On March 29, 2019, Coalition to Prevent Alcohol-Related Harms in LA Metro (CoPALM) and KYCC’s Prevention Education unit hosted their third annual “Rise Up, Speak Out” Youth Storytelling showcase. Funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, this showcase included musical, spoken word and art performances by 25 youth (ages 13-20) from all across Los Angeles. The youth storytelling night and art show attracted 100 attendees and was created to empower young people to tell their stories of hardship, trauma, and perseverance.

The annual youth art showcase also connects young creatives in Los Angeles, promotes the art of story and builds community resiliency through artistic expression. Program event partners included START Los Angeles and Levitt LA.

“Rise Up Speak Out creates a space for young people to come together, heal together, and build resiliency through artistic expression,” says Rica Feliciano, KYCC Prevention Specialist. Students gain leadership skills, practice public speaking, and have the opportunity to share their creativity to a vast audience of art appreciators. Now in its third year, the event is bringing together many more artists and performers to showcase their creative talents.

KYCC’s advocacy programs work with youth, parents, schools and community organizations to build a common vision: the health and safety of our community. The Coalition to Prevent Alcohol­-Related Harms in LA Metro (CoPALM), in partnership with Koreatown Youth and Community Center, works to prevent underage drinking and reduce alcohol and other drug use through education and prevention.

The mission of Coalition to Prevent Alcohol-Related Harms in LA Metro (CoPALM) is to ​create safer and healthier communities by reducing alcohol-related harms and empowering the community to make informed decisions. With the support of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, CoPALM was launched to address alcohol’s impact on communities and to devise strategies to protect youth from alcohol abuse. Together, we work to build a stronger community.