Japanese author, activist to visit the U.S. and share her experiences in disaster recovery efforts

Sept. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Japanese author, activist to visit the U.S. and share her experiences in disaster recovery efforts in the region devastated by March earthquake and tsunami

Chie Goto will tour and speak in Boston, New York, Seattle: “Eight months later: What is happening in the Tohoku Region? How can we help?”

BOSTON, MA, September 26, 2011 - Chie Goto will bring her wealth of cross-cultural experience and expertise to the U.S. for several weeks in October, as she tours three cities speaking about the current state of disaster recovery efforts in the Tohoku region in Japan. Since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March, Ms. Goto has been traveling extensively, interviewing survivors and documenting their experiences. Her blog, “Voice of a Survivor,” is here: http://gotochie.wordpress.com/

Ms. Goto is currently Japan Country Manager for United Planet, an international nonprofit based in Boston, MA, that places volunteers in several countries around the world. United Planet has been placing volunteers in the area directly affected by the March earthquake and tsunami (Tohoku region); or in the city of Nagoya.

The Tohoku region suffered great devastation from the Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting tsunami. More than 22,000 people died or went missing, and 40,000 Japanese are still living in community centers and homeless shelters. Volunteers are needed to aid in disaster recovery, help rebuild destroyed areas, assist at local schools, and raise morale.

“We’re honored and excited to welcome Chie-san to the U.S.,” said David Santulli, founder and executive director of United Planet, who recently traveled trip to Japan to assess the disaster area. “She brings first-hand knowledge of how the people are doing, and what they need for support. The people of Japan need the companionship of caring volunteers more than ever.”

Chie Goto stressed the importance of volunteers in Japan after speaking with a citizen who reacted to Santulli’s presence in Tohoku. “Without volunteers, we cannot rebuild our lives and Japan,” a survivor -- who lost his job, home and family -- told Goto.
Japanese language skills are not required for any programs in Japan. The programs are open to anyone (from any country) over eighteen. Those volunteering in the Tohoku region can stay from 10 days to 12 weeks, and those traveling to Nagoya are able to stay one to 12 weeks. United Planet is also willing to arrange programs for groups.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with or presentation by Ms. Goto, please contact the United Planet office in Boston, MA: 617 267 7763; jes@unitedplanet.org

For more information: http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-in-japan

About United Planet and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.
United Planet is excited to begin projects in Japan with the generous grant from the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP).

Over the past ten years, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers; and has placed thousands of volunteers in those communities to live and work – for periods ranging from a week to a year. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949.

For further information, please contact

Mary Babic   |   mary@unitedplanet.org   |   800-292-2316