Participant Observations on Volunteer Organizations Emerging after the Great Hanshin Earthquake

The Nishinomiya Volunteer Network and the Local NGOs Co-ordinating Team for Gresat Hanshin Earthquake Relief

Abstract

We conducted participant observations in two volunteer organizations-the Nishinomiya Volunteer Network and the Local NGOs Co-ordinating Team for Great Hanshin Earthquake Relief-emerging after the Great Hanshin Earthquake occurred at 5: 46a. m. on January 17, 1995. First, we introduced the processes of establishment and provided an overview of activities by each organization. Second, we conducted a conceptual analysis of volunteers in general and examined each organization in terms of the regional triangle model for disaster relief. Finally, we compared organizational characteristics with the model. They were similar in that they both coordinated affiliated and spontaneous volunteers; however, they had clear differences in the relationship with local governments and in theirfuture views.