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Aliso ViejoYouth Council
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Volunteering and events

Our Work

Our Youth Council stands at the forefront of positive change, committed to making a lasting impact through meaningful volunteer work. Dive into the inspiring stories and impactful projects that define our commitment to community service.

Council members walk single file along a stone causeway between two shallow pools towards their advisor, with the Soka University campus rising behind them
A council member in a black blazer speaks into a microphone from a wooden lectern bearing the Soka University seal, lit against a deep blue stage backdrop

Event we hosted

Human Trafficking Awareness Forum

June 13, 2024

On June 13th, 2024, from 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM, the Aliso Viejo Youth Council hosted a compelling Human Trafficking Awareness Forum at the Black Box Theater, located at Soka University.

Read about the forum

Volunteering

Igniting Youth Contribution & Empowerment

  • A three-panel collage from the scavenger hunt — volunteers posing with an event organiser holding a ukulele, children crowding a craft table staffed by teen volunteers, and members standing beside a checkpoint table at dusk

    Aliso Viejo Scavenger Hunt

    Ansh Sharma, Catie Lacanienta, Jhanvi Jha, and Ira Adnaik volunteered at the AV Scavenger Hunt which involved engaging with the children participating in the hunt, and advertising upcoming events.

    While some members distributed flyers about the newly opened Mendocino Farms and raised awareness about the Music for Maui fundraiser at Tony Pepperoni, others stamped the children’s passports at the designated checkpoint.

  • A council member wearing a flower lei stands outside a pizzeria beside two men holding up white "Music for Maui" T-shirts, with more shirts on hangers and a donation table behind them

    Music for Maui Fundraiser

    Jayzelle Jahanzeb displayed flyers around Tony Pepperoni and set up QR codes so that guests could easily donate to the Red Cross Foundation. She also assisted at an outside table promoting and selling t-shirts and stickers with Sydney, the founder of Music for Maui. Together they advertised the upcoming Music for Maui concert at Soka and encouraged customers to mention the organization at checkout so proceeds could go towards their cause.

  • A teenage volunteer helps a young boy choose a boxed gift from a table of wrapped presents at a holiday event decorated with red and green balloon columns

    Holiday Homework

    Sanvi Shah volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club to celebrate hardworking children and their families by assisting the kids in choosing gifts for the families and themselves. The kids put in tremendous effort in maintaining their school grades and delighted in shopping with a volunteer to pick out a gift.

  • Six people stand in a driveway in front of a banner reading "Toy Drive — Supporting Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors and Families", two of them in Marine dress uniform and two wearing Santa hats, with donation boxes at either side

    Toy Drive

    Maya D’lima and Rama Ketabchi attended the annual Toy Drive on December 17th, supporting Camp Pendleton Marines and their families by donating toys. Organized by Ross Chun and Julie Wright, the Toy Drive collected a large supply of toys after only two days!

  • Three council members stand behind a blue-draped table laid out with council flyers and bowls of candy, beside a hand-lettered "Aliso Viejo Youth Council" sign

    Engage Fair

    Ansh Sharma, Sanvi Shah, and Olive Kim decorated a table for the Engage Fair at the Sea Country Senior and Community Center on March 28th. They passed out fliers with information about the council as well as advertised our upcoming Human Trafficking event!

  • Three volunteers in disposable gloves prepare food in a stainless steel commercial kitchen, washing salad leaves into a colander beside loaves of bread

    Friendship Shelter Dinner

    Sanvi Shah, Hana Moradi, and Catherine Lacanienta volunteered with the AVYC advisor Ross Chun to cook a dinner for the Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach, a homeless shelter. They had the opportunity to serve their local community, connect with residents, and expand their culinary expertise. The evening involved preparing a variety of dishes ensuring the meal was both nutritious and enjoyable for the shelter’s residents.

  • Three council members sit together in the front row of a dark black box theatre, turning to smile at the camera beside a lit green exit sign

    Giving Guidance Homeless Panel

    Carina Leo, Olive Kim, and Alexia Kim attended and volunteered at the Giving Guidance: Homelessness to End Homelessness panel. This impactful event brought together experts and advocates to discuss solutions to combat homelessness in the community. The panel provided them with valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.

  • Five members spread out across an empty stretch of sand on a clear blue morning, bending down to pick up litter into bags with the surf breaking behind them

    Salt Creek Beach Cleanup

    AVYC members Catherine, Shiley, Olive, Alexia, Jayzelle, Hana, and Sanvi spend their Saturday morning contributing to their community. Our dedicated members came together to clear litter and protect our coastal environment. It was a great bonding and learning experience!

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