Successful completion of NPOP 2000! The NPOP 2000 program officially ended on August 28, 2000. Ten individuals from the U.S., as well as Swaziland, India, and the Philippines spent the six-week internship program working closely with nonprofit organizations in the Tokyo and Kansai areas on a variety of issues ranging from elderly care to homelessness to global warming. The program began on July 15 with a three-day training session to educate participants about social issues and the NPO sector in Japan. In addition to cross-cultural communication and Japanese language instruction, the training also addressed the topic of intersector collaboration through workshops and discussions to bring together different sectors (nonprofit, private, government, academic) in finding sustainable solutions to global problems. Midway through the program, the optional tour reunited Tokyo and Kansai participants to attend the memorial ceremonies for the 35th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Following a tour of the Peace Park and visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, the group sat and watched the floating lantern festival where hundreds of glowing lanterns were sent down the river in memory of the victims of the bomb. The Kobe MOMENTUM public forum on August 26 provided an opportunity for NPOP participants - both hosts and interns - to engage in meaningful dialogue about the importance of nonprofits and the obstacles that need to be overcome in sustaining civil society. Conceived with the idea of recognizing the spirit of community groups in Kobe and elsewhere that are taking the lead in addressing social issues, the forum also included a gallery featuring photographs of the Kobe earthquake and informational booths for nonprofit organizations in the area. While the internships have ended, the outcomes of this summer's program are far from over. We congratulate our host organizations and participants on a fantastic program, and recognize that their work together lays the basis for future networking and collaboration internationally. Plans are currently underway for the 2001 program that is scheduled to take place in October-November 2001. Details will be announced in soon! JUCEE Core Programs: (IP)Japan-U.S. Nonprofit Internship Program Program Structure>Program Updates>Download Brochure (NPOP)Nichibei Pathfinding Opportunity Program Program Structure>Program Updates>Download Brochure (FCP)Fellowships Creating Partnerships Program Program Structure>Program Updates JUCEE Alumni