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Hey John!
“ Sho, do you want some community service hours? ” a close friend asked me during my sophomore year. The question that opened a door to connect with my African American heritage and immerse myself in meaningful community work. I volunteered for the All Peoples Celebration, [[link removed]] an event hosted by Alliance San Diego, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Over two days, I helped set up the venue, guided guests, and watched as a diverse crowd of community leaders came together in celebration.
This event was a contrast to my experience in Japan, where I haven’t had the opportunity to explore my African American background. Seeing people from different ethnic groups united in the same space sparked something inside me. As I listened to an African American leader speak about empowerment and unity, I began to understand the significance of diversity and how it could shape both individual and community identities. It was also my first realization of how community work can bridge gaps and create a sense of belonging.
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Eager to further explore these connections, I stayed involved with Alliance San Diego. Throughout the summer, I canvassed by making phone calls to advocate for solutions for San Diego’s local issues. Through my work at Alliance San Diego, communicating with community members introduced me to issues like homelessness, inequality, and the challenges that marginalized communities face. It wasn’t just an educational experience, it was a call to action. I realized that community work could be a powerful tool for change, especially for someone like me, still learning about my roots.
As my commitment to community work deepened, I took on an internship with Alliance during the summer of my junior year. I helped coordinate event logistics, conducted research on social media outreach, and attended networking events to connect with other nonprofits. With each project, I felt my role evolve, from a volunteer trying to help locally, to someone who could influence larger community initiatives. This growth helped me understand the impact of community service.
Working alongside leaders from similar backgrounds gave me a sense of belonging that was profoundly meaningful. Learning about the challenges faced by my community, while also connecting with its strength and resilience, helped lay the foundation for my identity. I learned from my experience with Alliance San Diego that community work is not just about giving back, it is also about finding myself.
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Sho is a senior at Olympian High currently serving as a deep volunteer with the advancement department at Alliance San Diego. We invite you to join us for the upcoming 37th annual All Peoples Celebration on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the Balboa Park Activity Center [[link removed]] . Early bird pricing for tables and tickets is available on our website. If you’d like to support on a larger scale via sponsorship, do not hesitate to email Miesha Rice [[email protected]] with any questions.
In Solidarity,
Sho Kaneko
Deep Volunteer, Advancement Department of Alliance San Diego
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Alliance San Diego
P.O. Box 12266
San Diego, CA 92112
United States
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