Joining Red Cross Language Volunteer group
In order to become a member of our group, you need to participate in the guidance seminar. For those who wish to join the language volunteer group, we hold two guidance seminars every year in March and/or April.
The information about the guidance seminar for joining is published on this website in early February every year.
Frequently Asked Questions（FAQ）
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about joining and participating in our volunteer group.
About joining our volunteer group
- What are the requirements for members?
- Understand the concept of the Red Cross and have the will to contribute to society through language.
- Participate in training organized by our group, and be able to engage in activities continuously and actively.
- Have the language ability equivalent to Level 2 of The EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency.
- Have an e-mail address (must have the ability to send and receive attachments)
- Pay our volunteer group fees (annual membership fees of approximately 3,000 yen)
- Be able to communicate in Japanese.
- What are the necessary procedures to join?
- Participate in a guidance seminar for our volunteer group
- Submit Issues (Essays written in foreign languages and translations task. About one sheet of A4 paper for each.)
- Submit a personal photo (used for membership card)
- Pay the fee
＊ We will explain the details at the guidance seminar.
- Is it possible to be a member even if one is a student (college student, high school student, or junior high school student) ?
Basically, you can become a member, but if you are under 20 years old, you need to have the understanding and approval of your parents.
- What is the purpose of the group fee?
It is used for expenses (transportation, printing, purchasing equipment, etc.) necessary for the activities and training of our group.
About Activities
- Please tell me about the volunteer activities of the group
Volunteer service activities can be broadly divided into Translation, Translating Japanese Picture Books into English, Disability Support Services, Accessibility, Interpretation, DAISY, Interpreter at Hospital Reception and International Exchange Meeting. Each member participates in activities that suit his or her interests and schedule.
In addition to these volunteer service activities, there are also voluntary group activities called “club activities” to enjoy learning English in accordance with the purpose of the group.
- What are the main activities of Translation?
We are supporting the exchange of introduction albums - from Japanese elementary, junior high and high schools to overseas schools, and from overseas elementary, junior high and high schools to Japan - through translation activities. We translate documents and articles requested mainly by the Japanese Red Cross Society but also those from other welfare-related organizations from English to Japanese or Japanese to English.
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of Translating Japanese Picture Books into English?
This is a program which translates Japanese picture books and sends them to children around the world, mainly in Asia and Africa. In addition to the actual translation work, we hold a monthly "Picture Book Translation Workshop" to improve the translation skills of the participants.
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of the Disability Support Services?
This is a wide range of activities to support the transportation and living of people in wheelchairs and visually impaired people who come to Japan from overseas. JICA provides support on a regular basis for people with disabilities who come to Japan for leadership training. JICA also provides guided tours and support for life activities for the disabled and the elderly through its Goodwill Interpreter Organization (SGG) activities. JICA also provides assistance for university entrance examinations in Japan and assists as interpreters at welfare events.
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of Accessible Wheelchair Guidance?
In order for people with disabilities to enjoy sightseeing and shopping without any inconvenience, we provide information on access to various facilities in and around Tokyo on our website.
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of the Interpreting?
We provide volunteer interpreters by request from the Japanese Red Cross, Para-Sports related organizations and various other organizations. In addition, we accompany overseas Red Cross officials on local tours in invitation programs or take part in workshops as an interpreter. We also play a role as an interpreter in the international exchange program of the Junior Red Cross and the caregiving guide. The level of sophistication in the interpretation varies according to the requests.
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of DAISY?
This is an activity to create and provide multimedia DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) textbooks, picture books, etc. for children and students who have difficulty reading ordinary printed materials for reasons such as developmental disabilities and visual disabilities.
Multimedia DAISY textbooks, picture books etc. use the same text and images as regular textbooks or picture books, and can be read by synchronizing the sound with the text. Users can also read highlighted text (which can be magnified) while listening to audio (the speed of which can be adjusted) and view pictures on the same screen. Specific activities include scanning picture books, creating text, editing on a PC, recording, and playback testing
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of Interpreter at Hospital Reception?
It is an activity that has been started to work towards medical interpretation by volunteers in the consultation room.
At present, we send volunteer receptionists to two hospitals in Tokyo twice a month to provide guidance on the first and follow-up visits to patients from overseas, and volunteers who listen attentively to inpatients. We also hold a study meeting once a month to realize medical interpretation in the consultation room.
Details are here.
- What are the main activities of International Exchange Meeting?
It is an activity to support the international exchange program sponsored by the Japanese Red Cross Society, which is held once every two years.
The project aims to promote mutual understanding and goodwill between Japan and more than 100 youth volunteers from more than 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. (In fiscal 2020, it was held over Zoom due to the impact of the novel coronavirus.)
The Language Volunteer group plays a wide range of roles at the core of this project, including planning, preparation, management and interpretation at international exchange meetings
Details are here.
- Are there activities in languages other than English?
At present, there are few activities using languages other than English. However, it is possible to participate in activities that do not necessarily require foreign languages, such as assistance, accessible wheelchair guidance, and group management.
- Is there an opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills necessary for activities?
The training required to participate in each activity is held regularly (about five times a year).
The subjects of the training are Red Cross fundamentals, picture book translation, Disability Support Services, DAISY, etc. In addition, we also provide language and Red Cross Emergency training. Training is a prerequisite for activities, so we recommend new members to participate.
- Can people living in rural areas or overseas participate in the activities?
You can participate in activities that can be done remotely, but please be aware that activities which are not done remotely are mainly conducted in the suburbs of Tokyo.
