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Panels & Workshops | Events | Spotlight Panels & Workshops Archive:The Foundation Shares at the 2005 National Service Learning Conference Long Beach, California March 2005 From March 17-29, 2005, Foundation staff actively took part in the National Service Learning Conference in Long Beach, California. Participating on the panels in seven workshops, Foundation staff were able to share in several different venues, including:
All the workshops were interesting and informative. The Foundation took the lead in two presentations relating to The Heart of Service. In both workshops, Foundation staff asked participants to deeply explore their definition of service by viewing service as more than an action, while recognizing that service can be a simple gesture, a smile or giving of oneself through a simple act. The presentations sought to encourage participants to deepen the conversation of service in their work by exploring their own alignment to their values and beliefs and to their alignment to others in service. The Foundation looks forward to continuing to share our perspectives at the next conference in Philadelphia in 2006! Read more and see photos below of Foundation staff, board members and Youth Fellows' participation in this exciting and dynamic conference. Shinnyo-en Youth Fellowships in Service Long Beach and San Francisco, California March 2005
The Foundation brought 10 Shinnyo-en International Youth Fellows to the National Service Learning Conference in Long Beach, CA in March 2005. These Fellows were selected for their interest in social contributions in their local communities, and came from many places in the United States, such as Seattle, Honolulu, Burlingame; and such countries as Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Participants were encouraged to explore service learning, as well as aspects of social contributions in the United States. Thank you Shinnyo-en Fellows for your meaningful and sincere participation! Interfaith Youth Dialogue at the Foundation San Francisco, California March 2005 One element of the Shinnyo-en Youth Fellowship involved having these Fellows participate in an interfaith dialogue with local Bay Area interfaith community members, including Emily Lin of Buena Vista Community Institute and the Buena Vista United Methodist Church representing the Christian faith; Aiesha Balde of the Timbuktu Foundation representing Islamic faith, and Karina Parshotma, representing Bahai'I Faith. Overall, it was an excellent dialogue and learning opportunity! Thank you Emily, Aiesha and Karina!
“Facilitating Extraordinary Accomplishments in Hawaii’s Youth”
Please read the article below for more details. Experts: Children need positive reinforcement, encouragement Crazed sports coaches are feared and hated by the players they coach, but none is as ugly as the coach who breaks down children emotionally to get wins.
Mayor Harry Kim has seen that coach, repeatedly. As a football, track and soccer dad, Kim watched youth sports coaches in their “subtle ways” coldly cut a player from the team. He listened to them tell players “you’re only here to warm the bench” and “you’ll only play the last 30 seconds of the game, the part that doesn’t matter.”
Boulder, Colorado June 16 - 20, 2005 Under clear blue skies and nestled against a backdrop of snow-capped Rocky mountains, Shinnyo-en Foundation sent representatives to attend the “Soul in Education Conference” conducted on June 16th through June 20th, 2005. This year’s theme, “Creating a Compassionate Future” fits the mission of the foundation, which includes the phrase “To bring forth deeper compassion among humankind…”.
The conference featured several workshops and guest speakers, each offering helpful ways to promote the implementation of education curriculum that is infused with compassion. The Foundation was honored to present their workshop, which included the presentation of the “Paradigm of Service”. The workshop was well attended and there was plenty of constructive feedback. This conference was a wonderful chance for the members of the Foundation to meet new friends and to increase the network of compassion.
Fetzer Institute/Shinnyo-en Foundation Retreat on Global Youth Collaborative and Philanthropy May 17-20, 2005 Shinnyo-en Foundation collaborated with the Fetzer Institute, and other nonprofits in a four-day retreat addressing relationships and issues within Philanthropy to support the field of youth development. This retreat was held on May 17-20, 2005 at the Quaker Center in Ben Lomond, California. This retreat was one of the first of its kind, bringing a small group of funders and young non-profit leaders together to discuss social change in the field of philanthropy, developing authentic relationships to support the field of youth development in meaningful ways. The Foundation Consults on Service May 9, 2005 On May 9, the Foundation worked with the Berkeley Boosters/Police Activities League in Berkeley, California to develop their interest in the Foundation’s paradigm of service. In preparation for their annual Youth Leadership Council retreat at the end of the month, Berkeley Boosters and was interested in developing their own paradigm and activities related to the paradigm to share with their leaders. The Foundation is happy to consult on issues related to service and share it’s paradigm of service. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in a presentation at your organization. Please contact Liane at llouie@sef.org. Shinnyo-en Foundation Participates in San Francisco State Funder’s Panel May 5, 2005 Dr. Liane Louie, Program Officer of the Shinnyo-en Foundation, participated in a funder’s panel on May 5, 2005 in San Francisco State University’s Non-profit Management Class, with professor Regina Neu. Other foundation guests included Justine Choy of Peninsula Community Foundation, and Kris Putnam of Putnam Consulting. The panel discussed trends and issues in the field of philanthropy; visions for the future; and challenges and rewards in the field of philanthropy. It was a rewarding and interesting discussion! Thank you, Professor Neu and the class for this valuable opportunity. Panels & Workshops | Events | Spotlight Events Archive:
EventsLeaders of the Shinnyo-en Foundation and Bridge of Friendship Foundation honored by the White Plains Performing Art Center White Plains, New York March 20, 2006 On Monday, March 20th, the White Plains Performing Arts Center honored both the Honorable Bishop Isao Ito, co-founder of the Bridge of Friendship Foundation in White Plains, N.Y., and Harumitsu Inouye, Executive Director of the Shinnyo-en Foundation. Both Senator Nick Spano, of the New York State Senate and Nita Lowey, Member of U.S. House of Representatives offered Proclamations and Appreciation for the work of Bishop Ito, Mr. Inouye and the Shinnyo-en Foundation.
In part, Bishop Isao Ito was honored because he tries to live his life to its full potential. According to the program of the evening: He views the world as a place that would flourish more should we choose to live beyond borders and boundaries. In such a way, he feels it is not enough to simply be a Bishop of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order, or a citizen of Japan, but to go beyond and live as a citizen of the world. This vision is what fuels his momentum to try to build metaphorical bridges and increase harmony and true understanding among people.
With the support of the Bridge of Friendship Foundation, Liberty Park was opened in White Plains not only to enrich the community but also to enrich the minds of its public school students as they learn about bio-diversity in the aquatic environment at the waterfront section of Liberty Park. A year ago, within the grounds of Liberty Park, a memorial to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was consecrated as well. Liberty Park is now also a place of solace and remembrance as well as a place to learn and relax.
The Congressional Proclamation offered that evening to honor Mr. Inouye, spoke to many aspects of his work including his work to develop a new paradigm for service. It reads: Whereas, through its grant-making and programs, the Shinnyo-en Foundation helps build more caring communities by supporting educational programs that engage and inspire young people in meaningful acts of service; and…has created a paradigm of holistic human development through the lens of service…The Shinnyo-en Foundation is congratulated and commended for all its efforts to encourage service and respect for others. Three others were honored during the festive and musical evening.
Foundation Staff Celebrates President’s Day in White Plains, New York White Plains, New York February 20, 2006 On Monday, February 20th Haru Inouye joined community members in White Plains, New York to celebrate the 274th birthday of President George Washington. He was the first Buddhist representative to ever offer convocation at this annual event. Invited to offer an ecumenical convocation, Haru joined City Council members, young people and others as they witnessed a reenactment of the raising Old Glory (the flag) at the Purdy House. According the John Vorperian, one of the organizers of the event, the focus of the celebration was “to spark an interest on the part of young people and others to look past dusty history books and realize that significant historical happenings went on in their town and encourage them to reflect upon the freedom and liberty that are afforded to them because of the actions of men like George Washington.” The Purdy House is a significant historical location because Washington is known to have stayed there for several months in 1778. George Washington is known for inspiring his troops against all odds and for being a man of tremendous character. The White Plain CitizeNetReporter noted that: According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written, “Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop; …Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matter somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.”
Haru Inouye and White Plains Citizens in Front of Purdy HouseEach year a local religious leader is invited to participate. This year it was the Shinnyo-en Temple that was invited, who then contacted Haru about attending. In Haru’s convocation he stated: I understand we are the first Buddhist order that has the honor of participating in this event. However, many of the threads that run through our spiritual tradition are shared by those of other spiritual paths, as well as shared by the founding spirit of this nation from the era of George Washington and the Founding fathers. Notably, liberty and freedom are prized among all other treasures in this nation. We then ask ourselves liberty and freedom from what? Along with our treasured social, political, and artistic freedom in this country, in Buddhism, we place great value on freedom from greed, freedom from anger, and freedom from ignorance (known otherwise as the three poisons). In this way, we hope to become well-rounded human beings and citizens that can contribute for the sake of others and create harmony no matter where we are. Every year, Shinnyo-en members have guidelines that we try to embody in our everyday lives and I would like to share one of them with all of you today: “As a Citizen of the World, to contribute with a caring heart.” In following this guideline we hope that all of us gathered here will embody this guideline and live not only as good citizens of White Plains but also as good citizens of the world. A poem written by the Founder of Shinnyo-en reads as follows: True faith is to act for others, With devotion to benefiting the world.
Helping to Launch the Center for Sustainable Change San Francisco, CA February 23, 2006 On Thursday, February 23rd, 2006 a meeting was held at the Shinnyo-en Foundation to help launch a new non-profit organization, The Center for Sustainable Change. The Center works to promote understanding of universal principles underlying human change, and the innate capacity for wisdom and well-being. The Center’s work is done with the intention to alleviate human suffering and contribute to a more harmonious global community. The meeting was led by Roger C. Mills, Ph.D, President of the Center and recognized global leader in the area of principles-based psychology and Ami Chen Naim, Executive Director of the Center, and Leadership Team member for Santa Clara County’s Health Realization Services Division. Attendees at the gathering included foundation representatives, leaders from community organizations and individuals who have been involved with Dr. Mills' work. According to Dr. Mills, “The purpose of the gathering was to talk about the results we are having and let folks know there is something new and innovative happening, and share with people the principles behind the work. Bernice, a staff member of S.I.S.T.E.R., a residential de-tox program in Oakland, was one of the attendees. She loved the event, noting that, “It was wonderful. What they’ve got is something really new and different. Kids, more than anyone need to learn about how they can learn from the inside out. What came home to me during the event was that – this wisdom about ourselves has always been there, it’s just that we are discovering it. Like discovering new land.” During the program, Dr. Mills reinforced the ideas that the Center stands for by stating, “We’ve discovered a new dimension of our psychological development. Our program is based upon the notion that mental health is a natural state. It calls into question many traditional notions of how we help people." The model that is the basis for the Center emerges from over 25 years of work in schools, communities and organizations, applying an understanding of the Principles of Mind, Consciousness and Thought – and of innate, non-conditional resiliency. Pilot demonstration projects based upon this approach have been funded in the past by the National Institute of Mental Health, the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Drug Abuse, the California Wellness Foundation, Schwab, Wells Fargo, the Shinnyo-en Foundation and other major private foundations. Among several other things, the Center will be working towards its mission through producing books, articles and audio-visual materials incorporating principle-based psychology. The Center’s materials are used to train educators, administrators and others who work with youth (in both mainstream and alternative settings) in order to help those who influence children access their own resiliency, innate positivity and inspiration with more consistency. The Center's web site can be found at www.healthrealization.com.
Shinnyo-En Foundation Receives Recognition On Behalf of Shinnyo-en USA From The American Red Cross For $100,000 Donation To Hurricane Relief Efforts San Francisco, CA January 24, 2006 On January 24th, 2006, Harold Brooks, CEO of the Bay Area American Red Cross awarded the Shinnyo-en Foundation with a plaque expressing thanks for the generosity of support offered for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Mark Pinto, board member of the Shinnyo-en Foundation and staff member for the Shinnyo-en temple in Burlingame, California received the award on behalf of Shinnyo-en. In September 2005, Shinnyo-en Foundation donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with immediate emergency services on behalf of the Shinnyo-en Order. Mr. Pinto noted, “We realize we are not a large order or organization so we decided to offer funds by giving them to an organization that could leverage our contribution in order to help others in a greater way. It’s been a tradition within Shinnyo-en to offer donations in times of immediate disasters.”
In addition to the donation to the American Red Cross, the Head of the Shinnyo-en Order, Shinso Ito, came to the United States from Japan just to conduct a special service on September 6th, called “The Service of Merit Transfer without Distinction of Friend or Foe of the Continents of North and South America”. During this service, prayers of loving compassion were sent to those affected, dead or alive, by Hurricane Katrina and other disasters. The merit of all the hundreds of thousands of Shinnyo-en members was collected, bound, and sent to those who were affected. This merit is the tangible and intangible benefit that results from altruistic actions accumulated on a daily basis by Shinnyo-en members who live in all different parts of the world.
Brooks, in explaining the purpose and values of the Red Cross, said, “We are driven by our core values: humility, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. We don’t see politics, religious or other differences when people are in need. We see the universality of people and we respond to people who need our services.” Gregory Smith, Chief Public Support Officer for the Bay Area American Red Cross and Charlotte Payton, Manager of Corporate and Foundation relations were also present for the ceremony. Smith reported that two billion dollars had been donated nationwide for hurricane disaster relief efforts, which is about what the American Red Cross has estimated is needed. In the Bay Area alone, 21 million dollars was given to local chapters and an estimated 60 million total to both local and national efforts. “It’s inspiring to see how people have stepped up,” Smith noted. The nation-wide contributions are the largest the Red Cross has ever seen for a disaster. Funds offered, both by the Shinnyo-en Foundation and many, many others went to about 1.2 million families, comprised of about 4 million people, who needed direct financial assistance to help with food, shelter, clothing and other expenses related to getting their life back in order. An additional 2 million dollars went to shelters. There were 1,100 shelters set up at the height of the disaster and about half a million meals were served on the days immediately following the hurricanes. Additional funds went to support mental health issues and counseling to help people cope with the situation. Both Brooks and Smith reported that these disasters were a wake up call for the Bay Area – offering a challenge to increase preparedness among residents. Currently, through an initial sponsorship from PG & E, the Bay Area Red Cross is working on “Prepare Bay Area”, an initiative to help residents ready themselves in case of a disaster in this area. In addition to challenging people to get prepared for an emergency, these disasters have opened people’s hearts to increase their compassion and tangible actions for others. Mark Pinto is very aware of this and feels that one of the critical questions that these disasters inspire is, “How can we sustain the efforts of people now that there is an opening.” Through his own experience serving, he has found that when people serve, they feel joy. He learned the value of serving early on in his life while joining a friend to volunteer for Special Olympics. “A seed was planted way back in high school. The people I served at Special Olympics really touched me. Later, while I was in the Marine Corps I was able to serve in all kinds of ways. Service made me feel good and added a real warmth to my life. We hope through the Foundation’s efforts that more people will experience this joy and harmony by getting involved to serve others.”
Shinnyo-en Foundation Receives Proclamation from the City of Yorba Linda Yorba Linda, CA December 20, 2005 On December 20th, 2005 a proclamation was given by Mayor of Yorba Linda, Michael D. Duvall to honor the Shinnyo-en Foundation’s 10th Anniversary, and as a way to express gratitude for the Foundation’s support for the Yorba Linda Community.
Shinnyo-en temple staff member and board member of the Shinnyo-en Foundation Jay Gibson joined Harumitsu Inouye, Executive Director of the Foundation in accepting the proclamation. Between 2000 and 2002, the Foundation extended a grant to the City of Yorba Linda Park and Recreation Program and the Placentia - Yorba Linda School District for the middle school Caring School Community Program. Jay Gibson, who joined the Shinnyo-en Foundation board a year and a half ago, celebrated the night as it furthered his interest in learning how to open the doors wider between the Temple and the community. He noted, “It is wonderful that the city appreciates the Foundation, the Temple and the work that has been done. It is clear that the Mayor, and the City Councilors believe that we have expanded the cultural experience in Yorba Linda.”
“I also find that this is significant, given that the Foundation is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary this year,” says Jay. “The Foundation has been able to establish itself in ways that the Shinnyo-en order can not do, and they have carried through with being a Foundation in a very unique way.
Instead of telling people what to do, they build a relationship and find out what a group really needs in order to carry out it’s mission. The fact that the Foundation revamped it’s mission in this 10th Anniversary year reflects that it has grown during this time. So getting this recognition at this time reminds me that we really are doing our job of reaching out and connecting to communities through the Foundation. And the Foundation is not just having this impact in Yorba Linda, it is reaching people in many communities and on a national level.” The proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, the founder of Shinnyo-en, Shinjo Ito, devoted his life to the salvation of each person and aimed to foster well-rounded individuals who could become leaders to serve society; and Whereas, the mission of the Shinnyo-en Foundation is to bring forth deeper compassion among humankind, to promote greater harmony, and to nurture future generations towards building more caring communities; and Whereas, the Shinnyo-en Foundation helps build more care communities by supporting educational programs that engage and inspire young people in meaningful acts of service; and Whereas, their grant making in temple communities focuses on i) school programs and nonprofit groups who work in school and a variety of learning institutions, and ii) City programs affecting youth such as Park and Recreation Program; Now therefore, I, Michael D. Duvall, Mayor of the City of Yorba Linda, along with my City Council colleagues, Mayor Pro Tem Allen M. Castellano, Councilmembers Ken Ryan, Keri Lynn Wilson, and Jim Winder, hereby congratulate the Shinnyo-en Foundation in celebrating its 10th year anniversary and expressing our gratitude for their support to the Yorba Linda community.
Environmental Science Center Foundation Honors Shinnyo-en Foundation Burien, Washington August 7, 2005 On Sunday, August 7, 2005 at Seahurst Park in Burien, Washington, Executive Director Haru Inouye accepted a plaque commemorating the Environmental Science Center Foundation’s (ESC) appreciation of Shinnyo-en Foundation for seed money granted in 2002. ESC first developed their Seahurst Park environmental programs for Burien children, youth and families.
Since its inception, ESC has grown and expanded, partnering with the Marine Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, and other science programs in the greater Seattle area. Thank you ESC! Keep up the great work!
Seventh Annual Retreat Accepting Applications: Youth service practitioners and educators are invited to apply for our annual Exploring Spiritual, Cultural and Religious Roots of Service retreat. Applications are due by May 15, 2005. Please join us for an exciting and powerful transformative experience at the Marconi Conference Center. Youth in Action: Shinnyo-en Foundation is partnering with the Shinnyo-en USA Youth Association to produce the two-day conference, Youth In Action! The Foundation is excited to partner with the Shinnyo-en Youth Association in collaboration hosting an Intercultural Communications Workshop on May 29, 2005. Mr. Yoichi Shimakawa, expert in the field of intercultural communication will be sharing his ideas and thoughts in dynamic, interactive ways. Mr. Mark Gerzon, of the Mediators Foundation and the Global Leadership Network will be the opening speaker, sharing his thoughts on global leadership and the importance of intercultural dialogue and communication. On May 31, 2005, an Interfaith Panel consisting of local guests from different faith traditions, including Muslim, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian and other faiths will participate. This panel will be facilitated by the Interfaith Youth Core (www.ifyc.org) of Chicago, Illinois, and held at the Elks Club in Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. Join us in a Funders Reflection!San Francisco, California Monthly Reflection is an important strategy for program officers and philanthropists to evaluate the impact of their work in the field. It is also a vital part of understanding how each individual impacts their work and assessing and maintaining their own their well-being. Every month, the Foundation hosts a Funders Reflection Group where a small group of funders come together to discuss the field of philanthropy, and the challenges and experiences that encourage us to do the best work we can. If you are interested in learning more about the funders reflection meetings, please contact Liane at llouie@sef.org. Community Learning Collaborative: A Pilot Study of Youth, Healing and Spirituality The Foundation will embark on a small pilot project, the Community Learning Collaborative in which five nonprofits have been asked to share their paradigms of youth development with the Foundation. The Foundation will also share its paradigm of service, and through this learning community, develop best strategies for working with youth in spiritual and contemplative practices. This project hopes to develop some concrete tools and findings to share with other funders and nonprofits around the country to begin to address the importance of holistic health and well-being for youths. Panels & Workshops | Events | Spotlight Spotlight Archive:Shinnyo-en Foundation: Supportingthe Leadership of BeingAn interview with Sarah Crowell, Executive Director of Destiny Arts Center in Oakland, California
Destiny Arts Center is a unique arts organization devoted to the safety, creativity and empowerment of young people. Its name comes from “De-Escalation Skills Training Inspiring Nonviolence in Youth.” Through a deep-seated philosophy of nonviolence, Destiny uses martial arts, dance, theatre, youth leadership, conflict resolution and self-defense training in after-school, weekend and summer programs, as methods to motivate youth to discover themselves and one another as significant, powerful and peaceful people. Today the Center serves over 250 youth per year in onsite and outreach programs, and another 12,000 youth and adults through performances and workshops throughout the Bay Area and nationwide. I cannot remember a time when I didn’t want to dance, sing and tell stories. In all of the home movies from childhood I am spinning, kicking, belting out a tune, and smiling ear to ear as I put on a show. I can see myself getting the neighborhood kids together to create choreography with them. I am teaching them the moves to the music, handing out the costumes and making sure everyone comes to rehearsals on time…
I feel like a big kid now. The stakes are higher, the audiences are bigger, the tickets are more expensive, but otherwise my life is the same. I bring young people together to create a show that means something to them. I build an environment that is safe, encouraging and disciplined. I make sure that the production aspects of the show are smooth and professional so that the performers’ talent and skill can shine. I invite their families and communities to witness what we have created together….
This process opens a new door – if young people are given the opportunity to perform with their minds, bodies and spirits fully engaged, anything is possible. (Excerpt from Sarah’s recently published guidebook: Youth on the Move!) * * * I first heard about the Shinnyo-en Foundation when my board President suggested that I attend the Exploring the Cultural, Religious and Spiritual Roots of Service Retreat. I had recently become the Executive Director of Destiny, after being the Program Director there for many years. At the time I was exhausted by 70 hour weeks, trying to fulfill all of my new responsibilities. Because I am fascinated with spirituality and service, I decided to go. When I showed up to the Retreat and got a full sense of what it was about, I was relieved to find it was a place I could really be my whole self. It was a beginning of a whole new way of being in my job. Instead of pretending to be someone else, someone who was masking my own self-doubt about being in my new leadership position, I could bring my self-doubt as well as my competence and expertise into a community of people committed to nurturing leadership and making important connections between spirituality and the work of the world. This connection boosted my confidence and gave me a feeling that I was supported in the important work that I was doing. It was also refreshing that it was truly a retreat rather than being a typical networking conference or meeting. It was a place where I could rest, refuel and connect more deeply to my passion for doing service, and thus to my passion for leading an organization in the best way I knew how. The next year I came back with a small group of young performers from the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company. I maintained my relationship with the Foundation by attending Study Group meetings and having informal conversations with Foundation staff. During these years I was a bit confused about how the Foundation worked. I was familiar with Foundations telling me what I needed to do, and then doing it. They would either reject us, or accept us. What I realized over time about the Shinnyo-en Foundation was that they actually cared about my ideas and wanted to nurture my understanding of the relationship between a funder and an organization. Rather than trying to get some of their money by doing what they wanted, they taught me how to have a real relationship with a funder. It was a very different way to work. In the process, they taught me a new way to be human with people who give the Destiny Arts Center money, and that has had many ripple effects. I was in the habit of dressing up, putting on a bit of a show, acting like we were not worthy of the attention and resources of others. What I learned through the process of working with the Shinnyo-en Foundation is that we are worthy; just because of who we are, not just because of what we do. This mirrors the shift that I think is happening globally from the paradigm of doing to the paradigm of being. This shift can be painful. Many people have gotten very familiar with the PRODUCE, PRODUCE, PRODUCE model. It has taken us away from understanding how to BE, even though it is inherent in our nature. Eventually, we did get funding from the Foundation. At that point, it felt like an organic part of the relationship. It was very reciprocal. They value who we are and what we do, and we value who they are and what they do. Mayor Joseph Delfino of White Plains, New YorkShares his Thoughts about Shinnyo-en's Bridge of Friendship Event April 21 & 23, 2006 Note: Mayor Joseph Delfino has been the mayor of the City of White Plains since 1997. He is a long-time friend of Shinnyo-en through his meetings over the years with Bishop Ito. He was recently invited to attend and speak at a service at the Shinnyo-en temple in White Plains as part of the continued Bridge of Friendship celebration. His speech was inspiring and Shinnyo-en members were very happy to have the chance to meet him in person. Mayor Delfino is a valued friend of Shinnyo-en and we hope he knows how much he is appreciated. Some of his comments at the April Bridge of Friendship held at the White Plains Performing Arts Center and during his temple visit included: * * * When Shinnyo-en came to White Plains, you probably knew very little about the City at the time. But you found the city, which believes as you believe. And when we all believe and work together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish. We must love each other, we must respect each other, we must believe in each other. We did that in this city – and we made a new city. And through Shinnyo-en you’re trying to make a new world.
A new world and belief that we’re starting at the point where we should start: with our young people. The work with the White Plains school district, and the Bridge of Friendship’s generosity, whether it’s the environment, the Liberty Park Environmental Program, nature exploration day, the cultural diversity program day, the 9/11 memorial contribution, and Bishop Ito, who flew from Japan to give us honor on that day – you have made a tremendous contribution in the aftermath of 9/11. We are working with Shinnyo-en Foundation today to establish an international sculpture program with African and Japanese art in Tibbets Park, the Pirate Ship in the Library, which was also donated makes The Trove extra special to our young people. And of course their involvement with the youth bureau’s numerous projects including the chess program. We will always work together holding hands. Your Bridge of Friendship has reached our community strongly. I encourage this Bridge of Friendship around the country. I will travel anywhere and meet with other mayors around the country and wherever Shinnyo-en is represented and talk about what they can do with Bridge of Friendship so that we will live together, as friends, we will care about each other together, because that’s why we were placed here on Earth. The Shinnyo-en Foundation’s generosity and community consciousness has made us more aware of various issues that are critical to all of us worldwide. Shinnyo-en Foundation has displayed tremendous generosity and goodwill towards the city of White Plains and I for one would like to say thank you from all of us – the 54,000 people who make up this great city. * * * Teacher Jody Kennedy Speaks About the Power ofGiving, Growing and Transforming
Jody Kennedy is an art teacher at Eastview Middle School in White Plains, New York. In October 2005, Jody was awarded for Excellence in Distance Learning by the U.S. Distance Learning Association for her innovative videoconferencing initiative that began five years ago after the school was granted funds from the Shinnyo-en Foundation. The school has also been recognized as winner of the Lower Hudson Regional Informational Center's Pioneer Award for School Districts, for this initiative that started as an effort to enable classrooms to make videoconference connections to museums and other public venues. Because of the program's success, White Plains now has over 60 different teachers in 7 schools actively using videoconferencing to enhance the curriculum through connections around the globe. A couple of years after I started working as an art teacher at Eastview Middle School, the principal found out about the Shinnyo-en Foundation through the local Shinnyo-en temple. When I was asked to think about what we might do at the school I had a vision for a project where kids could communicate to others by using video conferencing technology. I got some of my colleagues together and we began working with museums and other cultural institutions. Five years ago we got our first grant from the Shinnyo-en Foundation to purchase the equipment. Since then, the program has expanded to include classroom-to-classroom connections between Eastview and classrooms around the globe, including England and South Africa, and has enhanced character education and cultural understanding among students. With this technology kids connect to others to have conversations, do educational sharing and joint projects. Students often design the projects and we help them do the learning. This year my arts students were talking about the role of art in influencing social awareness. We focused on HIV as a social issue because we are committed to the United Nations Millennium Development goals. Students had to design a tee shirt to promote awareness about HIV around the world. The Global Nomads Group (www.gng.org) helped us to connect to a classroom of students in Japan and they talked with us about the status of HIV and AIDS in Japan. With this technology students could go back and forth about how the similarities and differences in their cultures affected the problem and solutions.
When I think about giving, growing and transforming I think about an open hand. This open hand both gives and is open to get something back. Whenever you get back, you then have more to give. By living in this way I’ve been able to grow and transform my life, but also some of the educational thinking in my district. Since we started this project we have learned so much. We have always had the philosophy of wanting to share whatever we learn to help others. As a result, we have gotten so much from it. Currently, we work with 14 countries, including Sweden, New Zealand and Argentina. We have people that visit us from all over the world, and we go all over the world to visit and share with others. We recently raised $10,000 for the Global Run and we are involved in building classrooms in Kenya. From a spark of an idea we are transforming and growing into a global family through this new technology. I think the thing that allows giving to lead to growing and transforming is perseverance and support. It’s like a marriage. You have to stay and work through challenges to make it good. It is the same with a project like this. It is challenging to write grants and attempt to get funding when there are many rejections. But the support of the Shinnyo-en Foundation has helped me to persevere. When I write a report to the Shinnyo-en Foundation they are celebrating with me all that we have done. They also give me honest feedback and act like a mirror, suggesting, “maybe you should go in this direction.” When you hit a brick wall it’s easy to say, “I’m tired” and end an effort. Perseverance and support from others makes a tremendous amount of difference. Young people’s growth inspires me too. There is a group of ten girls who would come and have lunch with me. They wanted to start something with another country. One of them was from India, so they decided to link up with a school from India and perform a typical American wedding for the students. In return, the Indian students performed a traditional Indian wedding. Our students created a wedding story with a Catholic and Jewish couple and described what each element of the wedding was about. The Indian students performed a wedding that led to a long conversation about arranged marriages. In December, two of our students spent the day with young people from all over the world at the United Nations for a two-day conference on Human Rights. These opportunities come because our doors are open. This is one more example how giving to others is helping us to grow and transform. Read more about the project at: http://www.centerdigitaled.com/converge/?pg=magstory&id=90700
The Evolution of the Exploring the Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Roots of Service RetreatThe following article is based upon an interview with national and international service-learning leader, Don Hill who currently works for Youth Service California. Last year when he was awarded the 2004 Alec Dickson Servant Leader Award from the National Youth Leadership Council, it was noted, “A man of courage, creativity, compassion and integrity, Don Hill has inspired educators in California and across the country to integrate service-learning into their schools, campuses and community-based organizations…he has provided the field with vision, leadership and advocacy to build service-learning programs that invest in young people as valuable contributors to a democratic society.” The Shinnyo-en Foundation is very grateful for his partnership.
At the time I was collaborating with many people working with youth who seemed on the edge of burnout. They were motivated by religious, spiritual and cultural values but never talked about these values. I had a hunch that creating a safe, nurturing space for sharing personal values could help rejuvenate and sustain their service commitments. I proposed to the Foundation that we collaborate to offer a three day retreat, Exploring the Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Roots of Service. The project is now in it’s 7th year. It really is a very simple response to the observation that many leaders of youth handle enormous challenges while operating within self-imposed isolation. What we did is create a venue where they can communicate, support one another, and find ways to deepen their commitment. When we first gathered, it was like an explosion. People shared really important ideas and feelings right away through honest, authentic communication. People found it valuable, much beyond what the Foundation or I expected. I still remember after the first retreat people told me that their lives had been changed. This fall, a friend from another part of the country, shared, “My colleague’s life has been transformed because of your Retreat, you can’t believe what’s happened.” I am a bit of an idealist. I feel that inside the shell of virtually everyone there is a desire to connect to other people. I think almost everyone feels good when they are able to help another person. Society encrusts a lot of differences on people but these apparent differences break down when there is a chance for people to uncover the essence of who they are. Every year the retreat confirms this truth. For example, one year, forty or fifty people decided spontaneously to sing at the close of the evening program. There was a young Muslim college student from Afghanistan, a talented singer, and she taught the group a Muslim song. Then, a high school student from L.A. taught everyone a Jewish song. Later, both of them together, taught the group another song. The differences between these two young people were immense – but the music and the fellowship generated a powerful sense of common humanity, a potential to overcome conflict. The seventh retreat was very much like the first retreat with one enormous, wonderful exception- the retreat has become intergenerational. Exuberant high school students from our inner cities, suburbs and States as far away as Hawaii now light up our conversations and inspire adults with their insights, perspectives, energy, and enthusiasm. Sharing ideas across generations has without question dramatically broadened and deepened the exploration of spiritual, religious, and cultural roots of service. Collaborating with the Shinnyo-en Foundation has been an incredible privilege. Our partnership has been like sharing a boat trip where no one is clearly at the till but we have a shared, if somewhat uncertain destination, and we are trusting and helping each other get there. The Foundation talks about transformation. This project has been transforming. It’s been organic, not linear. It’s been accepting of uncertainty and unflagging in it’s determination to probe deeper, to find more meaning, to not be satisfied with where we are. It’s been done in a way that has been incredibly respectful of me as an individual and of everyone else involved. Words cannot capture its magic. For more information on the Exploring the Cultural, Spiritual and Religious Roots of Service Retreat, check out our "Annual Retreat" Section >Retreat
Henry Lozano Sees The Response To Hurricanes Katrina And Rita As An Opening For World-Wide Compassion And Service
The following is a conversation with Henry Lozano, Presidential Appointee to the Board of Directors for the Corporation for National and Community Service and appointment by Secretary Michael Leavitt to the Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Board, and Haru Inouye, Executive Director of the Shinnyo-en Foundation. In the conversation they discuss implications on service of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, which recently hit the southern United States. Henry Lozano is a Native American of Apache and Hispanic heritage. An eldest son of a prominent spiritual family, he as dedicated his life to service, helping young people and Native Americans find their path to serve. A long-term partner of the Shinnyo-en Foundation, he is featured in the Shinnyo-en Foundation’s recent video, "The Heart of Service.” In his official capacities named above, he has been working as an advisor to the government in regards to matters of service, funding and response to the disasters of both Hurricane Katrina and Rita. He is a graduate and former Director of Teen Challenge, a faith-based, global ministry program for substance abuse prevention, intervention and recovery. As a spiritual elder, Henry serves as a role model for thousands of young people. What is your relationship to the Shinnyo-en Foundation? Henry: Haru and I met eight years ago at a Northern California Grantmakers Association meeting when I was presenting an idea for a statewide initiative for alcohol and drug prevention programs. A very meaningful discussion transpired and in it I realized Haru was someone I really wanted to get know. Since then we have had many opportunities to meet, think and work together. Currently, we are working together on The Heart of Service, which is a coming together of fields of thought and information that communicate the universal concept of service and compassion. From my tradition, I call Haru my brother. Haru: Henry has been a senior mentor to me. He has been creating opportunities for the Foundation to be involved in conversations of service at the national level. He has greatly inspired me and I know he will continue to do that for the rest of my life. How do you think this crisis has impacted people? Henry: People all over the world are responding to these disasters. I feel that Hurricanes Katrina, Rita as well as Wilma here in the United States have awakened the hearts of people across the globe. I believe people are coming to grips with the needs of their brothers and sisters within these times of natural disasters around the globe. They are sensing a universal compassion that is beginning to flow through them in their response to those in need. If people are moved to respond to the needs, what can they do? Haru: In many situations people cannot physically be there to help. Within the Shinnyo-en order, we can send our prayers. The Head of the Shinnyo-en Order, Shinso Ito, came to the United States from Japan just to conduct a special service on September 6th, called “The Service of Merit Transfer without Distinction of Friend or Foe of the Continents of North and South America”. During this service, prayers of loving compassion were sent to those affected, dead or alive, by Hurricane Katrina and other disasters. The merit of all the hundreds of thousands of Shinnyo-en members was collected, bound, and sent to those who were affected. This merit is the tangible and intangible benefit that results from altruistic actions accumulated on a daily basis by Shinnyo-en members who live in all different parts of the world. In addition, the Shinnyo-En Foundation on behalf of the Shinnyo-en Order donated $100,000 to the Red Cross for immediate action. In the long run we are planning to meet with leaders from the National Youth Leadership Council and Learn and Serve America of the Corporation of National and Community Service to talk about what can be done to help young people respond to the needs that have resulted. Henry: I agree with Haru, the first response of people should be an internal one of prayers and compassion towards those affected. We need to believe that we can do everything through meditation and prayer. Then we take action and that action is created from our heartfelt response of compassion. There are several web sites: www.nationalservice.gov and www.wchkatrinahelp.com that can be helpful in finding meaningful ways to respond. Displaced folks have been evacuated and are living all over the United States. You can visit the Red Cross website and find opportunities in your own state. This disaster has opened many people’s hearts. How do you suggest we can sustain an open heart either for ourselves or for young people who want to help? Haru: A crisis offers us an opportunity to look at what we can do to move towards greater peace and harmony. As a parent or a teacher you need to be very aware of your own heart of service. We see service as a process of aligning your mind, heart and actions. If adults are doing this, then young people will follow. Engaging in this fundamental practice on a daily basis is likely to expand a person’s compassion for others. There is great benefit to consistently and persistently serving from a place of alignment, in addition to serving as a result of a short-term emotional response. Henry: At the family dinner table parents can enter into meaningful conversations with their children allowing them the opportunity to share their feelings and thoughts about these crises, and refocusing the conversation back to the family's gratefulness for being in a position to serve those in need. These types of conversations at either the dinner table, in a classroom setting or at a group gathering leads people to a keen understanding within their hearts about the power of compassion and its natural outcome of service. To complete this cycle of understanding the "heart of service" the next step is to engage in some form of meaningful participation to respond to this call of compassion towards others. I read a story in one of the national newspapers about two sisters in middle school who decided to create a lemonade stand and raise support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They raised over $2,000, which they sent to the National Red Cross in support of the disaster victims. These two sisters in middle school provide all of us with a powerful example of compassion. As the story goes, the parents of these two sisters continued to support them telling them "Yes, you can do something to help". This is an example of how an idea supported by viable parents or other adults can move the dreams of young people from an internal conceptual idea to an external positive action of service. What have the federal agencies and other organizations you are involved with done in response to the recent tragedies brought about by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita? Henry: As a national response to the devastation of the hurricanes, The Corporation for National and Community Service coordinated a national and regional communications response focusing on the Governors' Offices within the Gulf States and specifically the Governors' appointed statewide Service Corps. The immediate direction was to coordinate with the statewide Service Corps in the Gulf states to effectively facilitate the regional responses to help expedite and coordinate area relief initiatives. To date the Chief Executive Officer, David Eisner, has met with Federal and State Emergency Officials and AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers in each of the crisis states who have been helping communities recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since Hurricane Katrina struck, more than 12,300 National Service Volunteers have contributed to the hurricane relief and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast and other states across the country. The National Service Volunteers have established and operated shelters, provided meals and social services to evacuees, assisted with communications, coordinated the warehousing and distribution of donated goods, answered phones, cleared debris, provided information on housing and other resources, raised funds, and managed community volunteers, among other activities. A significant and coordinated effort with the Corporation for National and Community Service and its key programs, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America is currently underway to coordinate and work with Federal, State, and local officials as well as non-profit and educational leaders to coordinate response efforts and understand how national service resources can best be deployed to help individuals and communities recover from these devastating storms. The Corporation for National and Community Service announced on October 3, 2005 the availability of approximately $4 million dollars in challenge grants to assist in disaster relief and recovery efforts. It has been a privilege to have a small role in this endeavor and to see the great response in every area of volunteer service to all of those affected by this devastation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's mission in responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in collaboration with faith, local, and federal partners was to ensure that mental health assessments and crisis counseling were readily available to residents and evacuees of areas impacted by the hurricanes and establish a long-term plan to assure post stress traumatic disorders are addressed within this population and people impacted by these hurricanes who have serious mental illnesses and/or addictive disorders and children with serious emotional disturbances continue to receive on-going treatment for their chronic disorders. One of the immediate responses of HHS/SAMHSA was the creation of the Health and Human Services Critical Infrastructure Data System (CIDS). In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, HHS provided a broad array of urgently needed assistance to those in health institutions/facilities that were attempting to address the needs of victims of the hurricane and the subsequent flooding. One of the key vehicles for assessing needs is the HHS CIDS that allows the determination and forecasting of local needs in caring for those affected by this unprecedented disaster. The CIDS was at functioning status as Hurricane Rita made her approach. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received 269 calls on October 4, 2005 (between midnight 12 am to 11:59 pm). The average number of calls received since Hurricane Katrina is 189 daily. This is a 56% increase over the average daily call volume pre-Katrina (August 1-28). The SAMHSA Emergency Response Center (SERC) is producing "Fundamentals of Disaster Planning and Response" which will be a series of six National Webcasts. The first two of these National Webcasts are currently available at www.samhsa.gov under (Latest News) and are entitled: Key Concepts in Disaster Mental Health and Managing Your Stress in Crisis Response Work. The following four National Webcasts will be available in November 2005.
Mary Matayoshi Epitomizes the Spirit of Volunteerism
Mary is the dynamo Executive Director of Volunteer Resource Center of Hawaii (www.vrchawaii.org), a grantee of the Foundation. Motivated by a love of helping others, Mary developed VRCH as both a grassroots and model community partnership with the support of Windward Community College and many other government, corporate and community leaders. “We needed a statewide infrastructure to maximize the impact of volunteers in Hawaii,” she says. Under Mary’s direction, VRCH promotes and supports an effective network of community resources and volunteer services. It offers a wide range of educational and training programs in areas such as volunteerism, disaster preparedness, liability and risk management, and conference planning. The organization offers a Certificate in Volunteer Management through Windward Community College, and hosts an international social work seminar, which is co-sponsored by the Univers Foundation (www.univers.or.jp). Underpinning all its work is a core set of values that Mary says are essential to building relationships and staying focused on what will make a measurable impact on local communities. “We believe in stewardship, that volunteerism is a necessity for the well being of our community,” she asserts. “We can and we must do better at respecting differences and joining together to make our communities stronger, safer and healthier.” Up at 4:00 a.m. each morning, and always smiling, Mary epitomizes the model volunteer and community organizer, working tirelessly both professionally and through volunteering for many organizations. She and her husband, former Big Island Mayor Herbert Matayoshi, have passed down this important legacy to their four children and 11 grandchildren. Please join the Foundation in honoring Mary's accomplishments! YEA Mary!!
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After 9/11, we knew that our focus with the project needed to be global understanding. This was when we began building international connections with the help of GlobalLeap.com, who introduced us to schools all over the world. What is amazing is that we started in one school, now seven schools have the technology to do it and 21 schools are part of a consortium committed to supporting each other locally to use it. While we are teaching students about math, science or art – they are also learning about the world.
I became involved with the Shinnyo-en Foundation in an unusual way. I had someone on my staff at the Service Learning 2000 Center, a project of the Stanford School of Education, researching possible funding sources. One day she ran in my office and said, “I’ve found an organization with the same core values as ours, it’s almost a duplication.” I almost immediately called Haru to set up an exploratory meeting with the Foundation.
Mary Matayoshi is on a voyage – to strengthen Hawaiian society through volunteerism.
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