At a glance
Poly Day is an annual celebration of Pacific Islander culture, hosted by the Polynesian Student Alliance (PSA) at the… Read full summary
- Funding received
- 2024-2025
- Small
- Awarded
- $5,000
- Funding partners
-
- Services and Activities Fee (SAF)
Here is last year's Poly Day and the whole Polynesian Student Alliance that facilitated workshops and performed cultural dances for prospective high school students from the Pacific Islander community and more.
Poly Day is an annual celebration of Pacific Islander culture, hosted by the Polynesian Student Alliance (PSA) at the University of Washington. The event highlights the presence and contributions of Pacific Islanders at UW while fostering cultural sustainability, education, and community engagement. Through traditional performances, workshops, and student-led discussions, Poly Day promotes the preservation of Pacific Islander traditions and strengthens the connection between UW students and the broader Pacific Islander community. This year’s event will feature cultural performances from PSA, the Micronesian Islands Club (MIC), and Pacific Islander student groups from across Washington. Additionally, workshops will be led by Pacific Islander students, faculty, and community members, covering topics like cultural identity, history, and pathways to higher education. By bringing together students, faculty, and the community, Poly Day serves as a large-scale, sustainable gathering that showcases the richness of Pacific Islander traditions while reinforcing the importance of representation in academic spaces.
Poly Day is an annual celebration of Pacific Islander culture, hosted by the Polynesian Student Alliance (PSA) at the University of Washington. The event highlights the presence and contributions of Pacific Islanders at UW while fostering cultural sustainability, education, and community engagement. Through traditional performances, workshops, and student-led discussions, Poly Day promotes the preservation of Pacific Islander traditions and strengthens the connection between UW students and the broader Pacific Islander community. This year’s event will feature cultural performances from PSA, the Micronesian Islands Club (MIC), and Pacific Islander student groups from across Washington. Additionally, workshops will be led by Pacific Islander students, faculty, and community members, covering topics like cultural identity, history, and pathways to higher education. By bringing together students, faculty, and the community, Poly Day serves as a large-scale, sustainable gathering that showcases the richness of Pacific Islander traditions while reinforcing the importance of representation in academic spaces.
We are applying for the CSF Mini Grant (under $5,000) to support essential infrastructure for Poly Day. Specifically, we are requesting funds to cover stage rental ($3,700), DJ & sound system ($800), and a portion of HUB & HUB Lawn reservations. These elements are crucial to ensuring the success of the event, as they provide a professional setup for cultural performances and create an engaging experience for attendees.
Poly Day contributes to sustainability at UW in several ways. Cultural sustainability is at the core of the event, as it preserves and promotes Pacific Islander traditions while fostering representation on campus. The event also has a strong educational impact, providing students and the broader UW community with opportunities to engage in discussions about Pacific Islander identity, history, and sustainability practices. Additionally, Poly Day strengthens social sustainability by building connections between students, faculty, and high school participants, encouraging mentorship and inclusivity in higher education.
The project will be implemented in three key phases. From February to March 2025, we will finalize logistics, confirm performers, and secure funding. In April 2025, we will focus on event promotion, engaging high school participants, and finalizing workshop details. The event itself will take place on May 23, 2025, at the HUB & HUB Lawn.
Poly Day is a longstanding tradition at UW that continues to grow and evolve, ensuring that Pacific Islander culture remains visible and celebrated. With CSF’s support, we can enhance the event’s impact and accessibility, creating a more inclusive and sustainable campus community.
Andrew (AJ) Suafoa
Project lead
- ajsuafoa@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 1 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- Polynesian Student Alliance
Fune Tautala-Ceridon
Team member
- fune@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 1 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- Polynesian Student Alliance
Helaman Faamsausili
Team member
- hgaf24@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 2 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- Polynesian Student Alliance
Ario Hopkinson
Team member
- arioh@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 1 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- Polynesian Student Alliance
Brendan Chang
Advisor
- brech@uw.edu
- Affiliation and department
- Student Activities Office
Request amount and budget
Plans for financial longevity
Poly Day will remain financially sustainable beyond CSF funding through a combination of campus grants, community sponsorships, and PSA’s ongoing fundraising efforts. PSA regularly applies for campus funding sources, including the Student Diversity Event Fund (SDEF) and Special Appropriations Board (SAB), HUB RSO Fund, ASUW Special Appropriations Fund, and more which have historically covered essential costs such as facility rentals, equipment, and event supplies.
Beyond campus funding, community sponsors have previously contributed financial support, and PSA continues to build relationships with organizations that invest in Pacific Islander student success. By maintaining detailed budget records and tracking past expenses, PSA ensures that each year’s leadership team has a clear roadmap for securing necessary funds.
To support long-term sustainability, PSA also maintains a Poly Day planning guide, which includes budget templates, vendor contacts, and outreach strategies. Each year, incoming officers update and refine these resources, ensuring that the event continues to grow while staying financially stable.
Because Poly Day is an established and highly anticipated event, it will continue to receive strong support from students, faculty, and funding sources. With or without CSF funding, PSA is committed to preserving this tradition, ensuring that Poly Day remains a space for cultural celebration, education, and community engagement at UW.
- Summer & Fall Quarter - Early Planning & Outreach
- Secured HUB Lawn reservation for the event.
- Began Pacific Islander Outreach Program (POP) to engage high school students.
- Conducted initial event planning and logistics discussions.
- January 2025 – Early Preparation
- Started cultural dance rehearsals, which will continue leading up to the event.
- February – March 2025: Logistics & Coordination
- Received stage rental quote
- Began securing funding sources.
- Finalize stage rental and DJ Una’s contract.
- Confirm event-day logistics, including equipment setup and power usage.
- Secure final workshop facilitators and speakers.
- Continue high school outreach through POP and promotional efforts.
- April 2025: Marketing & Final Preparations
- Launch event promotion via social media, flyers, and student outreach.
- Finalize workshop schedules and facilitator details.
- May 2025: Event Execution & Wrap-Up
- Conduct dress rehearsals for cultural performances.
- Organize and train volunteers for event-day support.
- May 23, 2025: Host Poly Day at the HUB & HUB Lawn.
- Transition planning materials to next year’s PSA leadership team.
Plans for long-term project management
Poly Day is an annual event that has been hosted by the Polynesian Student Alliance (PSA) for decades, making it a longstanding tradition at UW. While CSF funding will help cover critical infrastructure for this year’s event, the long-term sustainability of Poly Day is already established through PSA’s continued leadership and engagement.
After CSF funding ends, future Poly Day events will continue with financial support from other campus funding sources, such as the Student Diversity Event Fund (SDEF), Special Appropriations Board (SAB), and community sponsorships. PSA also maintains a strong alumni network, which has contributed to funding and logistical support in past years.
Additionally, PSA ensures organizational longevity through structured officer transitions and mentorship, where experienced student leaders train new board members to continue planning and executing Poly Day. Planning resources, event guides, and vendor contacts are documented and passed down each year to ensure a smooth transition.
Because Poly Day is a deeply rooted and anticipated event, it will continue beyond this funding cycle, growing with each year. CSF’s support will allow us to enhance its impact, creating more sustainable, well-resourced, and engaging experience for the UW community.
Problem statement
The University of Washington’s Pacific Islander community faces a critical need for cultural sustainability and representation in academic spaces. Pacific Islander traditions, stories, and ways of knowing are often overlooked in mainstream environmental and sustainability discussions, despite Indigenous Pacific Islanders having long histories of sustainable practices, resource stewardship, and communal resilience. Without intentional efforts to preserve and promote these traditions, they risk being lost within institutional structures that do not prioritize Indigenous knowledge systems.
Poly Day was created to address this gap by fostering cultural sustainability through performances, workshops, and community engagement. As students from underrepresented backgrounds, many of us have experienced firsthand the challenges of preserving our cultural heritage in predominantly Western academic institutions. Our lived experiences, coupled with the urgent need for more inclusive sustainability efforts, inform this project. Poly Day ensures that Pacific Islander cultural knowledge—deeply rooted in sustainable land and ocean stewardship—remains visible, valued, and integrated into UW’s broader sustainability initiatives. This event does not only celebrate Pacific Islander identity but also educates and empowers students to see cultural sustainability as an essential part of environmental and social sustainability.
Problem context
Poly Day complements existing sustainability and cultural initiatives at UW by expanding the dialogue on sustainability to include Indigenous Pacific Islander perspectives. While many campus programs address environmental sustainability through waste reduction, climate advocacy, and conservation efforts, few explicitly center cultural sustainability—especially for historically marginalized communities.
This project aligns with ongoing efforts by UW’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) and the Burke Museum’s Indigenous Knowledge initiatives by reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation in sustainability discussions. Additionally, it builds on the work of our sister organization, the Micronesian Islands Club, which has integrated sustainable practices into its own events. Our proposal strengthens collective action by incorporating waste reduction efforts—such as minimizing plastic use, reusing decorations, and promoting sustainable materials—while also emphasizing Indigenous sustainability practices through student-led discussions and workshops.
By securing CSF funding, we will enhance the reach and impact of Poly Day, ensuring that Pacific Islander cultural sustainability is recognized as a vital component of UW’s broader sustainability efforts. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a lasting impact that fosters a more inclusive and holistic approach to sustainability on campus.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| Promoting Cultural Sustainability and Representation | 300+ total attendees engaged in cultural performances and workshops | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Supporting High School Outreach and Education | 200+ high school students participate in academic, cultural and professional workshops | Undergraduate, Graduate, Academic staff |
Communication tactics and tools
Our communication strategy includes:
- Social Media & Digital Marketing: PSA will use its primary platforms, Instagram (@psa_uw) and TikTok (@psa_uw), to share event updates, behind-the-scenes content, and promotional materials.
- Email & Newsletters: We will distribute event details to registered/attending high schools, volunteers, PSA members, and the UW community to maximize engagement.
- Campus Postering & Banners: A custom Poly Day banner and printed posters will be displayed across campus to enhance visibility.
- Tabling & Word-of-Mouth: We will table in high-traffic areas like Red Square and the Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC) to engage students directly.
- In-Person Promotion: Members will present at PSA meetings and student org gatherings to encourage participation.
These methods will ensure a broad and diverse reach, making Poly Day a widely recognized campus event.
Outreach communication plan
Our outreach strategy will focus on engaging the UW community through targeted communication efforts that highlight Poly Day’s impact on cultural sustainability. We will collaborate with the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC), OMA&D, First Nations @ UW, and Pacific Islander student organizations to ensure widespread awareness and participation. Our efforts will also extend to local high schools, encouraging Pacific Islander youth to engage with higher education spaces. By showcasing Poly Day’s contributions to sustainability and representation, we aim to create lasting connections between students, faculty, and the broader Pacific Islander community.
Student involvement
Poly Day offers multiple opportunities for student professional development. Volunteers will gain experience in event planning, community organizing, and cultural advocacy. Students will also have leadership roles in coordinating performances, leading workshops, and managing logistics, providing hands-on experience in teamwork and project execution. Additionally, the event fosters mentorship, as Pacific Islander high school students engage with UW students and faculty. These experiences enhance students’ skills in public speaking, networking, and cultural preservation, preparing them for future leadership roles in both academic and professional spaces.
Problem statement
The University of Washington’s Pacific Islander community faces a critical need for cultural sustainability and representation in academic spaces. Pacific Islander traditions, stories, and ways of knowing are often overlooked in mainstream environmental and sustainability discussions, despite Indigenous Pacific Islanders having long histories of sustainable practices, resource stewardship, and communal resilience. Without intentional efforts to preserve and promote these traditions, they risk being lost within institutional structures that do not prioritize Indigenous knowledge systems.
Poly Day was created to address this gap by fostering cultural sustainability through performances, workshops, and community engagement. As students from underrepresented backgrounds, many of us have experienced firsthand the challenges of preserving our cultural heritage in predominantly Western academic institutions. Our lived experiences, coupled with the urgent need for more inclusive sustainability efforts, inform this project. Poly Day ensures that Pacific Islander cultural knowledge—deeply rooted in sustainable land and ocean stewardship—remains visible, valued, and integrated into UW’s broader sustainability initiatives. This event does not only celebrate Pacific Islander identity but also educates and empowers students to see cultural sustainability as an essential part of environmental and social sustainability.
Problem context
Poly Day complements existing sustainability and cultural initiatives at UW by expanding the dialogue on sustainability to include Indigenous Pacific Islander perspectives. While many campus programs address environmental sustainability through waste reduction, climate advocacy, and conservation efforts, few explicitly center cultural sustainability—especially for historically marginalized communities.
This project aligns with ongoing efforts by UW’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) and the Burke Museum’s Indigenous Knowledge initiatives by reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation in sustainability discussions. Additionally, it builds on the work of our sister organization, the Micronesian Islands Club, which has integrated sustainable practices into its own events. Our proposal strengthens collective action by incorporating waste reduction efforts—such as minimizing plastic use, reusing decorations, and promoting sustainable materials—while also emphasizing Indigenous sustainability practices through student-led discussions and workshops.
By securing CSF funding, we will enhance the reach and impact of Poly Day, ensuring that Pacific Islander cultural sustainability is recognized as a vital component of UW’s broader sustainability efforts. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a lasting impact that fosters a more inclusive and holistic approach to sustainability on campus.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| Promoting Cultural Sustainability and Representation | 300+ total attendees engaged in cultural performances and workshops | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Supporting High School Outreach and Education | 200+ high school students participate in academic, cultural and professional workshops | Undergraduate, Graduate, Academic staff |
Communication tactics and tools
Our communication strategy includes:
- Social Media & Digital Marketing: PSA will use its primary platforms, Instagram (@psa_uw) and TikTok (@psa_uw), to share event updates, behind-the-scenes content, and promotional materials.
- Email & Newsletters: We will distribute event details to registered/attending high schools, volunteers, PSA members, and the UW community to maximize engagement.
- Campus Postering & Banners: A custom Poly Day banner and printed posters will be displayed across campus to enhance visibility.
- Tabling & Word-of-Mouth: We will table in high-traffic areas like Red Square and the Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC) to engage students directly.
- In-Person Promotion: Members will present at PSA meetings and student org gatherings to encourage participation.
These methods will ensure a broad and diverse reach, making Poly Day a widely recognized campus event.
Outreach communication plan
Our outreach strategy will focus on engaging the UW community through targeted communication efforts that highlight Poly Day’s impact on cultural sustainability. We will collaborate with the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC), OMA&D, First Nations @ UW, and Pacific Islander student organizations to ensure widespread awareness and participation. Our efforts will also extend to local high schools, encouraging Pacific Islander youth to engage with higher education spaces. By showcasing Poly Day’s contributions to sustainability and representation, we aim to create lasting connections between students, faculty, and the broader Pacific Islander community.
Student involvement
Poly Day offers multiple opportunities for student professional development. Volunteers will gain experience in event planning, community organizing, and cultural advocacy. Students will also have leadership roles in coordinating performances, leading workshops, and managing logistics, providing hands-on experience in teamwork and project execution. Additionally, the event fosters mentorship, as Pacific Islander high school students engage with UW students and faculty. These experiences enhance students’ skills in public speaking, networking, and cultural preservation, preparing them for future leadership roles in both academic and professional spaces.