Since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2024, the word “volunteer” has been seen daily in the news and on social media.
Volunteering often seems daunting, but it appears that one can start little by little from what they can do.
An event that serves as a trigger to experience such volunteering, the “2024 Kurashiki Volunteer Conference,” will be held on February 25, 2024.
What is the Kurashiki Volunteer Conference?
The 2024 Kurashiki Volunteer Conference will be held on February 25, 2024.
The venue will be the Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza located in Sasaochi, Kurashiki City.
The event will be structured in two parts: the first half will feature a talk session themed “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Volunteering!! – Shaping What You Want to Do,” and the second half will be a networking event with experience booths run by volunteer organizations.
Overview of the 2023 Kurashiki Volunteer Conference
The photos show the 2023 Volunteer Conference.
Last year, the first half consisted of lectures, and the second half was a networking event.
Some participants started studying sign language and Braille as a result of the networking event.
Interview with the person in charge
I spoke with Yoshimitsu Ukita from the Kurashiki City Social Welfare Council about the 2024 Kurashiki Volunteer Conference.
Please tell us the aim of the “Kurashiki Volunteer Conference.”
Ukita
The main aims are to inform those who want to start volunteering about the various activities available, and to help those currently volunteering to encounter new opportunities.
Many people may have a difficult image of “volunteering.” Indeed, some activities require specialized knowledge, such as sign language and Braille. However, many find that acquiring such knowledge becomes a source of fulfillment and broadens their horizons.
Additionally, there are elderly care facilities looking for partners for games like Mahjong and Shogi. Some people find great joy in volunteering simply by going to play games, as it helps someone.
I hope this will serve as a trigger for people to learn about the various forms of volunteering available.
What are the highlights of this year's (2024) conference?
Ukita
In previous years, the event was structured in two parts, but the first half consisted of participants listening to lectures.
However, this year, instead of lectures, we will have a talk session. This will be a significant change.
The “talk session” will feature multiple panelists, correct? Who will be participating?
Ukita
We plan to have representatives from organizations that accept volunteers.
We hope to facilitate discussions where supporters in the audience can share their positive experiences of volunteering, and representatives from receiving organizations can talk about the benefits of accepting volunteers.
This should provide a more real opportunity to understand the volunteer scene.
What will the networking event entail?
Ukita
The networking event is held every year.
In addition to four volunteer experience booths (Braille, reading, summary writing, sign language), we will set up booths for volunteer registration and consultations about the “Ikigai Point System,” as well as a community support matching corner.
Participants can collect stamps at each booth to receive prizes, so please join the stamp rally as well.
What is the Ikigai Point System?
The Ikigai Point System is a system where individuals can receive monetary rewards based on the points accumulated through volunteer activities at nursing care facilities and similar places.
Eligible participants are Kurashiki City residents aged 40 and over who do not require nursing care certification.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of registered participants has decreased to one-third of its peak, so we hope to see an increase in registrations.
Please share a message with our readers.
Ukita
Volunteering can be started easily within your capacity whenever you can.
Please come and explore new hobbies and sources of fulfillment.
Conclusion
I have a hearing impairment, so during my student days, I received help from volunteers who provided summary writing during lectures.
Because there was no monetary exchange between both parties, we were able to share knowledge and skills freely and had very enjoyable experiences, and I still maintain good relationships with those friends from that time.
On the day of the conference, walk-in participation without prior registration is also welcome.
Why not visit the Kurashiki Volunteer Conference as a chance to find hobbies, sources of fulfillment, and new friends?
Article about the Kurashiki City Social Welfare Council
Data for the R5 Annual Kurashiki Volunteer Conference
| Name | R5 Annual Kurashiki Volunteer Conference |
|---|---|
| Date | February 25, 2024, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM |
| Location | 180 Sasao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Homepage | Kurashiki City Social Welfare Council |
