As we reflect on another year of progress fostered through collaboration and connection, it is with great honor to share our recently published 2023 Annual Impact Report with you. We would like to bring you along our journey, through revisiting a few accomplishments and initiatives from this past year.
We are moved by the dedication of our community members, as 1,706 volunteers contributed 6,537 hours of their time, equivalent to an in-kind contribution value of $207,976. This inspiring dedication has strengthened our impact across Hawaiʻi Island and is testimony to the strength in working together. Our goal to support community transformation continues to manifest through facilitating cross-sector collaboration, serving as an information and resource conduit, and supporting action teams with data collection and reporting.
Economy Stream
Vibrant Hawaiʻi launched an art fellowship to demonstrate how arts can increase community health and wellbeing. Within this cohort, deep relationships were cultivated to guide our connection to art. On July 24th, our art fellows will join local artists from 18 cities and towns across America to celebrate culture and community through the prompt: “No place like home”.
Education Stream
Within this past year, Vibrant Hawaiʻi has conducted a series of research initiatives with an emphasis in education. From informing the future of workforce development for the upcoming generation (Bridging Gaps, Building Futures), to exploring early learning and childcare options (Aʻo A Mālama) - our hope is that these findings will guide decision makers to inspire impactful change that is rooted in the voices and wishes of our community.
Health and Wellbeing
Mālamalama: A Guide for Active and Compassionate Listening, is a training centered in strengthening connection and a sense of belonging within our home. It was recently launched, and is currently being stewarded across different sectors of the community. Through Mālamalama, participants may learn the importance and effectiveness of listening and holding space without judgment.
Resilience
We launched our Resilience Alliance, a network of Hawaii Island non-governmental organizations and businesses committed to building internal resilience and preparedness in the case of emergency. In times of crisis, it mobilizes to support the Hawaii Island community by facilitating communication and distribution of resources to affected community members.
Housing Coalition
In 2023, nearly 400 participants joined in the monthly meetings to learn from industry experts and shared their learning through a series of OpEd Articles published in the Tribune Herald and West Hawaiʻi Today. These articles include: “Why are people homeless?” and “Shining a light on the housing crisis”
ʻOAKA
Our series of Adulting 101 workshops emerged last year, which at its core, aims to challenge the narrative that the best and the brightest are leaving the island. These workshops cover essential life stills that are often left out of the traditional curriculum, including: Financial Resilience, the Art of Interviews and Fentanyl Awareness. So far, our amazing ʻOAKA team has presented to over six high schools around the island.
Mahalo nui loa for your support and commitment to our shared vision.