Go For A Better World

ADVOCAcY

2025 U.S. Go Congress @ Austin, Texas

JiAt the 2025 U.S. Go Congress in Austin, Texas—the largest annual Go event in North America, where over 500 players from beginners to professional masters gather for a week of tournaments, workshops, and community—our founder Jinhoo Jake Kim was invited to lead two sessions as part of the American Go Association’s Teacher Education Workshop Series and the Teacher’s Seminar, following his recognition as the AGA Teacher of the Year. These sessions highlighted Go For A Better World’s advocacy mission in action: demonstrating how Go can be a bridge for healthy aging, intergenerational learning, and community connection nationwide.

Lecture by Jinhoo Kim: “Don’t Play Go, Live Go” July 15, 2025

In his lecture, “Don’t Just Play Go, Live Go,” Jinhoo challenged aspiring teachers to think beyond rules and techniques. He encouraged them to combine Go with their own passions and talents, showing how the game can create meaningful spaces where students, seniors, and volunteers come together. Drawing on real-world examples from Gateway to Go workshops, intergenerational programs, and school clubs, Jinhoo emphasized the power of Go to inspire curiosity, foster joy, and build community.

Teacher’s Seminar Led by Jinhoo Kim July 17, 2025

Jinhoo also led the Teacher’s Seminar, bringing together experienced educators to discuss how teaching Go must evolve to meet the needs of diverse learners across all ages. Strategies included using professional-level moves to spark beginners’ interest, teaching through storytelling and visual tools, embracing engaging media inspired by chess content online, and reframing Go as a joyful, social experience rather than an intimidating one.

Go for a cognitive health

Go Game Adaptation

We initially simplified the Go game to make it more accessible, leading to the creation of Gateway to Go. Our next step is to develop a dementia-targeted program aimed at effectively preventing or slowing the symptoms of dementia.

Age Inclusivity

While Gateway to Go is designed to introduce the game to all age groups, we will increasingly focus on promoting Go and dementia-prevention programs specifically tailored for seniors.

Cultural Diversity

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment by offering the program in multiple languages and engaging instructors and volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds.