“I joined YouthKan because I wanted an open and accepting space where hard and uncomfortable discussions could be held, and because I want to continue to work within our Asian American community to advocate for mental health awareness. I am passionate about breaking down stereotypes, having the uncomfortable conversations we all avoid, and helping others.”

Senior, Mercer Island High School

“YouthKAN is a very passionate group of people and I feel very lucky to be a part of it. My first ever YouthKAN meeting was when I was going through a hard time. Afterwards, I felt a lot of emotions, but I mostly felt very safe and heard. Through YouthKAN, I want to provide the same space so that other Asian American Youth can feel that sense of belonging.”

Junior, Garfield High School

“YouthKAN gave me the Korean American community I didn’t have growing up. I joined because the group has a comfortable atmosphere and the things we talk about are important social issues, and addressing them as we are able. I hope that I can learn new things from other people as I interact with other Korean Americans and their experiences!”

Junior, Hazen High School

“I joined YouthKAN because I was always interested in advocating for Asian American teens' mental health, but wasn’t sure how I could do that by myself. Then I got introduced to YouthKAN and felt really connected and drawn to what they were doing and wanted to help their mission, bringing awareness to teens' mental health and other inequalities in our community.”

Sophomore, Edmonds Woodway High School

“At the end of October 2022, a friend brought me into his YouthKAN groupchat, with the plan of me helping them with some things that were school-related. I knew absolutely nothing about YouthKAN but ended up meeting great people and had a lot of fun with the group on our Wednesday night calls. Eventually, I was told, “Why don’t you become a member at this point?” That’s when I joined — because knowing I can make a difference in my community while being supported by a group of Asian youth I never had before, filled a huge gap in my life.”

Sophomore, Lakeside School

“I joined YouthKAN because I have never found a better place than here to get involved in really creating positive change to our Asian American community with peers who have this same passion. It is easy to wish and to say that something will happen, but nothing will unless someone takes action. YouthKAN is what gives me the opportunity to go that step and bring real change.”

Sophomore, Shorewood High School

“I joined YouthKAN because I loved the open and accepting space where I could express my thoughts and feelings and also learn how I can help my community. I also joined due to the welcoming and therapeutic atmosphere that left a positive impact on my life. It is also a place where I and many others can feel belonging and create an Asian community that we can be apart of.”

Junior, Kamiak High School

“I joined YouthKAN because as an immigrant from South Korea, I wanted to be a part of a group that is striving to tackle real issues that Asian Americans face every day. The group’s openness to hard but needed conversations helps me to reflect on my own experiences to raise awareness and develop preventive measures for our community. Even though it hasn’t been that long since I have been a member, I feel connected and safe whenever I go into a YouthKAN meeting.”

Freshman, Shorewood High School

“I joied YouthKan to improve life for Asians in Seattle/Washington. I also joined to improve my leadership skills. And also it seemed fun.”

Youth Organizer at KCSC / Advisor to YouthKAN

I’m Joann, and I work with Korean Community Service Center (한인생활상담소) located in the Edmonds International District. I am here to support the work these youth are doing to educate and impact our communities so that we as Asian Americans can free ourselves of internalized racism and create healthy and thriving communities for all of us.