Dance for a Cause! Sama Sama Cooperative Hosts its 12th Annual Sayawan Dance-a-Thon to Support Filipino American Youth

Get ready to move, groove, and celebrate community! Sama Sama Cooperative invites families, friends, and supporters to Sayawan 2026: Sulong Sama Sama , a family-friendly dance-a-thon fundraiser on Saturday, November 14, from 4:30–7:00 PM at Understory ( 3340 International Blvd., Oakland ).

Sayawan, meaning "dance" in Filipino, brings people of all ages together through music, movement, and the spirit of kapwa —our shared humanity and interconnectedness. Sama Sama means “all together” in Tagalog. Proceeds from Sayawan will benefit the annual 4-week outdoor day summer camp for youth ages 5-14 in the East Bay and San Francisco. Rooted in culture, ecology, and social justice , Sama Sama Cooperative fosters deep connections to Filipino language, arts, and community organizing through an environmental justice lens.

All proceeds will support Sama Sama Cooperative's Summer Camp , a unique, community-led cultural immersion program that empowers Filipino American youth through Philippine language, indigenous arts, music, dance, storytelling, and environmental education. This annual fundraiser aims to raise $25,000 to sustain this important community programming.

This lively event will feature a dynamic series of 15-minute dance workshops and music led by Sama Sama Campers and Alumni and Master Artist Al Raffy Harun of the Sama-Badjao people.

All of the SF Bay Area is invited to join this vibrant gathering, move their bodies, connect with the community, and support the future of Sama Sama Cooperative and the next generation of community leaders.

EVENT DETAILS Saturday, November 14, 2026 4:30–7:00 PM

Understory, 3340 International Blvd., Oakland, CA

Fundraising Goal: $25,000 Tickets, donations, and information: https://www.samasamacooperative.org/events

Sulong Sama Sama! Together, we move forward!