Torchbearers
In the face of racial discrimination and doubt, the veterans demonstrated the wisdom of America’s promise, which is that in our nation, no one is to be judged by the color of their skin, the nation of their origin, or the faith they choose to keep. To ensure that the soldiers’ legacy will be carried by future generations, GFBNEC aims to pass the torch of the Go For Broke spirit by way the National Torchbearers Program (NTP).
Los Angeles Torchbearers
The GFBNEC Torchbearers are community engaged young professionals who are locally involved and committed to the Go For Broke spirit and legacy. They host and engage in a number of activities throughout the region applying the values of America’s Promise to contemporary issues of today.
National Programing
Go For Broke National Education’s (GFBNEC) National Torchbearer Program (NTP) is a new major initiative set to launch in early 2023. This innovative initiative will establish a diverse national community of young adults (ages 21–30) who will participate in a year-long series of unique programming centered around identity and contemporary social dynamics. Specifically, GFBNEC and the Los Angeles Torchbearers will collaborate with its inaugural regional partners in Honolulu, Denver, San Francisco, and Chicago to develop a space for young adults to Listen, Empathize, and Engage with each other around social dynamics that individuals and communities experience across the nation. Such dynamics include topics of privilege, discrimination, and collaboration. The programming includes a national convening of NTP Fellows in Los Angeles (June 2023), regional programs and region-to-region visits. At the end of the program year, the young adults will become official Torchbearers and will have access to continued opportunities to engage within their regions and nationally as the NTP evolves each year. Each regional partner will independently solicit and select its NTP Fellows, as well as determine its regional programming. This program aims to reflect the diversity in the nation’s communities and welcomes all interested young adults.
Current National Partners
The mission of Sakura Foundation is to celebrate and share Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage in order to promote a more compassionate, resilient, and equitable society.
JCYC’s mission is to cultivate and enrich the lives of children and youth from diverse multicultural communities throughout San Francisco and beyond. Through a continuum of services, JCYC programs can support children and youth from preschool through college.
JASC engages people of all ages to experience Japanese American history and culture and to improve their wellbeing though innovative, high quality programs and services tailored to the multicultural community. JASC accomplishes its mission through the work of highly trained and enthusiastic staff and volunteers and proactive collaborations with other agencies and organizations.
To be a vibrant resource, strengthening our diverse community by educating present and future generations in the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai’i. We do this through relevant programming, meaningful community service and innovative partnerships that enhance the understanding and celebration of our heritage, culture and love of the land. TO guide us in this work, we draw from values found in our Japanese American traditions and the spirit of Aloha.
Testimonial
Emilko Kranz
Chicago TB
San Fran TB