PAL, Peer Assistance Leadership, Day Camp Leadership Workshop, Irvine, CA 1998
OZO CommUNITY, PLUS
Founded by Alec R. Esparza MA, is an educational cultural outreach resource designed to empower and develop capable youth and adults in collaboration with community organizations, families and schools to promote a thriving learning environment and cross- culturally safe neighborhoods and schools. OZO emphasizes strengthening life long skills and motivating participants to become more culturally responsive and responsible community members while promoting Peace, Love, Understanding and Strength.
Our Beginning
OZO CommUNITY Works was developed in 1990 in response to a need on urban high school campuses of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. These areas were experiencing mounting inter-ethnic tension relative to drug use/abuse and cross-cultural diversity issues in schools and neighborhoods. Since that beginning, we have integrated intercultural educational outreach work in upper elementary and secondary grades to engage parents, youth, and community partners and resources.
Fedde MS Leadership Training, Hawaiian Gardens 2009
High School/Elementary PAL Camp, San Bernardino Mountains 2010
Our Mission
Challenging social/emotional issues and other negative influences have grown over the years in schools and communities. OZO CommUNITY has determined that the most effective approach to minimize the negative impact of these issues is to partner with community service organizations and provide outreach services with schools to affect positive change and contribute toward an ongoing thriving learning community.
OZO CommUNITY’s approach is based on five fundamental concepts: HOPE, to never give up; FAITH, believe in yourself and positive support systems; LOVE, yourself and have passion for life; CHARITY, be a mindful giver; SPIRIT, maintain the attitude of making a positive difference.
Marshall MS, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of The Dead Project), Pomona USD, CA 2018
"We all have somewhere to go...know where you are going and trust how to get there, others may be following your path."
— alec esparza, FOUNDER
Adventure learning, inter-cultural art activities and storytelling are viable life-long skills and positive social development activities that inspire participants to strengthen their cultural identity, positive self image, decision- making, self-confidence, academic/personal success and the courage to more effectively deal with life’s challenges with greater strength, understanding and wisdom.
OC Probation Youth, Sailing Project, Orange Coast Community College, Newport Beach CA 2010
Get Involved
PAL Leadership Day Camp, Corona USD 2013i
Former high school and middle school participants of OZO projects volunteer to serve as mentors and peer-leaders for middle and upper elementary school students in ongoing activities and trainings. Parents and community members who participated in past projects often volunteer as adult team leaders, supervisors, and chaperones on projects and activities.
TLA Power of Words Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona, September 28, 2019. Building an Enduring CommUNITY activity.
TLA Conference participants building an enduring commUNITY using only 3x5 index cards with words of empowerment written on them.
Installing Los Angeles Dodgers “Ofrenda,” tribute, Blue Heaven, Grand Park, Los Angeles, CA