Beyond Our Boundaries: ALLY at the National Asian Youth Summit

After about 9 months of extensive planning, 10 ALLY youth made their way to Chicago in August for the first-ever “Beyond Our Boundaries” national Asian youth summit. With over 120 youth from 10 different organizations attendance, the summit sought to bring together Asian American youth throughout the country to learn, build, and grow with one another. This summit was conceived of by organizers who wanted to understand and discuss how we can organize on a national level as youth, as well as build youth leadership - where the youth plan, develop and facilitate workshops, organize logistics, and run the entire summit.

This completely youth-led summit had our youth facilitating and engaging in conversations about systems of oppression, sharing meals together, exchanging experiences with youth organizing, and leading a rally to speak out against the injustices in our current political climate. While ALLY left feeling drained from their whirlwind trip to Chicago, we’re ready to plan another gathering and are eagerly seeking ways to leverage the community built in order to push forward youth power for justice.

What’s next for this summit? We’re already in conversations to prepare for next year! ALLY members are debriefing and talking with participants and organizations to discuss what next year’s summit will look like, where it’ll be held, who will be joining, what workshops we want to see, and more.

Hear more from the youth about their experience at Beyond Our Boundaries:

“I’m so lucky and fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to go to Chicago. The Beyond Our Boundaries youth summit opened doors that were otherwise closed for me before. It was an exhilarating experience to meet and socialize with youth leaders and organizers from so many different social & ethnic backgrounds. Needless to say, this has been a really beneficial learning experience for all.” -Anthony Huynh, ALLY Leader, APANO

“It was a once in a lifetime experience to meet so many other Asian American youth in a space where we can learn with each other, teach each other, and make connections across the country. Beyond Our Boundaries pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me feel like a better friend and organizer while also inspiring folks new to organizing to become leaders in their communities. I hope the summit stays for years to come, I recommend youth and adult leaders to join this incredible work by the youth. -Cheryl Luong, Organizer Intern, Nakasec