Researcher Karallyn Fitisone shares information on her research as well as her experience as a young Pacific islander researcher faced with several challenges and how she overcame them all while going to school at the same time.   She shares how her work is distinct from that of others, and the impacts she hopes her research will have on the youth of Am. Samoa.  This is a great 'listen to' for upcoming and raising young researchers of the territory as Karallyn has a lot of great information and advice to be used.

Talanoa Talk Now sits down with advocates Dr. Celestine Nix, Mona Uli, and Farrah Sefo, all 3 who represented American Samoa thru the Alliance, at the Praxis International Advocacy Training.  Praxis International Inc. is a nonprofit corporation, that works towards the elimination of violence and offers advocacy learning with the Advocacy Learning Center(ALC) in partnership with the Office on Violence Against Women.  Being the only Samoans at this training, these advocates were able to share the vital parts of this 18-month training designed to strengthen advocacy programs, and how it strengthens their advocacy work today, especially during the many new norms since the pandemic, moving forward with the work and advocacy thru challenging work environments, and much more.  Be sure to listen in and learn more about Praxis International thru the lens of Samoan female advocates who understand the importance of strong networking when serving and supporting victims of violence.  

Bet you didn't know American Samoa has a stalking law?  Tapumanaia Galu Satele shares how stalking is criminalized in American Samoa under code annotated 46.3525, what it means, and the Samoan terms we use to describe the law versus terms more commonly used.  Satele shares with Talanoa Talk Now what stalking can escalate to as well as some of the misperceptions that we as Samoans hold about stalking behavior, and how our cultural values and practices influence our perceptions of stalking.  Make sure you tune in to learn more about our stalking law.

Executive Director of Catholic Social Service, Mrs. Nancy Tagaloa sheds light on the work and services they provide for those in need of support, especially when faced with challenges within families, individuals, etc.  She shares about who they serve and the empowerment and awareness which is key to their work and the support of others.  Make sure to tune in and listen in on this discussion, on some of the work of one of the faith-based community non-profit organizations, and how they support the entire community of American Samoa.  

Ms American Samoa 2021-22, Hani Fuimaono shares on her interests and goals on advocating for mental health, self-worth, and self-love, in her capacity as the reigning beauty queen.  She describes what she believes what it means to be a modern woman and the qualities a Samoan woman should possess to make a notable difference, as well as sharing some of the best and simple ways to promote empowerment.  Be sure to listen in on what Ms American Samoa is up to! 

O se faatalanoaga i le leitio o le polokalame o vaiaso taitasi o le MO LOU SILAFIA, na mafai ona faasoa mai ai le atunuu i le tulaga o le atuatuvale ma le popole vale ao tapena atu ma le feagai ai ma aso fiafia i totonu o aiga aemaise foi nofoaga eseese.  Faafofoga i le faasoa mai o nisi e faatatau i mafuaaga o le atuatuvale aemaise o metotia ma vaifofo e mafai ona alofia ai lea faafitauli e ono faatupu ma'i foi mo nisi ma o lo o sauaina ai foi nisi.  Le tatou polokalame masani i aso Lua o vaiaso taitasi i le gagana Samoa, o lo o faatalanoaina ai mataupu eseese ma soalaupule ai Amerika Samoa.  

Marcella Fitisone, founder of BROWN SISTERS CLUB shares on the vision and mission of the club, and how it is impacting today's youth.  Fitisone explains how the need for the club was determined and who the club serves, as well as plans for moving forward and expanding into other local high schools.  She shares on the challenges, processes, and support that she has experienced as she works on serving her community thru high school students.  Brown Sisters Club is leading discussions for change and empowering and inspiring students in reforming the norm.   Make sure to listen to this inspiring educator and see how you can support the community thru BROWN SISTERS CLUB.  

Elizabeth Mailo of Mana Community Support Services shares with Talanoa Talk Now about the challenges and benefits of providing caregiving services in a community with strong cultural beliefs on families caring for their own without outside support.  This interview with Liz is an eye opener and provides so much information and reasoning why caregiving services can still work within our community and prolong the lives and wellbeing of our loved ones and elders.  Make sure to tune in and check out how Mana Community Support Services is supporting the community.

O SE FAATALANOAGA MAI LE POLOKALAME O LE LEITIO O LE 'MO LOU SILAFIA', TAITAIA E JUDY MATAUTIA MA ENOKA TUPAI.  NA MAFAI ONA FAASOA MAI LE ATUNUU I LE TAUSIGA MA LE SAUAINA O TAGATA MATUTUA I TOTONU O AIGA, AEMAISE O NISI O LUITAU, TIUTE MA LE MATAFAIOI O FANAU MA AIGA I LE GAFATAULIMAINA O LATOU MATUA I TOTONU O AIGA SAMOA TAITASI. 

Laughing Samoan Eteuati Ete and wife Mele Wendt are a brave and inspiring pair, who bare it all with TALANOA TALK NOW on family violence.  The courageous couple was not laughing when they shared on the turbulent early years of their marriage, addressing their shame and fear, their process of self-healing and wellness, how they help to educate and support communities in hopes their story will help make a difference for many other families who are going thru such an experience.  A story of healing on how this couple, side by side is on a journey to help families address family violence by sharing their story at conferences around New Zealand and advocating for those who have and still are going through the hardships of family violence.