More than 350 people from nonprofit organizations, social foundations and sponsoring organizations gathered at Koreatown Plaza (KTP) to participate.
A total of 24 organizations participated in the event, including the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, the Korean Women’s International Network (KOWINLA), the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the Christian Oriental Medicine Association, and the Choong Chung Society of Southern California, with each organization hosting a booth and presenting on stage.
The three-hour event that ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. also featured a variety of performances, including ballet and Korean dance performances by the KOA Dance Federation, and taekwondo demonstration by Downtown Magnet High School Taekwondo Club, which were well-received by attendees.
A video filmed and edited by the students introducing their group was also presented, and representatives were invited onto the stage to make speeches.
Different booths also hosted free events. KOWINLA provided free advance directives, and the Christian Oriental Medicine Association offered free vein check-up services.
“This event is designed to introduce people to small nonprofits, student organizations, and other organizations that are not well-known yet,” said Helen Kim, CEO of Next Generation Advocates (NGA). “The goal was to introduce them to the Korean-American community and provide a platform for them to exchange information and grow together.”
For some small nonprofits, participation history in events is crucial for them to be able to participate in larger events or receive grants later down the line, so the idea behind the NextGen Expo was to create an opportunity for those organizations to jump-start their business.
Kim added that the plan was to have various Korean-American social organizations meet and share ideas on how to increase their impact, as well as for them to meet with sponsors to gain financial support for their growth.
NextGen Expo is also planning to provide scholarships to outstanding student organizations that presented at the event.
“Starting with this inaugural event, NextGen Expo will recruit more organizations and participants who aim to expand their impact in the community every year and help them expand their presence in town,” Kim said.
BY HOONSIK WOO [support@koreadaily.com]
