Two meetings in Bellevue to explain YMCA trip to Japan

A diverse group of adults ages 19+ will travel to Japan this fall to learn about sustainable agriculture, leadership and community development with rural leaders from some of the most marginalize areas of the world.

A diverse group of adults ages 19+ will travel to Japan this fall to learn about sustainable agriculture, leadership and community development with rural leaders from some of the most marginalize areas of the world.

From September 8-20th, participants of the Seattle YMCA program will visit ecological projects, participate in farm work, learn firsthand about sustainable food production, and connect with YMCAs in Japan.

Four informational meetings about the trip are scheduled, including two in Bellevue:

Thursday, July 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Bellevue Family YMCA, 14230 Bel-Red Road, 206-746-9900; and Tuesday, July 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Coal Creek Family YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road, Newcastle, 425-382-1500.

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The group will spend the bulk of its trip with the Asian Rural Institute. The institute is located in Tochigi Prefecture about 60 miles north of Tokyo.

Each year the institute invites 30 grassroots leaders from developing countries to learn how to effectively serve in their communities as they work for the poor, the hungry, and the marginalized. Many come from villages where governments dictate crop production and promote the use of expensive chemical fertilizer and pesticides. Villages often suffer when bumper crops leave villagers with little or no profit and little to eat at home.

Farmers in Japan have become masters at making the most out of limited resources. The average farm in Japan is less than 2 acres and grows a variety of crops to fully utilize their arable land. Applying these sustainable techniques to help communities in need become more self reliant was one of the aims of ARI program, which started 37 years ago.

“While the YMCA of Greater Seattle has been sending teens and a young adult abroad over 40 years, this trip is the first we have offered for adults of all ages.” says Monica Quill Kusakabe, International Development Director at the Greater Seattle YMCA, “We are excited about this new opportunity and the lasting impact it will have.”

For more information, visit www.seattleymca.org/international or call 206-382-4362.