A BENCH WITH A Manifesto.
Doing great things requires great passion, purpose, and vision. That's why we wrote a Manifesto.
“The Bench of Pure Aloha, in its simplest form, is a platform
To bring strangers together for a brief moment of joy, laughter, and “a-ha” connections.
It’s a safe place for us to be our authentic selves –
To be a teacher, a student, a speaker, a listener, a networker,
A member of our community.
It’s where we can build bridges to common ground,
To build positive relationships across generations, cultures, and identities,
To expand existing communities, and create new ones.
It’s where we can plant seeds in our minds and hearts
Which grow into action soon after and long after we leave the bench –
From simple random acts of kindness to out-of-the-box changes and innovations.
It’s where we can momentarily forget the ‘text story’ culture and revitalize the ‘talk story’ culture
By celebrating and sharing experiences unique to wherever we call home
And by feeling the spirit of aloha connecting us always as one world ‘ohana.
It’s where we can someday create a global impact with a local bench
The Bench of Pure Aloha.”
Starting Local, Going Global.
Launched in 2016, the Bench of Pure Aloha or "BOPA", is a project of the Honolulu Hub under the the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. Learn more about our story... from growing our roots in Hawaii to create a local impact to the hopeful blossoming of a worldwide phenomenon.
A network of Hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities.
The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
What's Happening next
August 19-22: Global Shapers Annual Curators Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland
Sept-Oct 2016: First Major BOPA Event/Filming - details coming soon!
Nov-Dec 2016: Second Major BOPA Event/Filming
GET INVOLVED!
Take a seat, you're invited to get involved! Here are a few ways you can join the fun.
Support our campaign and join the next BOPA events.
Just launched in early August, this is our grassroots effort to build awareness and support from as many passionate early supporters as possible. Check it out now!
Help spread the word about BOPA!
The more people know, the better! We'll be doing a lot more with social media soon, but for now simply telling people about the project would help tremendously!
Become a Global Shapers Honolulu Hub Member.
If you're under 30 years old, live in Honolulu, and want to make a positive difference in our city, then you could be part of the Global Shapers Honolulu Hub, let us know!
Join the BOPA Team!
Are you an individual or organization with access to resources that could help our project? We're always open to collaboration. We'd love to hear your ideas.