Abstract
How can we build a multicultural, convivial society with people of diverse backgrounds?
This paper examines the key role of the third sector （nonpro t organizations）
in promoting multicultural conviviality and creating “ibasho”（ a social orpsychological
place of belonging）, discussing their diverse activity and the importance of institutionalization.
Speci cally focusing on Amici del Parco Trotters, a volunteer organization
founded by citizens in Milan, Italy, the 4th largest immigrant country in the EU, this study
reexamines the legal definition of the third sector, their rights, financial management,
and activities.
Since the 1990s, while promoting the principle of subsidiarity, in which the central
government delegates authority for administrative welfare services to local governments
and the private sector, and institutionalizing the third sector as part of this process, Italy
implemented a 5 per mille tax reform that allows taxpayers to donate up to 0.5% of their
personal income tax to a third sector of their own choosing. Therefore non-pro t organizations
with fragile nancial conditions can be funded from a portion of the national tax
base for their activities.
Amici del Parco Trotters has also benefited from this, expanding its activities by
networking with municipalities, businesses, and other organizations. They o er projects
based on careful consideration, such as Italian language support（ Paroleingioco）, a multilingual
library （Librotrotter）, and women-only projects for immigrant women facing
gender gaps（ Spazio di Socialità, Atelier Trotter, etc.）. Additionally, the open space of the
park, rich in nature, provided time and space for dialogue and interaction and encouraged
learning and participation, providing ibasho to people with diverse backgrounds.
The challenge of Amici del Parco Trotter toward the implementation of a convivial
society o ers us insights for multicultural conviviality in Japan. The key to the future
will be how non-profit organizations can provide community-based support and create
“ibasho” and how the national system can be designed to support it.
