I
went to Spokane River Clean Up on October 1st. I have not
participated in volunteerism, so I was looking forward to joining it. Also, I
knew about this volunteerism through LCD. One of the people I interviewed
experienced this clean up. He told me about this volunteer activity and people.
It was helpful for me.
First, I communicated with some American people. There were about 600
volunteers. They were many schoolchildren, men and some women. Almost all of my
group, Black Rabbit, were schoolchildren. I was surprised about it because
there are not many schoolchildren who take part in volunteerism in Japan. I
think American children are more active than Japanese about volunteerism. I
talked to women. We talked about MFWI, Japan and this volunteerism. They took
part in this volunteerism for the first time, so they didn’t know much about
it. However, talking was exciting.
First, I communicated with some American people. There were about 600
volunteers. They were many schoolchildren, men and some women. Almost all of my
group, Black Rabbit, were schoolchildren. I was surprised about it because
there are not many schoolchildren who take part in volunteerism in Japan. I
think American children are more active than Japanese about volunteerism. I
talked to women. We talked about MFWI, Japan and this volunteerism. They took
part in this volunteerism for the first time, so they didn’t know much about
it. However, talking was exciting.
Second, I picked up much trash along the Spokane River. I picked up a
lot of glass fragments, cigarette butts, foam polystyrene, cans, bottles, bags
and two bicycles. I was surprised at the quantity of trash. It was huge.
Especially, glass fragments and cigarette butts were everywhere. I was shocked
because the Spokane River is clean and beautiful, so I want to keep the banks
clean like the river.
Third,
through this activity, I began to be interested in activity. I haven’t taken
part in activity in Japan. Also, my city doesn’t have many opportunities of activity.
However, if I have an opportunity, I want to take part in it. I thought
activity was only to help people. It is a very important thing, but I think
volunteerism makes me feel good, too. Therefore, I want to take part in
activity as much I can.
As you can see, this volunteerism was wonderful. I could experience good
things. Also, I could change my view about volunteerism. I had a really good
time.