Rep. Gabbard Speaks at Kuleana Academy

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, met with participants of the Kuleana Academy, a four-month leadership development and non-partisan candidate training program designed to educate and train grassroots leaders who have a desire to serve in public office, or as community organizers.

The congresswoman answered questions from the group on getting involved in politics, working with local advocacy groups, working in a bipartisan way to deliver results and more.

Rep. Gabbard talks with Hawaiʻi Red Cross volunteers who went to Puerto Rico shortly after Hurricane Maria. PC: Rep. Gabbard’s Office.

Later that morning, the congresswoman delivered the closing address at the 2017 Hawaiʻi Pacific Model United Nations (PacMUN) 6th Annual Conference at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

The conference brings together high school students from across Hawaiʻi, as well as several mainland schools, for simulations of the United Nations General Assembly and other multilateral bodies.

Students step into the shoes of ambassadors and officials from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda, and make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate parliamentary procedure–all in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to peacefully resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.

Rep. Gabbard talks with local artist and business owners supporting Puerto Rico’s recovery.  PC: Rep. Gabbard’s Office.

The congresswoman spoke about her work in Congress serving on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, about how important the skills practiced in Model UN are, and about the power of the aloha spirit in helping to positively impact people’s lives in Hawaiʻi, nationally and around the world.

Rep. Gabbard discusses the ongoing challenges facing the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. PC: Rep. Gabbard’s Office.

In the afternoon, Congresswoman Gabbard joined local artists, yogis, musicians and community members in an advocacy day raising awareness for the continued plight of the people of Puerto Rico.

The congresswoman recognized Hawaiʻi Red Cross volunteers who went to Puerto Rico shortly after Hurricane Maria hit to provide aid and assistance, and spoke about the ongoing needs still facing the Puerto Rican people today.

The congresswoman helped lead the passage of an aid package for Puerto Rico through Congress in September and has called on the president and administration to mobilize additional resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for recovery efforts.