2024: Unity and Diversity

As an aftermath of the pandemic and the change in the political landscape during the recent years, Elmhurst is in a state of divide. Despite being known for our diversity of races, cultures, ethnicities and languages, we tend to gravitate to groups that reflects ourselves, leaving little to no room for cultural exchange amongst the community. This divide has led to a lack of unity and understanding of one another in Elmhurst, often developing into an underlying hate or prejudice towards other races and groups.

To counter this, we decided to create platforms and spaces for people to come and enjoy at their own leisure, in hopes they would develop a sense of familiarity and community in a new open space. We created such spaces by organizing and hosting a variety of events around Elmhurst and Corona, attracting people of all races, backgrounds and cultures. This year we had a total of 4 events:

PAINT PALOOZA : Paint Palooza was an event held in Elmhurst Park where the team gathered to create a creative environment for the young children of Elmhurst. We prepared a plethora art supplies and tables for people to freely express themselves through art. This was one of our most popular events as many people gathered to create together. It was a heart warming sight seeing children and parents interact with one another, creating a sense of comfort and community.

TALENT SHOW : Also held in Elmhurst Park, we along with alumni invited the youth to perform and show their talents to the community. Through this event, we met youths with varying skills and talents from singing to solving the rubik’s cube with one hand!

HYDRO-SPORT SHOWDOWN : Hydro-sport showdown was another big hit for Young Governors! In hopes of creating a fun and active space for the community, we provided free snacks such as pizza and popsicles along with water-guns in Flushing Meadows Park. While the water-gun fight at the end was the highlight of the day, we had other activities and sports available for the teens and children such as dodgeball and volleyball.

MULTI-CULTURAL EVENT : For the final event, we brought in our own cultural homemade foods to Broadway park and because of the diversity in Young governors, we represented a total of 8 different cultures and foods at the event. We also hosted cultural games such as guthi and lotería for the children to play. With the food having barely any leftovers and the day coming to an end, it was definitely an event that concluded the year 13 Young Governors a success!

MEMBERS

Samden D S

Karchung I G

Evelyn N

Shoshi H

Emily N H

Ivanna P

Tiffany Y

Emily G

Rubina C R

Salina T

Brady W

Shabaab H

LEADERSHIP

Juan (intern)

Daphne Z

Emmanuel S J

Nicolas O