Volunteer Service One Day Project

Have you ever heard of the "VSOP Movement"? I hadn't until a few months ago when it came up as an anniversary in my daily reading. But now that I am aware of it, I have heard of several actions related to the project. Today, is VSOP Movement Day VSOP運動の日, as is the second Saturday of every month.

VSOP stands for Volunteer Service One-day Project. The idea is to encourage businesses to contribute to their communities through their own professional strengths. It was started by the Japan Junior Chamber to encourage companies and shops to dedicate even a single day to meaningful social action, whether through events, expertise or donations. The movement gained momentum through a crowdfunding project in 2017 and the idea has spread since.

The photo in this post is of a stage set up for a puppet show for children in a community center when volunteers put on a puppet show for local children. Just this morning I heard of a hairdresser who is visiting a center for disabled adults today to cut their hair. These are just two examples. There are many different ways organizations and individuals can take action to contribute to their communities.

Have you heard of any VSOP activities in your area?