154th Annual Meeting

Registration for Service Learning Projects closed on 8/26/24. However, there may be space available for those still interested in participating. For descriptions of the Service Learning Projects, please visit this document. Additional details about each event will be shared directly with registrants. Email Lian Guo ([email protected]) if you are interested in participating to see if there is still space (include which project you are interested in and if you would like to participate as an individual or with guests). 

Registration information is now live on the conference website – all registration is first come, first serve. If you’ve already registered for the overall meeting, please use the registration website to update the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” section of your registration. You may choose the event of your choice and use this link to contribute the suggested $15 to the service learning organization, if applicable. Please note if you would like to bring guests that are not registered AFS attendees, you must provide your own transportation to the event.

For any questions about registration, please contact Lauren Tanner ([email protected]). For questions about the service learning projects, please contact Lian Guo ([email protected]).

The details below are subject to change, in which case registrants will be notified via email. If sufficient registrations and donations are made, additional buses/capacity may be added to the Paepae o He’eia Work Day. 

If you cannot attend a service learning project but would still like to donate, please do so at this link. 

When making your donation, please select ‘Yes’ when asked if your gift is a tribute and enter the organization name you would like to support. This will allow for your donation to be allocated to your intended organization. Thank you for your support! For any questions regarding your donation, please contact Jenna Hanks, AFS Development Manager, at [email protected].

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Service Learning Event Descriptions

Registration deadline: August 26th

Please only register if you are certain you will attend to ensure we book transportation appropriately. There is a waitlist option if you are not sure about your participation.

“Kauluakalana is dedicated to restoring and revitalizing Kailua back to ʻāina – spaces that feed our community – once again. We welcome everyone of all ages, from keiki to kūpuna. Our day consists of an opening welcome circle, followed by hana (work) that may involve wet tasks like weeding loʻi kalo or dry tasks like weeding māla or mulching. We provide a few options for hana so everyone can choose the task best suited for them. After hana, we’ll gather to share Kailua-specific stories, and then eat an ʻono lunch together (lunch provided by us)!”

Transportation to the site via bus and lunch will be provided for AFS attendees. The top of Ulupō Heiau is easily accessible, however, to get to the base of the heiau requires walking down a steep and bumpy path. What to bring:  Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Shoes/Boots/Tabis, Garden/Work Gloves, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat. Water Bottle (Refillable water station available), Mess Kit for Lunch.  

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Ala Moana Regional Park rests on reclaimed land that was once swampy marshland. It was part of historic change in land-use, a large development of open areas needed for additional space beginning in the 1920’s. In 1962, the 47-acre ʻĀina Moana (Magic Island) was constructed, adding additional open space to the park. As one of the state’s oldest and busiest parks, currently seeing an estimated four million users every year, Ala Moana Regional Park has become an integral part of the island community and host to special occasions, such as the return of the Hōkūleʻa. In collaboration with Surfrider, we will clean ʻĀina Moana beach and nearby areas. Meet your fellow AFS attendees while giving back to the community!

This beach is within walking distance of the conference center, thus attendees are expected to find their own transportation to and from the event. Bags and gloves will be provided by Surfrider. 

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Paepae o He’eia is a private non-profit organization dedicated to caring for He’eia Fishpond – an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located in He’eia Uli, Ko’olaupoko, O’ahu. Established in 2001 by a group of young Hawaiians, Paepae o He’eia works in partnership with landowner, Kamehameha Schools, to manage and maintain He’eia Fishpond for the community. Paepae o He’eia was established to mālama He’eia Fishpond and serve as kia’i to this precious resource and treasure. Our main activity will be invasive species removal around the fishpond.

Transportation to the site via bus and lunch will be provided for AFS attendees. Be prepared to walk on uneven ground and be able to carry 10+ lbs. What to bring: Covered Shoes or Tabis that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (mandatory to participate), Clothes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, Sunscreen, Water Bottle, (Optional: Hat, Towel, Change of Clothes). Bring a positive attitude and are willing to fully participate and contribute, and be prepared to do welcoming protocol with an oli asking to enter and our staff will answer with a welcoming oli giving permission to enter.