President's Volunteer Service Award

The SFKAHM has been officially designated as a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). This means that individuals who volunteer at the SFKAHM can now receive the PVSA. In line with this, the museum has launched a youth volunteer organization called 'Dosan' to offer various volunteer opportunities to young people.

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Dosan' is named after Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, a pioneering figure in Korea’s independence movement, an educator, and a nationalist. The name "Dosan" means "Far Island," and it is derived from an experience Ahn Chang-ho had in 1902 when he first saw the island of Hawaii from a ship on his way to America, where it appeared to him like a large mountain. This name reflects his passionate dedication to Korean nationalism, the struggle for independence, and the hope for a brighter future. It also carries the message of becoming a person who gives hope and courage to others.

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The SFKAHM has prepared a system that allows Korean-American youth to engage in volunteer activities in areas that were previously limited within the Korean community. The museum’s goal is to create opportunities for personal growth through volunteering while also contributing to society. It hopes that these efforts will help youth become sources of hope and courage in the mainstream society, the Korean-American community, and other communities.

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* Program Structure

• Providing various volunteer programs via the museum’s website

• Creating and managing a volunteer record database for award eligibility

• Activating volunteer clubs and building a community through overseas volunteer group recruitment

• Regular meetings with volunteers to promote understanding and collaboration

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* Volunteer Programs

The following programs are available for volunteers:

• Creation of promotional videos and cartoons about Korean-American immigration history

• Composing music related to Dosan and the museum’s themes

• Conducting, filming, editing, and producing interviews with key figures in Korean-American immigration history

• Various community service.

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* Eligibility

• The program is open to anyone interested in the history of Korean immigration to the U.S., including children and adults, both in the U.S. and internationally.

• Anyone wishing to participate in volunteer activities is eligible to apply.

* Recruitment period : From August every year

* volunteer hours : Every year from September to August of the following year (based on 12 months) – the hours of recognition of service for each program shall be in accordance with the standards set by the museum. (EX : American immigration shorts video production - 20 hours )

* Age and Service Hours Category: Applicants must complete certain service hours within one year. Applicants for the Lifetime Achievement Award must meet the accumulated time conditions they have accumulated over several years.