THE H.Y.P.E. MOVEMENT

The H.Y.P.E. (Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation)Movement’s primary mission is to encourage young people to live their dreams by emancipating their minds from all barriers that hold them back from pursuing their greatest potential. We seek to work collectively to deconstruct structural oppression, oppose inequity and to break free from all destructive negativity as we move toward a future of endless possibilities for all young people regardless of race, class and gender. We further challenge all who are committed to the H.Y.P.E. Movement to become creators of social change and advocates for social justice.

How did the HYPE Movement begin?
The HYPE Movement was started by Folola Takapu and her Tongan peers from UC-Berkeley who were devastated by the increase in high school dropout rates, incarceration rates, and death rates among young people in our Pacific Islander community. They wanted to be engaged in bringing about a positive change in our young people. They wanted to be involved in a grassroots movement that would bring all youth together (regardless of race, class, and gender) united under one cause—the power to live our dreams and to emancipate (free) ourselves from the confinements and limitations that society has imposed upon us or that we have internalized. Livin' the HYPE means striving to reach our greatest potential in order to recreate a world of endless possibilities for all our youth!

What does HYPE Stand for?
Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation

What is its purpose?
This is a Youth Liberation Movement encouraging youth to free their minds/imaginations from any limitations they have set on themselves or feel society has placed on them and pursue their own talents and aspirations to create something positive.

What do I have to do?
Live the HYPE! By wearing the HYPE wristband, you are acknowledging that you can do or become whatever it is you set your mind to. You also agree to pursue your goal in a positive way that will benefit yourself as well as your community. Pursue your passion and don't let anyone/anything stop you.

How can I help?
Spread the word. We encourage everyone (children, adults, educators, community leaders, etc.) to show their support for the movement by wearing the HYPE wristbands and sharing the positive message of empowerment with others.

Why Black Wristbands?
The color black symbolizes shadows. It’s easy for our youth to feel hidden or unseen standing in the shadow of authority, elders, community leaders and those they look up to. The youth have so much to offer our community (music, art, literature, ideas, etc.) but are often left without an open positive space to share it.

How is this significant?
By acknowledging that you are in the shadows, you can then pull yourself out of the shadows and allow yourself to be seen. You are no longer in the shadow but are now determined to shine. Open your mind and allow your talents to take you where you truly want to go. Whatever your goals and aspirations may be you must now recognize your potential to achieve them.

Why a wristband?
The significance of the wristband is a constant reminder of your own liberation in breaking free from negative stereotypes and limitations but also that you now have the opportunity to help pull others out of the shadows as well.

For more information on how to join HYPE MOVEMENT contact ‘Anapesi Ka’ili at anapesi@gmail.com or visit www.anapesi.blogspot.com Check out the HYPE MOVEMENT photos at http://photos.planet-tonga.com