By Stephanie Ahorro, 2025 CLA Intern
Finding my community in Los Angeles has been a fulfilling and exciting journey. For the past two summers, I’ve spent my two months out of state for internships or work-related opportunities. Being in my hometown and reconnecting with my community feels extra special this summer. When CAUSE tasked us to attend and write about four community events, I initially thought it was going to be challenging. However, to my surprise, I found myself partaking in multiple community events these past two weeks. I went to Santa Monica Pier 360, the Rose Bowl to watch a FIFA Club World Cup tournament, Barbell’s first Pickleball Tournament, and attended a new RnB Coffee Shop Soft Opening event. Through these experiences, I learned that there are so many pockets of communities and that it just takes showing up and participating.
I had a meaningful conversation with my friends at the coffee shop, who shared and felt how the space was built so people would not have to code-switch or shrink themselves to feel like they belonged. One of the most important takeaways from that moment and from all the events I attended was that civic engagement isn’t limited to policy, protests, or public service. It can also look like reclaiming space, creating culture, and building places of belonging. I learned that engagement begins with presence by showing up with intention, supporting others, and allowing ourselves to be part of something bigger than our individual experiences.
These events reminded me that joy, identity, and connection are all part of the civic fabric. Whether at a pickleball tournament or an RnB coffee shop, people are constantly finding ways to gather, express themselves, and support their communities and that in itself is a powerful form of civic life.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.