{"id":17829,"date":"2011-03-15T22:25:12","date_gmt":"2011-03-16T02:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jetwit.com\/wordpress\/?p=17829"},"modified":"2011-03-15T22:25:12","modified_gmt":"2011-03-16T02:25:12","slug":"earthquake-volunteer-information-for-people-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jetwit.com\/wordpress\/2011\/03\/15\/earthquake-volunteer-information-for-people-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Earthquake: Volunteer Information for People in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Via AJET Website.\u00a0 Thanks to JET Mike Maher-King (Fukui) of Smile Kids Japan for all his efforts with this:<\/em><\/p>\n

http:\/\/ajet.net\/lang\/en\/2011\/03\/16\/volunteer-information-for-people-in-japan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

AJET and Smile Kids Japan, with support from the JetWit JET alumni translators and interpreters group, have compiled a list of prefectural volunteer organisations (PVOs) mobilising volunteer groups to do ground work in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The list of PVOs can be found below.<\/p>\n

The current state of affected areas in the Tohoku region is still being assessed. Until a final assessment has been made, no volunteers will be allowed into those areas. Because PVOs are being formed on a prefectural level, each prefecture is at a different stage in organisation. This list will be updated frequently so please keep checking back here for the latest news about your prefecture.<\/p>\n

Although we recommend that JETs in unaffected areas stay safe at home, we know many of you have volunteer experience and want to get involved at ground level. We highly recommend that interested volunteers contact their PVO before contacting any NGOs. PVOs are prepared to work with large numbers of untrained volunteers and know how to create safe, secure ways to volunteer in Tohoku; most NGOs cannot do this as effectively. In addition, by working with your PVO, you will be helping the affected areas rebuild themselves while promoting grassroots internationalization by bonding with your local prefectural volunteers.<\/p>\n

We must also remind all JETs that you are under contract. Your role in Japan is first and foremost as an educator or community relations officer. If your contracting organisation or school asks you not to volunteer, you must not go. Also, as a JET you should only be volunteering your time during school holidays. \u00a0Keep in mind that relief efforts are going to take many months; even if you cannot get permission to volunteer now there may be other opportunities to volunteer during Golden Week, summer holidays and beyond.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

Should you volunteer away from home?<\/strong><\/h4>\n