a research internship or directed study with her related to food insecurity. She said students have "every right" to talk to faculty about what they are interested in and ask for their advice and help. Her final recommendation was legislative advocacy, saying that currently there are many bills related to food insecurity being considered at the state and county levels."
Tulang encouraged anyone interested in advocating for an end to violence against women to refer to their website zontahilo.org for information on events starting November 25.
Finally, to make a meaningful contribution, Tulang recommends focusing on a few issues that you are most passionate about, emphasizing that while you can't do everything, being generous with your time and effort can result in tangible changes within your community.