Why we have a selection process for Citizenship for Children, even though we want as many people as possible to participate.

On June 22nd, PIECES celebrated its 4th anniversary.

The "Community Youth Worker Program," which is the predecessor to our core project "Citizenship for Children," also began its first term in 2016, so it is entering its 4th year. (As a program, if you include the pilot term, this is the 7th time!)

When I first started this, I consulted with many people, but I was told things like, "Are there really people who want to take training just to volunteer?" or "Is there even a need for this?"

However, when we actually opened it up, there were people who were interested, which was truly encouraging and made me feel that this world can still get better.
And I remember speaking with each and every one of you and feeling that I really wanted to work together.

However, we have been conducting this as a program with a selection process rather than one that anyone can join. Therefore, although we receive many applications every year, we have only been able to accept a little over 10 people.
The meaning of the selection process differs in many ways between the "Community Youth Worker Program" and the current "Citizenship for Children," but this time I would like to share the reasons for the selection process as we currently see them.

I hope this will be helpful for those who have applied in the past but were unable to join us, or for those who are interested but are not quite sure what it is about.

Reasons for the selection process

✔ We want to create a community where we can support each other's learning and thoughts

A major point of this program is that you can meet peers in your local area who share the same thoughts and feelings.
In reality, when you are interacting with children and engaging in activities, worries and confusion are inevitable.
At such times, it is important to have peers with whom you can share those feelings.
And as for the scale, we have varied it between 6 to 24 people so far, but we currently believe that about 12 people is appropriate.
Therefore, if we receive more applications than that, we conduct a selection process.

✔ Issues with operational structure and funding

For the first three years or so, we ourselves could only be involved for 1 or 2 days a week, and our budget was limited, so we could not meet all the needs or make it a program that many people could take.
This year, thanks to the support we have received through donations and grants, we were able to increase the number of classes.
Also, starting this year, we have changed the participation fee from free to paid in order to operate the program more sustainably.
However, the current situation is that we are still not in a state where everyone who wishes to participate can do so. We would like to continue working hard on fundraising to build a system that can be operated properly and soundly, and to expand into more regions.

✔ The degree of alignment between what the program can offer and the applicant's needs

Also, as we proceed with conversations with applicants, we sometimes both realize that PIECES' program (its purpose and methods) might not be the best fit.

For example, there are those who are in the middle of processing their own experiences and thinking about how they will face themselves and society (this is a challenge that many people encounter, so I see it as a matter of degree). In such cases, for some people, the introspection process involved in this program might be a bit too heavy a burden.
There have also been cases where we thought something else would be more appropriate for those who are considering turning child support into a business or those who want to learn knowledge about child poverty.
Furthermore, since this program requires a high level of commitment, we have also taken into account the applicant's life stage and time capacity, such as their work and family life.

Toward a program that more people can participate in

I would like to increase the number of programs that can meet everyone's needs, but I haven't been able to do that yet.
Since this program is designed to create gentle connections between yourself, children, and the local community, we have given priority to those whose thoughts and life stages align with that.

Therefore, there have inevitably been people we could not join with.
I have always felt frustrated by that, so this year, we established a new "Basic Knowledge Course" that does not have a selection process.
Even if your needs do not perfectly match the exploration course, I think there is a lot of helpful information in the lectures, and for those who find it difficult to engage in practical activities at this time, it is now possible to participate at your own pace.

I believe that this society and this local community are manifestations of the small thoughts and actions of each and every one of us. That is precisely why I believe that the actions and thoughts that we might think are trivial are actually what is important.

While we cannot work with everyone who has a passion for this, if you feel that we might be a good fit to work together, please take a look at our website or attend an information session to consider it.
Even if you decide that this program is not the right fit for you this term, we continue to hope that your passion will find a way to be expressed.
And we would be happy if we could continue to be partners in creating a world that is kind to children.

Thank you for your support!

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Click here to participate in this year's program

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