FOU: Faatasiga o Uso Celebration

Story by: Elisabeth Vaetoailefaga Fetaomi Willis Fonoti Soesoe

Yesterday, I had the honor of representing the Office of Samoan Affairs at the 5th Anniversary celebration of the FOU Movement, founded by Mr. Tino Luafalemana. From the moment of my arrival, I was received with profound respect and warmth that reflected the deep admiration held for Director June Pouesi of the Office of Samoan Affairs, and her unwavering commitment, compassion, and love for the mission of the FOU Movement. Her tireless efforts to build meaningful bridges between community leadership and reformed individuals striving for restoration were clearly evident. I, too, was embraced with gracious kindness and treated with tender care. I felt deeply honored and sincerely valued. A gentleman named Bell warmly greeted me. The environment embodied a distinctly Polynesian spirit — calm, welcoming, and dignified — reflecting the cultural grace extended within our community.

The F.O.U. Movement is comprise of individuals whose earlier lives were marked by gang involvement and incarceration during past decades. Today, they stand as living testimonies of transformation. With renewed purpose, they actively seek to uplift members of our Samoan community — adult men and women, as well as our youth within juvenile correctional centers and individuals housed in adult correctional institutions throughout the South Bay region. Their outreach extends beyond institutional walls, offering mentorship, accountability, and spiritual encouragement designed to guide individuals toward becoming responsible, peace-centered citizens. 

Also present were respected representatives from the South Bay region, including members affiliated with Kanaaka API RISE in Los Angeles, CA, Gaynor Siataga of S.A.L.T. Foundation, and Elanor Lefeti of Shebliss Org Movement are from the Bay Area, San Francisco and Oakland. The guest speaker, the Principal of Carson High School in Carson, California, spoke candidly about the role the FOU Movement has played in supporting her school community. She described them as “guardian angels” during moments of racial tension among students. Referencing a recent situation that brought public attention to conflict between Black and Samoan youth, she shared that the FOU Movement has repeatedly provided a trusted presence and practical tools to help foster understanding, de-escalate hostility, and restore peace within the educational environment.

Speakers emphasized their commitment to redefining mission and values in alignment with God’s will and higher purpose. Mentorship, faith-based guidance, cultural grounding, and restorative leadership were consistently identified as essential instruments for long-term prevention and healing.

When I was invited to share words on behalf of Director June Pouesi, I spoke from a place of lived experience and sincere conviction. I shared my own journey as a widow and single mother who experienced emotional, physical, and societal hardship after the sudden loss of my husband. Yet it was through faith — and through the compassionate support of culturally rooted institutions such as the Office of Samoan Affairs — that I found restoration and strength.

I expressed that love, the very principle taught and lived by Jesus, remains the most powerful force for transformation. Love has the capacity to transform. In my darkest moments, the support of my own people became a manifestation of grace. I reminded those gathered that authentic reform is sustained through collective responsibility, cultural humility, and unwavering faith. Just as June continues to serve with steadfast devotion, she too merits the unified encouragement and partnership of the broader community.  

Scripture reminds us, “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” This truth compels us to rise with courage, to stand in the light of divine purpose, and to protect our children who too often face exploitation, manipulation, division, and violence. We are being summoned to walk in unity, as if marching alongside Saint Michael and his legions of angels, safeguarding the future of our families and communities. It is through collective movements of restoration — such as the FOU Movement, the leadership of Ms. Tagata with Asian Pacific Islanders, the dedication of S.A.L.T., and Elle’s Movement under the prestigious umbrella of our Big Sister, Ms. June Pouesi, whose diligent mission and visionary programs continue to address the betterment of diverse community challenges — that we march forward with spiritual courage toward the calling of Jesus Christ. The time for healing, courageous love, responsibility, and faithful action is now.

My sincere gratitude for an uplifting evening, to the board members of “Fa’atasiga O USO” (F.O.U.) Movement: Chairman, Bell Taulua; Vice Chairman: Tino Luafalemana; Treasure Sal Moimoi; Sergeant of Arms: Mark Lilomaiava; Secretary: Sika Tuli; Director of Reentry: Raider Seau; Director of Recovery Nelson Saelo; Director of Youth Outreach-Yuti Tuvalu; and all their significant others for a wonderful, inspirational and spiritual event.