Youth Program Mission

Made In Chinatown is to honor the respective 25th, 15th, 10th, 10th anniversaries of the four youth programs under Chinatown Development Community Center: Adopt-An-Alleyway, Chinatown Alleyway Tours, Youth for Single Room Occupancy, and Campaign Academy.

The goal of our youth groups is to dig deep into these community efforts, discover what is commonly neglected and deliver the message to the people. We want people to become aware of the inner-workings of a unique community-driven district like Chinatown, and we want people to join our battle in sustaining such a wonderful community. We hope to get the message across that the well-being of Chinatown lies in the hands of everybody, not just Chinatown residents.  How has Chinatown preserved itself and its culture?

Youth Program Vision

Made in Chinatown is a theme that is multi-layered as it (1) gives nod to the Chinatown youth who (whether born or immigrated) were raised and shaped by the unique surroundings they call home (2) gives nod to the depth of learning, connection, and growth as a result of participating in the youth programs and (3) is a witty way to flip the negative connotation of the term “made in china” in reference to poorly made, mass produced products — if we own it, we give it our own dignified meaning.

‘Made in Chinatown’ is as much of an expression of pride in how the youth have helped enhanced the community through program work, as it is an acknowledgement of how the community and the programs have helped shaped them (into community leaders and activists.)
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‘Made in Chinatown’ is a wonderful summary of 25 years of Chinatown youth community service and advocacy that can be a recurring theme for annual events and celebrations to come. With every new milestone and accomplishment each year, the term becomes stronger and the meaning deeper.