Summary of the 20 January 2018 Kobe Community Forum:

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Topic: “Creating a Resilient Kobe: How we can use the talented people and abundant resources in our community to make Kobe healthy, connected and resilient for everyone?”

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Date: 20 January (Saturday) 2018 10:00~13:00

(doors open at 9:30am)

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Place: Sorakuen Kaikan

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Program:​

Welcome and Overview

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Remarks by the Honorable Mayor Hisamoto

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Presentations by Community Members (download presentations below):

 

Group discussions Facilitated by Community Members

 

Networking Party

 

​​Presentation and Group Discussion Details

(you can download presentations and handouts below)

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Presentations

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      I.        Theme: Social Connectedness and Community

                 Title: “School Exchange Programs in Kobe City”

                 Presented by: Student Representatives of Canadian Academy and Kobe Secondary High School

 

      II.       Theme: Social Inclusion, Minorities/Under-represented Persons in Kobe

                 Title: “How Can We Make Kobe More Resilient? Making Social Connectedness Stronger by Connecting People with Fun”

                 Presented by: Grace Ohashi (MUCHU, Center for Independent Living) and Aki Yoshikawa (CARE, Non-Profit International                      Volunteer Group)

 

     III.       Theme: Civic Participation of Young People in Kobe, Social Inclusion

                 Title: “Creating Opportunities for Multigenerational Interaction and Community Dialogue Between Kobe                                                Communities Through a Student Summit”

                 Presented by: Student Representatives of Fukiai Public High School

 

     IV.        Theme: Resilience, Community, Education, Youth

                 Title: “Making Our Community Stronger”

                 Presented by:  Frank Pitzner, Principal Duetsche Schule Kobe European School

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Group Discussions

 

 

Title: “Disaster Preparedness for Businesses ” (Facilitator: Sissada)

Not only people, but also businesses, are vulnerable to natural disasters. And, resilience starts from the ground up! Using case studies, we will think about what could be done to help SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Businesses) in Kobe prepare before, during and after disasters. What are the roles of SMEs to economic recovery in Kobe? If the great Hanshin earthquake were to occur again today, how many businesses would survive (when compared to 1995)? What can SMEs in Kobe do to be more resilient to disasters? If you manage or work for a small company, or if you are interested in learning more about the role of and impact to companies during disasters, please join this group.

 

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Title: “Innovating BOKOMI” (Facilitators: Kazuo and Caliph)

Do you know about “BOKOMI” – Kobe City’s unique approach to community disaster preparedness? And, do you know that a large earthquake is predicted to impact Japan in the future? We want to make sure all members of the Kobe community are prepared for emergencies by connecting them to their local BOKOMI group. Join this group to brainstorm about how can we make sure everyone, including people from diverse language or cultural backgrounds, and people with special needs, participate in BOKOMI? What can be done at the personal/household, community, and city level to increase the resilience of Kobe City? How can we make sure the community has the information about preparedness, response and recovery?

During this discussion, we hope to get some immediately-actionable and community-driven ideas to share with all the participants. We are not only looking for your good ideas, we are also looking for eager and committed volunteers to help with these efforts! Everyone, regardless of age, background or experience has something to contribute to disaster management, so please join and tell us your ideas!

 

 

Title: “Socially-Connected Kobe” (Facilitator: Phillip)

Research suggests that cities are more resilient when neighbors regularly interact with each other.  What can residents of Kobe do, and what can Kobe City do, to create more social opportunities for the people of Kobe to meet each other? What kinds of opportunities does the community want? Who might host these events? How can we eliminate barriers to participation? We want to hear your ideas!

 

 

Title: Can we “Eat” Kobe to improve community resilience? (Facilitator: Mark W.)

During last year’s Forum, some community members suggested that community gardening projects could contribute to Kobe’s resilience. So, let’s try to take this idea to the next level. All are welcome to join and brainstorm! Can we (the people living, working, and studying in Kobe City) launch a community-driven initiative to use community gardening as a way to connect people of all ages and backgrounds? What resources are necessary? How can we promote this community activity?

 

 

Title: “Strengthening Ties Between the Different Community Groups of Kobe” (Facilitators: Aki and Grace)

Research shows that a city is more happy and resilient when there are strong communication networks between people and groups during and after a disaster. Cities are also more resilient when there are chances for people to come together in general. The purpose of this group is for members of an existing social/community group in Kobe (or people thinking to start a new community group) to share general information and expertise regarding “community-building”, and also to try to identify opportunities for these groups to cooperate with each other in the future. How community groups in Kobe cooperate with each other and contribute to the city’s overall resilience?

 

 

Title: “Diversity and Inclusion” (Facilitator: Makoto “Mark” K.)

Kobe aspires to be a welcoming and livable city for all residents. What can the people of Kobe do, and what can Kobe City do, to encourage “inclusiveness” in our city and make sure people with linguistic, cultural or otherwise diverse, backgrounds feel welcome and included? Share your suggestions and experience. Participants in this group are also welcome to share information about resources, groups, or upcoming events related to diversity and special-interests.

 

 

Title: “Community-building and information- sharing through social media” (Facilitator: Louise)

What kinds of information do people want from Kobe City and from community or social organizations? Through what channels? What, if any, changes would you make to existing Kobe-related social media sites? How might social media be used to encourage a sense of belonging in Kobe City?

 

 

Title: “Community Engagement for Youth” (Facilitator: Edward)

What can community groups, schools, businesses and Kobe City do to create opportunities for young people to get involved in the community? What kinds of opportunities do young people want? What are the current barriers to youth participation in society, and what might be done to overcome them?

Not only will this include a general discussion, it will also be an interactive session that will tap into the energy and ideas of participants by giving them an opportunity to apply their knowledge right away! Join this group if you want to do more than just talking!

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Past Kobe Community Forum Events:

 

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2016

         Theme: “How Can We Make Kobe The Best (Most Livable) City In Japan?

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         October 2016 Meet-up at KICC: 35+ Participants

         December 2016 Forum at Sorakuen Kaikan: 100 participants

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2017-18

Theme: “How Can We Use The Talented People And Abundant Resources In Our Community To Make Kobe Healthy, Socially-Connected And Resilient For Everyone?

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         15 November  2017 Meet-up at KICC: 40+ Participants

         21 November  2017 Meet-up at KICC: 75+ Participants

         20 January 2018 Forum at Sorakuen Kaikan: 135+ Participants​