Message from the Chairperson
Message from the Chairperson
from JNPOC Annual Report 2022
Natsuko Hagiwara
The impacts of the new coronavirus infection that has been ongoing since 2020 have brought to light social issues that had been previously not apparent. As the risks posed by various domestic and international situations increase, I have come to realize that NPOs are playing an even greater role in resolving these issues. The pandemic has also drastically changed our lifestyles. For example, the widespread use of online conferencing systems enables us to connect with others beyond physical distance more than ever. On the other hand, the recent reclassification of COVID-19 to Category V Infectious Diseases by the Japanese Government has increased opportunities for face-to-face interactions. And I feel more than ever the significance and importance of meeting with people directly to discuss and chat.
Last fiscal year, we undertook several new projects based on our 2021-2025 Mid-term Vision. In particular, we increased our efforts in cooperation with field-specific network organizations, and gradually expanded such a subject-based approach alongside our traditional strength in business development with our regional partners. In addition, through discussions and advocacy activities with various organizations, we reaffirmed our belief that NPOs can spur the development of a community that can stem problems preemptively. In exchanging opinions with NPO support centers in various regions in Japan, we have learned that NPOs have come up with innovative styles for their activities whilst tackling the demands of their respective fields. However, they have also shared with us the challenges they face; the prolonged period of restrictions on activities requested by the national and local authorities has hindered the participation of the volunteers in their activities.
Under these circumstances, the fiscal year 2023, the first year of “With Corona,” is a year of restarting activities in response to the new society.
We believe it is incumbent on us to develop further the initiatives we have undertaken in FY2022; we will respond to issues in various fields, promote collaboration and exchange of knowledge across fields, and expand such initiatives to our regional partners. It is vital we proactively disseminate the real-world knowledge gained from our activities and morph it into proposals to society as necessary. To this end, we will strengthen our public relations capabilities and focus on expanding the number of members and supporters who reinforce such information dissemination and proposal makings.
To be an organization that can continually change itself in response to the ever-evolving social conditions, we will continue to exchange opinions closely with our members. We look forward to your continued support and cooperation so that together we can contribute to the civil sector development.