Contributed by Arthur Fujisaki, Shinnyo-en Los Angeles Temple Youth Association
On October 19-20, 2024, members of the Shinnyo-en Los Angeles Temple Youth Association members and I participated in the Infinite Paths to Peace Leadership Retreat #3, which focused on bridging organizations and communities with like-minded practices and goals. The retreat started at the Volunteer Center South Bay/Harbor/Long Beach, where participants were asked to help tackle difficult issues facing the community, such as food insecurity and education inequality. After our volunteering efforts, we all headed to the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center to engage in discussions with other community leaders and learned about the Service-Learning Cycle.
The activities prepared at the Volunteer Center were particularly thoughtful, engaging, and fun. I enjoyed building meaningful relationships with one another through our acts of service. By engaging in practices like sorting donated food, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the work involved in food collection and distribution. With the help of the dedicated community leaders at the Volunteer Center, the participants were able to celebrate the achievement of preparing over 1,000 meals for families in need, as well as more than 100 bracelets and teddy bears for incoming first graders. Special time was allotted for the participants to reflect on their volunteering efforts, making the experience even more impactful. Many participants felt that they should be more mindful when donating food, specifically, to donate food they themselves would like to eat, rather than just cleaning out their pantry.
After our time at the Volunteer Center, we all headed to the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center to participate in various discussions and activities. Beginning with a norm-setting activity, all the participants collectively set guidelines to create a safe and encouraging space for open and honest discussion. We then had the opportunity to engage in purposeful discussions with other community leaders to learn about their meaningful work, which ranged from racial equality, food insecurity, education reform to homelessness.
The work done by community leaders in the community led into the discussion about making an impact and the Service-Learning Cycle. Through research and preparation, the community leaders were able to make the most out of the time with volunteers. Having time to reflect and celebrate achievements creates a meaningful experience that fosters future advocacy and sustainability.
The retreat as a whole was a welcoming bonding experience for everyone who participated, and it will help build meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. Learning about the Service-Learning Cycle was empowering in its own way. With the help of the wonderful facilitators and staff, the participants of the Infinite Paths to Peace Leadership Retreat #3 left feeling hopeful and determined to make a change.
Please enjoy many more photos at this link.