2022 AAYLC Program Info
Conference Theme: “Connecting our Truth”

May 14, 2022 Virtual AAYLC Conference Program + Schedule

Conference Theme: Connecting Our Truth

Learning objectives
• Students will share and examine their origin story and understand how their story can lead to increased solidarity and advocacy for greater wellbeing.
• Students will reflect on their origin stories and explore how storytelling and personal identities can fuel movements toward holistic health and collective liberation.

9:00 to 9:10 am
Welcome and Introductions

9:10 to 9:40 am
Energizer/Icebreaker

9:40 to 10:40 am
Keynote Presentation and Origin Story Workshop: Manjusha P. Kulkarni, ED, AAPI Equity Alliance

10:40 to 10:45 am
Break

10:45 to 11:45 am
Connection, Reflection and Action 

11:45 to 12 noon
Closing and Entertainment 

• Performance by Portland Taiko 

• Recognitions and Door Prizes

This year, we returned to an in-person conference on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Camp Withycombe. In addition, we held a virtual AAYLC via Zoom on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

The goal of the conference is to enable students to learn and share in Asian American and Pacific Islander topics, promote education, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. The event is organized by a team of community volunteers and is presented by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Portland Lodge. The Planning Committee consists of members from the Asian American communities as well as representatives from schools and community-based organizations. We plan this conference as a community event and anticipate students representing many diverse backgrounds in attendance.

The 2022 in-person AAYLC was a one of a kind in comparison to our last 29 conferences. Instead of open attendance, we limited up to 4 student ambassadors to attend from each school. We planned a targeted program to equip the students to return to their schools and build momentum for the 2023 AAYLC.  

The theme for the 2022 conference was "Connecting Our Truth" featuring Manju Kulkarni as our keynote speaker. Manjusha P. Kulkarni (Manju) is Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity), which serves and represents the 1.5 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County. In March 2020, Manju co-founded Stop AAPI Hate, the nation’s leading aggregator of COVID-19-related hate incidents against AAPIs. Manju was named as one of TIME’s 100-most influential people of 2021.

For entertainment, Portland Taiko performed at the 2022 in-person AAYLC. Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity, and empowerment. Since its founding in 1994, the group has headlined at arts festivals and concert halls, released three CDs, and has performed at hundreds of community events and school assemblies. Portland Taiko has commissioned and collaborated with numerous artists, including Hanayui, Shohei Kikuchi, Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Subashini Ganesan, Obo Addy, Sivagami Vanka, Carla Mann, Mike Barber, and Minh Tran. They perform throughout the Pacific Northwest, offer classes and workshops at the Oregon Buddhist Temple, and conduct team-building workshops for businesses and community groups.

2022 AAYLC In Person Program and Schedule

9:00 to 9:30 am:
Registration + Breakfast

9:30 to 10:00 am:
Energizer/Icebreaker

10:00 to 10:10 am:
Welcome and Introductions 

10:10 to 10:40 am:
Keynote Presentation: Manjusha P. Kulkarni, ED, AAPI Equity Alliance

10:40 to 10:50 am:
Break

10:50 to 11:20 am:
Keynote Presentation Reflection

11:20 to 11:35 am:
Connections

11:35 am to 12:40 pm:
Session 1: Origin Story

12:40 to 1:30pm:
Lunch + Community Building

1:30 to  2:15pm:
Session 2: Reflection and Action

2:15pm to 3:00pm:
Closing and Entertainment

• Performance by Portland Taiko

• Recognitions and door prizes