Since the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the word “volunteer” has appeared daily in the news and on social media.
Volunteering may seem daunting, but apparently you can start little by little, doing what you can.
The “FY2023 Kurashiki Volunteer Festival,” an event designed to be a starting point for experiencing volunteering, will be held on February 25, 2024.
The information shown was current when this article was published in February 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the Kurashiki Volunteer Festival?
The FY2023 Kurashiki Volunteer Festival will be held on February 25, 2024.
It will take place at Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza in Sasaoki, Kurashiki City.
The event has two parts. The first half will be a talk session on the theme “Let’s talk about volunteering today! — Turning what you want to do into reality,” and the second half will be a networking event where attendees can visit hands-on activity booths run by volunteer groups.
The FY2022 Kurashiki Volunteer Festival
These photos show last year’s (FY2022) Volunteer Festival.
Last year, the first half was a lecture, followed by a networking event.
Apparently, some people started learning sign language or Braille after being inspired by the networking event.
Interview with the organizer
We spoke with Ukita Yoshimitsu of the Kurashiki City Council of Social Welfare, a social welfare corporation, about the FY2023 Kurashiki Volunteer Festival.
What is the aim of the “Kurashiki Volunteer Festival”?
Ukita (name omitted)
There are two main aims: to help people who want to start volunteering learn about the kinds of activities available, and to help those who already volunteer discover new places to get involved.
Many people may think volunteering is difficult. It’s true that some activities, such as sign language and Braille, require specialized knowledge. Many people enjoy gaining this knowledge, finding it gives them a sense of purpose and broadens their horizons.
There are also nursing homes looking for people to play mahjong or shogi with their residents. Some people have become deeply involved in volunteering because they are so happy that simply going to play a game can help someone.
I hope this will be a starting point for people to learn that volunteering comes in many forms.
What is the highlight of this year’s (FY2023) festival?
Ukita
In previous years, the event was also divided into two parts, but the first half consisted of participants listening to a lecture.
This year, however, we decided to hold a talk session instead of a lecture. That is the biggest change.
A “talk session” features several panelists (speakers). Who will be taking part?
Ukita
We plan to invite organizations that accept volunteers to take part.
We want to facilitate a discussion in which supporters in the audience can talk about what they enjoyed about volunteering, and the organizations can share what they appreciated about welcoming volunteers.
It should be an opportunity for people to learn about the more real side of volunteering.
What will the networking event in the second half involve?
Ukita
The networking event is held every year.
In addition to four hands-on volunteer booths (Braille, reading aloud, summary writing, and sign language), there will be booths for volunteer registration, consultations about the “Iki Iki Points Program,” and a community support matching corner.
Collect stamps at each booth to receive a prize, so be sure to join the stamp rally too.
What kind of program is the Iki Iki Points Program?
The Iki Iki Points Program is a system in which people volunteer at long-term care insurance facilities and receive accumulated points as a grant in accordance with their volunteer work.
It is open to Kurashiki City residents aged 40 or older who have not been certified as requiring long-term care.
The number of registered participants has fallen to one-third of its peak due to the spread of COVID-19, so I hope more people will register.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Ukita
You can easily start volunteering whenever you can, doing as much as you can.
Please come along and look for a new hobby or sense of purpose.
From the Writer
I have a hearing impairment, so when I was a student, volunteers who provided summary writing helped me follow lectures.
Because no money changed hands, we could make the activities more enjoyable by freely sharing our knowledge and skills. I have fond memories of that time, and I’m still close with the people I volunteered with back then.
On the day of the festival, walk-ins are very welcome, with no advance registration required.
Why not visit the Kurashiki Volunteer Festival as a chance to find a hobby, a sense of purpose, and new friends?
Articles about the Kurashiki City Council of Social Welfare
2023 Kurashiki Volunteer Convention Information
| Name | 2023 Kurashiki Volunteer Convention |
|---|---|
| Date | February 25, 2024, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. |
| Location | 180 Sasaoki, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kurashiki City Council of Social Welfare |
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