IKPA & IKPAVC
Irvine Korean Parents Association
& Volunteer Committee
Shuma Iwata.
IKPAVC isn’t just about volunteering. It’s about making a real impact in your community and being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s more than simply giving your time; it’s about learning to work as a team, building essential social skills, and connecting with the people you’re helping. I’m proud to say that I’ve dedicated over three years to supporting our community through IKPAVC and you can start making a difference today, too.
Chloe Won.
To me, IKPAVC means family. I have been with this organization ever since I was in middle school, and I feel like throughout those 5 years, I have really connected with everyone in the community. They've seen me through my best and most embarrassing times, through my struggles and my achievements. We have built this air of trust and familiarity with each other, and I will miss seeing the familiar faces that have surrounded me for so long.
William Lee.
IKPAVC means bringing change. Throughout my years of service with IKPAVC, I was fortunate to take part in a variety of activities—from gardening at Shadetree Nursery, doing arts and crafts at the Bowers Museum, to tutoring children through K-Buddy. These diverse volunteering experiences allowed students like myself to connect with and contribute to our society by applying our skill sets. From children to adults to the environment, our impact reached beyond a single audience, and with our collective effort, we were able to make a difference. Through my efforts to help the community, I also saw personal growth by taking on the responsibilities of a citizen who gives back. I’m thankful not only for the opportunities IKPAVC has provided, but also for the values and belief that even small actions can lead to meaningful change.
David Jungwon Kim.
IKPAVC has brought many new experiences that taught me new skills. Without the volunteer experience I would have never known these types of environments existed. I believe it is a wonderful experience and a great learning opportunity.
Jiyou Song.
Joining IKPAVC has been a valuable experience and also the best thing I've done during high school. Through volunteering here, I grew as a leader as I was able to guide 20~30 students every weekend at Shadetree Nursery ---something I never imagined I could accomplish. Not only that,I built meaningful friendships with students from different schools and gained a deeper understanding of the true value of volunteering for the community. Finally, I’m grateful to be part of this organization and hope many students will join and enjoy being part of it.
Justin Hong.
Volunteering with IKPAVC has been one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of my high school experience. It taught me how to lead with compassion, work as a team, and make a real impact in my community. IKPAVC isn’t just about service - it’s about growth, connection, and finding purpose. To future volunteers, here is my message: take every single opportunity you get, step outside your comfort zone, and you’ll come away with lifelong memories and lessons.
Joshua Lim.
Volunteering at IKPAVC helped me learn a lot. Participating at the elementary festival provided the opportunity to interact with cross cultural activities. Other activities such as Bowers Museum helped me view society and the world with different perspectives which I think is very helpful for my future.
Miju Suk.
Being a member of IKPAVC has been an invaluable experience. Through volunteering, I learned what it really means to give back to my community and saw how even small actions can make a difference. Getting to know Korean friends from other schools helped me feel more connected to my heritage and showed me I'm part of something bigger than myself. I'm really thankful for everything I experienced, and I know the things I’ve learned will stay with me.