Friday, August 11, 2006
Interview with Yusuke Wada, 2HJ’s New Resource Coordinator
As Second Harvest Japan enters its fourth year as an NPO, it has hired Yusuke Wada as its first paid staff. Yusuke has been involved with 2HJ for more than two years. I talked with him about his volunteer experiences and his goals as a staff member for the future of 2HJ.
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How did you get involved with 2HJ?
A friend introduced me and I first volunteered around January 2004. I’ve always been interested in philanthropic work, and during college I volunteered for four years in an after-school program for children whose parents were working. Unlike at a church where you do philanthropy because you are a Christian, at 2HJ you do it because it is a good thing to do, and that really resonated with me. So I kept on volunteering. I was working on some Saturdays, but on every free Saturday I participated as a driver or as a regular volunteer in the food distributions. As I volunteered, I really began to feel the sense that there are people in need. I’ve had various experiences doing jobs like translation and also studying for the bar exam, but I felt that there was something lifeless at for-profit businesses. I feel joy now through my activities at 2HJ.
What challenges will you be facing as a full-time staff member?
Right now, I’m communicating with domestic companies and other organizations, and also handling administrative work. At the office, I have a full day on weekdays coordinating volunteer activities, negotiating by telephone and e-mail, and having meetings and making plans with Charles. Since I also pick up and deliver food to agencies on some days, I also get out of the office at times.
As for the future, I plan to make adjustments to 2HJ’s infrastructure so it can function smoothly as an organization. Ideally, I want to help so that we can increase the number of paid staff, employ drivers and part-timers, and allow Charles to concentrate on his own work.
What words do you have for other volunteers and staff?
Charles encourages and takes up ideas from the staff and volunteers. At 2HJ, you can experience things that you wouldn’t in your regular work or student life. Please join in to experience this chance for yourself!
Yusuke spent two weeks in the U.S. from April 16 to study and experience America’s Second Harvest.
Writer: Keiko Tanaka
Photo: Carin Smolinski
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