Volunteering to find your tribe: Japanese American Cemetery Cleanup
Every since I moved to the US with my husband Makoto, I didn’t really feel like I was part of a community. At least, not in the sense like I fit in with my MBA and work friends and then with my husband’s family who were living all around his ancestral home.
It’s taken 7 years, but we’re now finally finding our tribe here in the Bay Area, and would you be surprised to know that it’s the local Japanese community?
I love giving back, so we’ve signed up as volunteers for a local Japanese Cemetery Cleanup Day (Organized by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California). I’m not only looking forward to learning more about the history of the Japanese Community in San Francisco, but also getting to know more local people we have things in common with.
For me, giving back and volunteering is another way to be mindful of how lucky we are to live in such a prospering and safe space.
It can also provide us with a sense of fulfillment and well-being. I believe that giving back can reduce stress, improve mental health, and promote a sense of belonging. This way we can transform our service into a profound practice of gratitude and connection, enriching our lives while making a positive difference in the world around us.
The cleanup is scheduled for May 17th, so you’ll read the follow-up article in a few weeks from now!
How did you find your tribe?