skylines 2009 planning meeting

Friday December 12, 7:00pm ~ ?
PSC/Skylines 2009 Volunteer Team Meeting + Bonenkai
Topics to discuss: PR and outreach, NPO selection
Contact Skillsbuild@gmail.com by Dec 10 to RSVP or for more details.

planning meeting

PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting

Saturday, Nov 8, 12:30 – 2:00

Location: Tully's Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=24

Conact skillsbuild@gmail.com to confirm participation

PSC monthly networking event April 25

Friday April 25, 2008. 7:00pm to 9:00pm
- at the Amnesty International (AI) photo exhibition
Location: Ben's Café in Takadanobaba, Tokyo.
1-29-21 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. 03-3202-2445
Map at http://www.benscafe.com/

Cost: pay as you go.
Contact skillsbuild@gmail.com before April 24 if you want more info.

PSC Volunteer Meeting

Saturday, January 26, 10:30-12noon
2008 event planning
Location: Tully's, in front of Yoyogi Station North Exit
Confirm participation by Jan 24
Contact skillsbuild@gmail.com for more details

Forum 10 - panel report

by Damion Mannings

30 September 2007 was a rainy Sunday that didn't dampen the energy at the 10th People for Social Change (PSC) forum on Disaster Prevention. New and familiar faces came to learn about the cause and skills necessary to sustain NGOs in this mission. The panelists' overview of their respective organizations detailed the process of rebuilding after natural disasters strike.

Peace Winds Japan
Masaharu (Marc) Saito, representing Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), talked about the eleven year old organization's role in providing domestic and international relief. As of 2006, PWJ has a recorded 2.7 million recipients in sixteen countries. In September of 2007, PWJ became active in six countries. Most importantly, PWJ was on the scene after the Niigata earthquake earlier this year. Flexibility remains a strong point of the organization which doesn't discriminate if support is needed in Northern Pakistan or New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina.

PWJ provides humanitarian assistance for reconstruction. Mr Saito stressed that the organization's focus is to exclusively respond to emergencies. What does that entail? Distributing essentials like shelter (tents), reinforcements (food and water) and medical equipment. Upon arrival at the location of an earthquake or flood, PWJ does a needs assessment and responds accordingly. Commodities provide the energy required to mobilize those affected. Removing debris is less daunting when there is food and shelter throughout the day.


PWJ's website has more information. Helping out is easy. You can donate frequent flyer miles--which benefits the ever mobile PWJ staff. There is an online clicking feature on the site which contributes to funding. If you apply for a JCB credit card a percentage is donated to PWJ. And, you can shop fair trade at PWJ and Yahoo. We may not be able to lend a hand but a click definitely counts.


JEN
Ai Tanaka, the program officer at JEN, gave a charismatic presentation about her desire to be a part of social change. She shared about her educational administration background, studying in the States and working for the UN. It is interesting how her convictions led to her current position.

Ms. Tanaka clarified that JEN is the new name after formerly being recognized as Japan Emergency NGOs. Her overview included the organization's inception in 1994, in the former Yugoslavia and its mission to meet local needs in conflict countries. Education and water/sanitation are top priorities with a focus on self-reliance and psycho-social care. Women and children remain primary recipients.

Visuals were on hand to show the after effects of the Niigata earthquake. It was touching to see and hear about locals at the Nishiyama shelter, who were mostly displaced seniors living alone. The pictures of seniors and youngsters conveyed that inter-generational bonds, especially in times of crises, restore the heart and faith in moving ahead.

Issues after the earthquake required solutions for gaps within affected communities: care for elderly above the age of 65--more than half the population; and, most importantly, providing the psychosocial remedies to deal with a "complex cultural context" in which the elderly are reticent about their problems. Mental difficulties like fear, anxiety and depression often persist after earthquakes.

Action post-disaster is to deploy volunteers who help out as needed. Ms. Tanaka concluded that mental stress is often eased through sharing concerns. Also, when genuine needs are elicited local needs are enhanced. For JEN, rebuilding is contingent upon knowing, acting, and sharing.

If your library is collecting dust at home donate them to JEN. Proceeds from books help fund their on-going projects.

Medecins du Monde Japon
If the pen is mightier than the sword Prune Helfter of Medecins du Monde Japon (MdMJ) exemplifies that a well-rounded academic career can prepare anyone to spearhead a mission for social change. The third panelist at the Disaster Prevention forum, Ms. Helfter was keen on sharing how her academic and business skills have been instrumental in the NGO sector where increasing professionalism and accountability guarantee trust, especially in donors.

Established in France in 1980 and in Japan in 1995 after the much-mentioned Kobe earthquake, MdMJ is an international network of physicians and 1,200 volunteers engaged in 300 projects, in 100 countries. MdMJ's goals are two-fold. First, to provide medical care to vulnerable populations: victims of poverty, famine, etc. Also, via the delivery of medication and in reconstructing medical structures. And second, to bear witness--without being mere spectators but in denouncing human rights violations and bringing experience back from the field.

Advocacy campaigns executed by MdMJ are in accordance with attaining the (somewhat elusive) Millennium Development Goals. Eliminating violence against women is paramount, as well as providing migrants with access to health care. When skilled health care providers gain know-how in developing areas they often seek opportunities in the U.K. or the States. As a result, fighting medical 'brain drain' is crucial in restoring the well being of a people and their nation.


Effective outreach areas are in health and nutrition as well as HIV prevention. In order to reach those below the radar of resources, MdMJ conducts fund-raising events and accepts donations, as well as volunteer administrative support in French and Japanese. If global health is your passion, you can travel as a volunteer, purchase NGO products or submit innovative ideas.

Save the Children Japan
Hiroshi Miyashita closed the presentations with a thorough overview of Save the Children Japan (SCJ). Based in Myanmar for three years until mid-2007, Mr. Miyashita talked passionately about fighting for children's rights. Simultaneously with his talk, monks were being massacred in a tropical junta, the place where he had recently served.

Founded in 1919, SC promotes children's rights in over 120 countries. Education, Mother/Child Medical Care/Nutrition, Children with HIV/AIDS and Emergency Response to Conflict Areas are the organizations focus. In regions like Nepal, the aforementioned Myanmar, Vietnam and Afghanistan, Micro Credit is also utilized in SC's agenda for empowering recipients.

Mr. Miyashita said the issue of child brides is a big concern. Involving communities, governments, children and parents create more awareness. Speaking Out, a SC campaign, has proven to be successful in advocating children's rights internationally. Speaking Out uses children's voices, stories and photos in a multi-media context to articulate their struggles and aspirations. Volunteers participating with Speaking Out play games and do group work with the children. Speaking Out is a form of therapeutic art, or a creative outlet, that quells harrowing experiences while rebuilding self-confidence and esteem.

Like PWJ, SC collaborates with Northwest Airlines for mileage donations. Interested? You can intern, volunteer or use your credit card to support their honorable missions and/or make donations.

Get involved!

MOVING FORWARD
The Disaster Prevention forum closed with Q&As and group discussions. Among other topics, the audience was curious about the panelists' role in responding to crises, how fundraising was managed, and the relationship between the Japanese government and NGOs regarding controversial areas like North Korea that sometimes need support. The 10th PSC forum was also relevant considering the frequent reminders in Tokyo media about the anticipated Kanto earthquake. As observers, disaster footage in the media is usually unsettling. The panelists' experience revealed that preparing for the unexpected goes beyond our emergency kits. Rebuilding our homes, communities and lives will depend not only on our prowess, but how we support each other.

October volunteer meeting

Saturday, Oct 27, 10:30 – 12:00

Discussion topics:
Nov 3 event - pr and day of help
Nov 16 event - pr and day of help
Dec event - theme and goals
January event ideas - volunteer roundtable, matching event etc.

Location: Tully's Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=24

Conact skillsbuild@gmail.com to confirm participation

Volunteer for the Sept 30 Forum!

PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting

We ask everyone interested in helping with Forum 10 to join us to review the schedule:
Saturday, Sept 15, 10:30 – 12:00

Location: Tully's Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=24

Conact skillsbuild@gmail.com to confirm participation

Forum 10: Sunday Sept 30, 2007

Schedule and program outline
9:30 Workshop Registration
10:00 ～ 12:30 Workshops*
Skill building 1: Environmental Education - Ecological footprinting in your class
Skill building 2: Motivating & retaining volunteers
* Please register early to get into the workshop of your choice.

2:00 Panel Registration
2:30 ～ 4:30 Panel Discussion: Disaster prevention & relief
Nonprofit NGO staff introduce the issues their work, their projects & how you can get involved.

4:45 ～ 5:45 Take Action!
Talk directly with panelists. Find out what you can do to make a difference.

* The forum will be in English.

Access information: Jingumae Kumin Kaikan/Community Center (神宮前区民会館) is 5-8 minutes from Harajuku (JR) and Meiji Jingumae (Chiyoda Subway) Stations. You can find directions and a map at http://gmap.jp/shop-1401.html You can also access the map from mobile phones by sending a blank email to 0334094565@gmap.jp.

Skills Building Forum 10 - Email registration - send the info below by e-mail to skillsbuild [at] gmail.com .
Name
Tel
E-Mail
Affiliation

Sessions you Will attend:
Workshop (select one) A or B __________________
Panel Discussion
Take action session

August meeting information

PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting

Saturday, August 25, 10:30 – 12:00

Location: Tully's Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=24

Agenda items –

Sept Skills Build Forum - contents, PR, preparation and volunteer needs
Conact skillsbuild@gmail.com to confirm participation

Forum 9 Photos

Sunday, June 3, 2007
Panel Discussion: Local Action on Family Issues
















(L) Kageki Asakura - Tokyo Shure: The oldest free school in Japan. http://www.shure.or.jp/english.html
(R)Chihiro Sakaeda – Resilience: An organization dealing with Domestic Violence.
http://www.resilience.jp/index2.html
















(L) Jocelyn Hasumi- The Philippine Women's League of Japan
(C) Chisato Shiba – JOICFP: Japan Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning. http://www.joicfp.or.jp/
(R) Tomoko Yoshida – QQ and Respect Campaign: Dealing with issues involving international community health education, youth and HIV-AIDS.

More Forum 9 photos

Some pix from the Forum 9 Q& A session:












A few shots from the Take Action! break out session:





.

Skills Build Forum 9 - Sunday June 3

Awareness raising and activating community involvement.
Representatives from nonprofit NGOs working with women, families and children present the issues they work on, their projects & specific things you can do to make a difference.

Speaker details are now posted - click here!

Sunday, June 3, 2007
2:00 pm to 4:45 pm
Venue: Jingumae Kumin Kaikan/Community Center (神宮前区民会館) Harajuku/Omotesando
Materials Fee: 500yen
Advanced registration by May 31 requested but not mandatory.
* Max number of people 70 - contact skillsbuild@gmail.com

Schedule for Forum 9: Sunday June 3, 2007
1:30 Registration
2:00 ~ 4:00 Panel Discussion: Local Action on Family Issues

Featured speakers:
Tomoko Yoshida – QQ and Respect Campaign: Dealing with issues involving international community health education, youth and HIV-AIDS.
Chihiro Sakaeda – Resilience: An organization dealing with Domestic Violence.
http://www.resilience.jp/index2.html
Chisato Shiba – JOICFP: Japan Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning. http://www.joicfp.or.jp/
Kageki Asakura - Tokyo Shure: The oldest free school in Japan. http://www.shure.or.jp/english.html
Jocelyn Hasumi - The Philippine Women's League of Japan
Moderator:
Sarajean Rossitto - PSC Convener, Nonprofit NGO Consultant

4:00 - 4:45 Take Action Session
Find out about next steps for action and get involved in the panelists' campaigns.

* The forum will be in English.

Access information: Jingumae Kumin Kaikan/Community Center (神宮前区民会館) is
5-8 minutes from Harajuku (JR) and Meiji Jingumae (Chiyoda Subway) Stations. You can find directions and a map at http://gmap.jp/shop-1401.html
You can also access the map from mobile phones by sending a blank email to 0334094565@gmap.jp.

Email registration form: To register, send the info below by e-mail to skillsbuild@gmail.com.
Name
Tel
E-Mail
Affiliation

PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting

Saturday, May 26, 10:30 – 12:00

Location: Tully's Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=24

Main agenda items – PR and final preparations for June 3 Forum
Contact japanias@hotmail.com for details on how you can get involved
in upcoming PSC projects!

April Action Team Meeting

Saturday, April 21, 10:30-12noon
PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting
Location: Tully’s Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=246

Agenda items:

Panel discussion - Sunday, June 3 - featuring 4 – 5 nonprofit NGOs working on diverse family issues (including DV, hikikomori, futoko, women’s employment, elders, single parents, orphans, child labour etc.)

July weekend event - Take action event - date TBA
Theme – sea/environment

Upcoming PSC Action team meetings

Sunday March 25, 10:30-12noon
PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting
Location: Tully’s Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=246Join us for the second action team meeting where will update everyone on developments, discuss spring events and assign roles to all volunteers. Another chance to get involved !

For more information, please contact Marcie at mfinck@kta.att.ne.jp

Saturday, April 21, 10:30-12noon
PSC Action Team Volunteer meeting
Location: Location: Tully’s Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=246

For more information, please contact Marcie at mfinck@kta.att.ne.jp

PSC Action Team meeting

Saturday, February 24, 2007 10 am - 12 noon
Tully’s Coffee Shop at Yoyogi Station (JR), North Exit
http://www.tullys.co.jp/store/detail.php?shop_id[]=246

Join us for the first action team meeting of the year. We will be making detailed plans for the action team events on the yearly calendar. This year we will develop 2 to 3 panel discussions as well as have several action days including a beach clean up and an event based on the theme of hunger. This is a great chance to get involved with PSC. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact Marcie at mfinck@kta.att.ne.jp

2007 Action Team schedule

March 25
- Action Team Volunteer meeting

April 21
- Action Team Volunteer meeting

May
- Panel #1 – Theme – family issues (focusing on women and children)
- Action Team Volunteer meeting - May 26

June 30
- Action Team Volunteer meeting

July
- Action event #1 theme – sea/environment – beach clean up?
- Action Team Volunteer meeting July 27

September
- Panel #2 – theme – disaster prevention and relief
- Action Team Volunteer meeting

Community volunteer events you can join

For October, PSC suppports the Run For The Cure/Walk for Life:
http://www.runforthecure.org/

This year alone, an estimated one in 30 Japanese women will develop breast
cancer and thousands will die from it. You can make a difference! October is breast cancer awareness month and Japan's Run For the Cure Foundation will be having a walk and a run from Hibiya City and around the Imperial Palace.
PSC is currently putting together a group to join in this important event. Come for a great day outdoors and have fun in the sun while you help bring awareness to breast cancer in Japan.
Join PSC in a group walk!
For more information, or to register your interest please contact Pania japanias@hotmail.com
Participation fee: ¥5000
Registration deadline: October 7, 2006.


PSC's GI-VEBAC!Community work project 3 - December –TBA.
Possible projects: Work on World Aids Day events, gather clothes and school items for those in need, do a holiday party at a shelter…your ideas are welcome.
This is in the planning phase – we need your help.
Point person: needed!
If you are interested send an email to rose.ito@gmail.com.

What is the PSC Action Team?

Get Involved - Volunteer Events to Become Active in your Community!

We often hear:
“I want to do something!”
“How can I get involved?”

Many people want to do something to make a difference but do not know where to start - here is your chance. From Sept 2006, PSC will coordinate monthly volunteer days for people who want to get involved and get their hands dirty.

Goals

• Give PSC supporters the chance to meet with NGO/NPOs and get directly involved.
• Hands-on volunteer opportunity coupled with organization introduction.
• Create new community links and opportunities for local involvement.

Details

• Each event will take anywhere from 4- 8 hours depending on the type of event.
• Before the start of the event there will be a 1-hour introduction to the nonprofit NGO and their work
• Hands on volunteer work will take 3 to 6 hours.
• Work will be followed by a 30-45 min discussion session.

Participation fees:

• 1000-8,000yen (Depending on the type of event.)
• Participants pay their own way to the venue – PSC will provide directions.
• Fees go towards PSC costs – including volunteer insurance, PR and event materials
• Projects are coordinated on a volunteer basis.

* Your ideas and efforts are both welcome and necessary to get these events off the ground!!!