Youth in Action | Interconnecting Cultures

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

  Youth In Action is a two-year study program which instructs Colorado children about Japanese language and culture. The program is geared for youth ages 10 to 17. The goals of the program include building character, strength and awareness of the world's many cultures. Programs operate in Denver and Louisville.

  Founded in 2000 by Jo Anne Grant Harada, YIA teaches Japanese language, culture and current events. It also requires community service and dedication to excellence. Classes meet once a week but numerous community events also require youth participation.

  Students commit to 30 or more hours of study and service per month. Part of their mission is raising the funds needed to partipate in a cultural exchange trip to Japan.

  Each summer, a group stays with host families in Japan for 4 or 5 weeks. In alternating years, Japanese students come to Colorado to experience American culture firsthand.

  Students also visit the Children's Peace Memorial in Hiroshima where they will place origami paper peace cranes sent from people in Colorado.

Community Volunteers
YIA students volunteer in many capacities. The organization currently assists with maintenance of the Japanese Gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens. The families also volunteer at the Elitch Gardens Farmer's Market selling crafts and vegetables. Current and former students also teach "Virtual Japan" classes.

Work in our Community
YIA members learn about themselves and their world through community interaction. The group raises money for its programs by offering a number of community ser vices. They include:
-Spring yard work
-Publications delivery
-Leaf raking
-Snow shoveling
-Elderly assistance

Festivals and Cultural Events
Cultural study takes YIA members to many unique locations and exciting festivals. The group participates at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square in Denver and in the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Since 2004, YIA has sponsored a crew of racers for the Dragon Boat competition on Sloan's Lake. In 2004, the team won a silver medal in the Youth Division.
In addition, members attend events that focus on Asian crafts including doll-making and the annual Kite Festival in Denver. These fun activities provide genuine learning experiences for YIA members and families.

Program Founder Jo Anne Grant Harada
Jo Anne Grant Harada is a teacher and artist living in Denver. For eight years, she taught English in Japan. The model for Youth in Action came from Jo Anne's own childhood and her involvement with 4-H Clubs when she was a teenager.
"It grounded me in the idea that it's really important to work for the things you want in life," she says in explaining why members must earn their right to participate rather than purchasing it.
Harada has succesfully graduated four study groups since the program's inception.

How Can You Support YIA?
There are many ways to help these kids reach their goals. One big area is to support our fundraisers. Whether you sponsor a paper crane or hire us to rake your lawn, it all helps. Consider these options:
-Let our teams of teens and parents help with chores around your home.
-Donate goods, services or cash. We have yearly silent auctions.
-Attend events like the YIA 2007 Taste of Japan dinner and silent auction. We can put you on an e-mail list for information.
-Buy our Easter flowers and holiday goodies. See our "Fundraisers" link to see the most up-to-date information