Big Island student goes to Washington for 2025 ACLU Summer Advocacy Institute

American Civil Liberties Union is hosting its annual Summer Advocacy Institute this month and beginning of August in Washington, and a Big Island student is one of the 900 high school students selected from throughout the United States to attend this year.

Kelia Yasuoka of Kanu o Ka ʻĀina New Century Public Charter School in Waimea on the Big Island and the other students and get firsthand experience from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists and other experts dedicated to defending their constitutional rights.

The event gives high school students the tools they need to engage their communities on issues around civil liberties and civil rights.

Participating students engage with lawyers and political activists to build expertise and knowledge in advocacy, including issues such as criminal justice reform, voting rights and religious freedom; participate in debates; and develop successful media and social networking strategies, all while observing policy development on Capitol Hill.

The students also take part in a day of action, taking to the steps of the Capitol to advocate for their First Amendment rights.

American Civil Liberties Union officials speaking during the 2025 Summer Advocacy Institute include:

• President Deborah Archer.
• Deputy Executive Director AJ Hikes.
• LGBTQ and HIV Co-Directors Chase Strangio and James Esseks.
• National Campaigns Director for Reproductive Rights J.J. Straight.
• Senior Staff Attorney with the Immigrants’ Rights Project Kate Huddleston.
• National Campaign Director for Immigration Anu Joshi.

Visit the American Civil Liberties Union Summer Advocacy Institute website for additional information.