Ka Ipu Kukuing is an Action We All Must Take!
Posted in community relations messages from maui by on Jun 1 2010
2009 Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows listening to Skippy Hau, Aquatic Biologist for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, discuss the health of Maui’s streams
Be the change you wish to see in the world: a simple yet profound statement that has life transforming potential when embodied and put into action. I recently had the privilege of meeting fifteen future Maui leaders at the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellowship graduation, that certainly embody this model to its fullest potential.
Serving as the MC for the evening’s celebration and as a 2009 graduate of the program, I must admit I got a little teary eyed as I watched the class of 2010’s moving presentation that illuminated their commitment to community engagement. Despite the group’s diversity, they were all able to find common ground with the notion that Ka Ipu Kukui, which translates into “crucible of light, “ needs to be defined as an action. A community leader is someone who actively shines their “light” to facilitate social change. Jeanne Unemori Skog, President & CEO of the Maui Economic Development Board and Ka Ipu Kukui Steering Committee member proudly stated, “Lets turn Ka Ipu Kukui into a verb!”
In my work with Grace Delivers, I thrive on working with my clients to help them build a foundation through communication that allows them to expand their “light.” Perhaps I should add Facilitator of Ka Ipu Kukui to my list of services? We all have a light that shines within us and discovering just how to communicate it is one of the most important keys to success. When we define our work in terms of “shining our light”, a greater vision unfolds.
To learn more about the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellowship program go to http://maui.hawaii.edu/inside/kaipukukui/index.html.
You can also view this video produced by Ka Ipu Kukui fellow, Emily Sullivan http://bit.ly/KaIpuKukui
The Ka Ipu Kukui Fellowship program is a Decisions Maui and Focus Maui Nui initiative. It was conceived to promote and develop future leaders through a community-based program designed to address planning for Maui Nui’s future. The program is currently accepting nominations for the class of 2011.
