NYdV News
Volunteerism in NYC

Greeting from Executive Director

History of NYdV

Happy Anniversary

Our Future

You are the HERO
Ms. Chie Kobayashi

Activity Report
5/28 APICHA Packing
6/17, 7/8 JETAA Conversation Companion
7/23 Japan/America Cultural Exchange Softball Game
8/28 Volunteer for Japanese Festival

NYdV @ Media
English Conversation:
Enjoy Speaking"
The Big Issue
NY Walker

Message Connextion Bracelets

Back Number

Summer 2005 (Vol.4)

Let's make a difference with NYdV

News Volunteerism in NYC

This spring The New York City Volunteer Center and United Way have come together to create "VolunteerNYC.org", an online information source which has made searching for volunteer opportunities in New York City much easier.

Tuesday, June 14th, in celebration of Volunteerism in NYC, the City hosted a party at Gracie Mansion. (The mayorﾕs official residence; near the East River) We are really honor to attend such a gathering with leading figures of Volunteer NPOs such as City Year, NY Cares.

Mayor Bloomberg spoke about how useful volunteering can be for promoting mutual understanding amongst the great variety of New Yorkers.

This recognition reminded me of our purpose here; that Japanese minority groups, such as NYdV, by providing volunteer activities, help to perpetuate elements of international exchange through an interactive introduction to Japan and its culture.

Greetings from NYdV

Thank you for your continued warmth and support. According to the study about Foreign Born Residents in New York, many Japanese have some difficulty with communicating in English but their educational and/or economic level is relatively high.

Many of these people who participate in volunteering for the first time are very worried that their English is still limited, which will present an obstacle. They feel ashamed about having little or no skill in English. On the day of the event, however, they do such a wonderful job that other organizations have expressed their gratitude at how well mannered and conscientious in their work these volunteers are.

Of course, I think that it is easier to volunteer if you have a high English skill because it expands the range of volunteer work in which you are able to perform. However, English is only one method of communication tools; and I feel that to put aside oneﾕs own self consciousness in order to care for others who need help is a very noble thing indeed. Those who have benefited from the efforts of this organization have expressed their heart-felt appreciation to these Japanese volunteers who have come to New York to offer their contributions.

Some volunteers, who not being accustomed to life in America, had almost lost their confidence in themselves. These volunteers encouraged by receiving gratitude from the people they helped, which makes them reevaluate their self-worth. Thus, under the pressures and stress of living a restricted life in New York, they discovered how simple little words like "Thank you" could refresh the mind and encourage them to become positive and achieve their individual goals.

We, NYdV, are not about simply planning for one-day volunteer activity but are focused on affecting long-term change and improvements within our community. We always ask the question, "What is human value?" We continually pursue the happiness of people and what constitutes happiness amongst peoples of various backgrounds who have differing views and values.

Fall and winter are very important seasons for NPOs (non-profit organizations), as it is a time to raise funds to continue our operations. NYdV is preparing projects to request support from corporations and will be applying for a grant to further aid us in our goals. Also, we will be holding a fund raising party in December. As soon as all of the details have been decided, we will inform you. In the meantime, please continue to support us. Thank You.

Noriko Hino, Executive Director NY de Volunteer Inc. Noriko Hino
Executive Director, NY de Volunteer Inc.

NYdV Activity Reports 2005 1-4

5/16-9/2	Volunteer Gallery Assistant at Japanese Club Sunday
5/22	5/22 23 "Beautify New York" organized by Beautify Japan Association Saturday
5/28	5/28 APICHA Packing Saturday
6/4	6/4 Soup Kitchen Volunteer Friday
6/19	6/17 Ministry of Foreign Affairs JETAA Program: Japanese Conversation and Companionship with Americans Sunday
6/17	6/19 APICHA Packing Sunday
6/19	6/19 Senior Citizens Prom Party Thursday
6/23	6/23 Softball Practice for Mentally Disabled Monday
7/4	7/4 Independence Day Concert Friday
7/8	7/8 Ministry of Foreign Affairs JETAA Program: Japanese Conversation and Companionship with Americans Sunday
7/10	7/10 Introduction to Japanese Culture by Origami Saturday
7/23	7/23 Japan/America Cultural Exchange Softball Game Friday
8/5	8/5 60th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for Atomic Bomb Victims Wednesday
8/24	8/24 Group Hearing Sunday
8/28	8/28 Volunteer for Japanese Festival

Total number of participated volunteers:	100
Total number of subscribers of mailing list:	1070
Total number of messages sent/posted:	25
Total number of web visits:	403540 hits

You Are Our HEROS

NYdV's projects are coordinated with the efforts of one full-time employee and about twenty volunteer staff members. This time, as our featured HEROES, we would like to introduce two essential members of our operating staff.

Development Director: Ms. Chie Kobayashi

Hello Everyone. Iﾕm Chie of NYdVﾕs staff. My first meeting with this organization came after a former room-mate of mine brought home a business card from NYdV executive director, Noriko Hino and introduced me to this very interesting Japanese woman.

Volunteering seemed to me a very way to kill two birds with one stone; it was a good opportunity for self-learning while contributing to the community. So, I called Ms. Hino and thus began my NYdV life. After meeting with her, I was appointed to the position of Development Director, the duties of which I fulfill once or twice a week. I am working to the utmost of my ability to perform my tasks as best as I can while also working a full-time job.

The Development department helps to raise funding to be able to carry out the NPOﾕs mission. This can often be a very difficult task, as we are usually working without pay and dealing with a budget deficit.

Occasionally, NYdV sends volunteer experience group expedition parties off to work with other New York NPOs. Thanks to everybodyﾕs effort, we customarily overcome race and culture and appreciate from the bottom of their heart and say things like, "You did an unbelievable job. Thank you."

For Americans, NPOs have been part of their existence since childhood so they understand what they mean to society and are accustomed to volunteering. Or, in the case that the are unavailable to volunteer, they are usually ready to offer support in other ways like, " This time I canﾕt volunteer so Iﾕll make a donation."

For Japanese, however, they are usually not as accustomed to this. But, I think that if the over 50,000 of New Yorkﾕs Japanese residents made themselves available to volunteer, the impact to our society would be immeasurable.

We, NYdV, aim to help those new to begin volunteering in the community where we need to understand different language and culture. I believe that NYdVﾕs activities are useful for community as well as volunteers to have wonderful experiences here, in New York.

I hope NYdV will become an NPO which Japanese people in America are really proud of. We appreciate your continuing support for our activities.

May 28 　APICHA Packing

Iﾕm Michiko of NYdV staff. This is an activity report of packing volunteer of APICHA on May 28th.

* Summary of the day

APICHA is an Asian non-profit organization provides education about HIV/AIDS infection and offers information about clinics. We packed SSK (Safety Sex Kit) for a free distribution at public places and events such as the Gay Pride Parade and at bars.

The SSK consists of condoms, lubricant, check-up information and APICHAﾕs information in addition to written information about AIDS. These products are all contained in individual plastic bags. Prior to the packaging of these bags, there was a workshop with the topic of discussion was the existence of the many different types of STDs and their causes.

We heard that New York City ranks higher than other state in America for HIV/AIDS infected people. Many factors contribute to this problem, among those are: the size of the population and the co-existence of many different races, a large number of people engaged in homosexual and/or bi-sexual relations and difficult economic situations.

Educators told us that it is important that we remember that STDs and HIV/AIDS are preventable and that regular check-ups with a gynecologist can be useful. These words were all very helpful and convincing.

While preparing the SSKs, we discussed the problem at great length and due to the skill of our small group of participants, were able to produce more kits than we had anticipated. All in all I felt that it was a very good experience.

*Comments from Volunteer Participants

	"It was a very good experience to learn the detailed information about HIV, AIDS and STDs. I satisfied that I had participated in this activity because I learned a lot about a part of society of which I had previously little knowledge."
	"Although I did have fun preparing the SSKs, I also was aware of the fact that there is often much misunderstanding surrounding HIV/AIDS. I hope that people realize that it is possibly for anyone to be infected by STDs."
	"Before joining this project, I had only a vague idea about HIV/AIDS as some scary disease. Afterwards, I felt confident in my knowledge of what the problem is and how to deal with it."

June 17, July 8: JETAA Japanese Language Conversation Companion for Americans

Hello, this is Noriko. We recently held a volunteer activity to teach Japanese to Americans who are planning to live in Japan as English teachers. This program which is aimed at preparing these teachers for life in Japan, was sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs JETAA (JET Alumni Association)

"I enjoyed this volunteer activity. There were various types of Americans who didnﾕt know anything about life in Japan and who were trying so very hard to learn Japanese. Their faces seemed full of anxiety that I was reminded of how I felt in my early days of living in America. It was a good moment for me, remembering my younger days and the many supportive American friends. "I think it is important to remember that we can achieve anything that we wish, if only we have the courage to leap forward into the new world. I would be happy if each one of these people returned to America liking Japan. I had a wonderful time through this activity. Thank you all very much."

"I enjoyed this event without worry because we had received enough information at the previous meeting on Tuesday, July 5th. When I saw these Americans, who will soon begin their journey to Japan, and the expressions of serious enthusiasm upon their faces, it made me recall my first beginnings here in America. I am planning to return to Japan next year, so until then, I want to study and expand my knowledge by volunteering with NYdV."

July 23: Japan/America Cultural Exchange Softball Game

Hello, everyone. This is Emiko of NYdV staff. This is an activity report of the softball game on July 23rd.

JETAA, which some of you may know from other events that they have sponsored, such as "The Japanese Language Only Dinner Parties", hosted this softball competition. Members of JETAA, NYdV and many other Japanese-American corporations participated. Special thanks to CLAIR NY for lending us equipment and agreeing to referee the games. They really took care of us well.

On the day of the event, there were 10 teams competing in this softball tournament. It began from early morning with practice playing catch. It was a very friendly atmosphere and we all had an enjoyable and fun summer day. 2 out of 3 opponent teams remained among the best 4. In the end, because of a bad card, we lost three consecutive games. However, we did try our best and lost the final game by only one point.

I believe that all of the participants enjoyed the sensation of meeting the challenge and competing against their opponents as a team. It was also good exercise; I worked up a sweat and was left with a pleasant, tired feeling. As for my teammates and opponents, I sensed a real solidarity upon first meeting these people. There were many voices encouraging us all to practice and try harder for next yearﾕs game.
* Comments from Volunteer Participants

	"I think that this (volunteering) forms a common bond that overcomes the barriers of different races, languages, gender and daily discontents. This strengthens our sense of pride and our hope that each New Yorker can help support our society in the future."
	"I was glad when people who came to the park thanked us. Everyone worked together to make the park really sparkle."
	"It's been a long time since I have had such a good work-out. My body feels so refreshed."

August 28: Volunteer for Japanese Festival

This is Ayako of NYdV staff. This is a report on the teaching of Origami and calligraphy at the Japanese Festival.

A good number of vendors were in attendance offering traditional cultural products and activities such as catching goldfish. There were also many street performances, which included a Buddhist drummer, sword-fighting and martial arts performances and Mikoshi, a portable shrine.

The festival was held in a small section of St Markﾕs Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A. We were in charge of introducing Japanese culture. We set up our booth in the center of the area and provided people with a free instruction of origami and calligraphy; which by now has become synonymous with Japanese culture. We taught people how to make cranes or frogs, penguins and warrior helmets. We also wrote their names and some Japanese vocabulary together by traditional brush painting. Regardless of age, or gender, many people enjoyed this activity.

There were children who were accompanied by their father, who seemed to be more fascinated by origami than they were. Meanwhile many repeat visitor returned to our table calling out, "Weﾕre back!" Also there was one boy who did not want to leave and kept his mother waiting more than 30 minutes. According to her, her son, "loves origami and especially likes to make paper cranes. There are so many paper cranes in their apartment that it has become a problem. (His goal is 1000 cranes!)

They happened to find the festival while visiting Manhattan from their home upstate. When her son first discovered NYdVﾕs booth, came running over while yelling "origami!" His mother was worried about so much time passing by while watching her son who completely absorbed in origami. She was however, at the same time, very impressed Japanese traditional culture. She said, "to know a different country well would be a great thing!"

Another party of participants, three close friends, were visiting this festival from Westchester. They love Japanese culture and so are currently studying Japanese language. That day, they enjoyed trying on yukata and eating yakitori and also doing origami and calligraphy at our booth. One of them eagerly wanted to make origami until he masters it. It was fitting that for his attempt at calligraphy that he wrote "effort". The group left in good spirits and said "Arigato (thank you)" to us as they went. Thank you too!

It was a long hour but the volunteers participated with joy. "It was more people than I expected. Everyone was really into it." " It was a lot of fun! I was able to develop a rapport with the people and at the same time enjoy the festival. " It was such a short time to form individual connections, but volunteer participants and staff each experienced a once and a life time chance to share joy with others.

NYdV@ Media

NYdV has been featured in the following media!

"Dream Come True in NY", English Conversation - Enjoy Speaking, NHK Publishing.

"Your Issue: Facility of Social Return in New York", The Big Issue, Vol. 5.1.

"Your Issue: Stick to it! Young Challengers in New York", The Big Issue, Vol. 3.1.

"NYdV delegate Ms. Noriko Hino chosen to be expert of living by Cabinet Office", NY Walker, Vol. 4.28.

"Stray Notes - Yamashiro: social entrepreneur", Professor Takushi Kawamoto (Kyoto Bunkyo University), The Kyoto Shimbun News, August 26th.

"Introducing Ms. Noriko Hino: A Japanese Womanﾕs Perseverance in New York", KSEN, Kyoto Social Entrepreneur Network (website), Vol. 6.

"Charity & Volunteer", iseeNY (website) .

NY de Volunteer Promotional Video aired
every Tuesday at 8:30pm on Ch. 57
(MNN, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Time Warner Cable).
#1 Visiting Green Chimneys
#2 JETTA New Yearﾕs Party for Japanese/American Cultural Exchange and Park Clean-Up Activity
#3 Cafe de Volunteer and Campus Clean-Up Activity
#4 Ceremony of Floating Lanterns for victims of 9/11
#5 International Cultural Parade
#6 Cultural Introduction by Japanese Festival

Message Connextion Bracelets

In cooperation with the Online shop "Cose belle", which sells underwear for breast cancer patients, we now sell NYdV goods online as part of our fund raising. Our "Message Connextion Bracelet," has been introduced in fashion magazines such as Vogue and InStyle. They have also been popular among celebrities. The bracelets are fashionable and come with a case where message plates and photographs can be inserted.

A NYdV original message plate is included.

Front:

Share Love.
Be Happy.

Back:

NYdV

choose envelope from three types
B1000-02	B3075-01	B-2000

$60.00	$65.00	$50.00

(20% of sales will be donated to NYdV. )

Shop online at: http://cosebelle-ny.com/connextioncases2.asp

Support NYdV

Please Support NYdV!

In order for us to keep on running our programs, it is essential to have sufficient operational funds. By giving us contributions, you will be able to participate in educating our community and building a society where individuals can make their own social contributions. Why don't you join NYdV to create a better society?

Please support us: (All contributions are tax deductible.)

Please send checks for donation!

$25, $50, $100, 300, 500, 1000 and any amount you want,

Make checks payable to:
NY de Volunteer, Inc.;
601 West 110th Street Suite10K5,
New York, NY 10025

Please donate to us through the Internet.

Click the left button!
You can use the Web site, Network for Good!
You can donate through the Internet securely and easily!

　

We Are Very Grateful For Your Support!