Monday, September 12, 2005 Craig Green Houston, Texas, Sept. 10 — Rika Hagiyama and I arrived early and met up with some of the SGI-USA youth at The Orange Show, a small arts complex. The youth were preparing for a youth culture and sports festival. They had invited some of the young people evacuated from New Orleans and now staying at the Prince Center Shelter in Houston. The festival included a food-tasting contest with everything from chocolate cake to salads to chicken. Performances included taiko drums, Korean fan dancing, hip-hop dancing, singing and spoken word selections and step dancing. By the end of the sports festival, the visiting youth didn't want to leave. For some of them, it may have been their first activity outside the shelter since they arrived. Houston, Texas, Sept. 11 — Rika and I met up with SGI-USA members at the Houston Community Center. After morning prayers, 17 of us prepped to go volunteer at the Astrodome, where thousands of evacuees are being temporarily housed. When we arrived, all of us wearing sky blue SGI-USA t-shirts, it was a dry 90 degrees. And as with the experience at Dallas Convention Center, the scope of the Astrodome was overwhelming. The room for the volunteers to check in for orientation could hold thousands, and I heard that at one point, the line for volunteers to register circled the building.
The evacuees not only occupied the Astrodome, which holds several thousands, were also housed in the Reliant Center, a large facility next to the Astrodome. When we entered at the Volunteer Check In—photo ID required—we were sent to orientation, then to a waiting area with other volunteers. Once there, we were told of the various tasks that needed to be performed. We wanted to go as a large group, but none of the tasks required all of us. Some young men went to hand out towels in the men's showers. Others were asked to interview evacuees and gather information on relatives that were still missing. My assignment was to work with the logistics department entering data about supplies being used in the relief efforts. At first, I have to be quite honest, I didn't want to be there. I was just typing in figures and dates. I thought I could do something a bit more active, a bit flashier. But I realized that a relief effort of this size (supporting at least 25,000 evacuees) needs organization and administrative support. And the task I was performing—data entry—was essential. With that in mind, and with my ego in check, I typed in the data as best I could. I later spoke with other SGI-USA members who were with the evacuees in the Reliant Center. They said that some of the evacuees were at their wits' end about how to find relatives and other loved ones. There was a woman who was trying to find out what happened to her premature baby who had been at a hospital in Louisiana. There were many trying to find out what happened to their elderly parents who needed medical attention. The stories were heartbreaking. But at the same time, I was glad to know that these evacuees were getting some type of support, especially from the SGI-USA members in Houston. (The members in Houston were as kind and generous as anyone I have ever met.) I also heard of how one of the women's division members that volunteered had a way of making the evacuees feel relaxed and at ease. She didn't say a lot, sometimes simply smiling as she said "good-bye" or "take care," yet she made the day brighter for those she spoke with. She also encouraged other SGI-USA members as well. It's unclear how long the relief efforts will continue in Texas. But it is clear that the SGI-USA members involved have made the transition for the many people affected so much smoother. Sunday, September 11, 2005 We would like to extend our most sincerest appreciation for all of your prayers and efforts as we face the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The members of New Orleans Area, Mississippi Chapter and Mobile District, in Alabama, have received continuous support and encouragement from General Director Danny Nagashima, members from Southeast Zone and from across the nation. The prayers that are resonating throughout Southeast Zone, the nation and the world are touching the hearts and energizing all of those impacted by this tragedy. Throughout the Southeast Zone, members are gathering in their districts and praying for the well being of every person affected by the hurricane. In addition to prayer, youth are working with community-based organizations, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Mission Harvest, to support the many people requiring the bare essentials for survival. In his September 4th message to SGI-USA members, SGI President Ikeda stated: “Do not be defeated. Rather, stand up with magnificent faith. My prayer is that all of you will rise up with this spirit to never be defeated. America, never give up! You must absolutely change poison into medicine.” Taking President Ikeda’s guidance to heart, the members of the Gulf Coast are amazingly joyful and In his letter, “Those Initially Aspiring To The Way,” Nichiren Daishonin states, “in kindling a fire, three things are needed: a good piece of steel, a good flint, and good tinder. The same is true of prayer. Three things are required – a good teacher, a good believer, and a good teaching – before prayers can be effective and disasters banished from the land” (WND, p.880). We, the youth of the Southeast Zone have no doubt that we are indeed practicing the correct teaching as we embrace President Ikeda as our “good teacher.” United with President Ikeda, the men’s and women’s division members are more determined than ever to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon with great conviction that we can create victories out of this tragedy. We will fulfill our mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth in America by broadly sharing the Mystic Law with others! With our sincerest appreciation, Friday, September 9, 2005 Dallas, Texas, Sept. 9 – Flew in today from Los Angeles. Went to the SGI-USA Dallas Culture Center. Spent a bit of time with Hoss McBain, an SGI-USA member who is the night manager for the Red Cross at the Dallas Convention Center shelter for evacuees from New Orleans. We talked about the events that led him to help manage such a massive facility. (On a given night, the shelter will have between 1400 and 1500 people.) Also traveled to Dallas to cover the first concert by ICAP (International Committee of Artists for Peace) for those who have relocated. After a bit of negotiating, it was agreed that the concert would take place in an area of the convention center, not far away from where the evacuees were stationed. Got to the convention center a few hours before the event. Watched the crew put up the set and sound system within an hour and a half. Some of the musicians for the show, Buster Williams, Bennie Maupin and others, arrived and prepped for the show. I watched as they reworked music specifically for the show. I found out later that there was a song that Buster felt was perfect for the evening. The concert was held at 8 p.m. The audience slowly filled up as the evening progressed. Nestor Torres opened the show followed by Buster Williams and his quartet. Approximately 200 to 300 showed, with maybe 50 evacuees coming over from the shelter. Watching the audience and hearing some of the comments from those who attended, the concert was a hit. Another concert is to be held tomorrow afternoon. Word of mouth should get even more people to see the show. Later in the evening, I went with Rika Hagiyama to visit Hoss McBain on his shift at the Dallas Convention Center. We were not there in any official capacity, just as observers. I’m still in a bit of shock. We entered the Red Cross volunteers’ entrance. We signed in, disinfected our hands, put on latex gloves and began our tour. It was after 10:30 in the evening, so many of the lights were out for the night. The first thing I saw was an ocean of cots. Row after row of people trying to get some rest. Many of the families were sleeping, some were getting ready for bed, some were making sure the kids were comfortable. Some families were sitting around talking, others playing cards, while others gave their friends and family haircuts. I saw a cafeteria setup with hundreds of tables and food preparation areas. I saw a makeshift nursery with 15 to 20 cribs. I saw a small playground where kids were playing basketball and tag. There’s was a hospital, mental health clinic, OB/GYN staff, crates of water and food, large shower rooms, pallets of diapers and baby formula and areas to distribute donated clothes. It was an indoor town. I say I’m in shock, not because of horrific conditions or neglect, or anything negative. I was taken back by the number of people affected. To read about it in the paper, or even see images on television is one thing, but to be there with them and understand the scope, is another. But even with all of this, you could sense some hope. The people supporting behind the scenes (Red Cross volunteers, the medical staff, EMS professional, police, national guard) were dedicated to helping those in need. Walking with Hoss and seeing him interact with the evacuees and the fellow staff working at the shelter, you knew that everyone was working as hard as they could for others. Thursday, September 8, 2005
Ever since Hurricane Katrina struck, Christine Harp of Fort Worth, Texas had been unable to contact her mother who was living in New Orleans. After searching all of the major missing persons websites on the internet for any possible clue about her condition, Christine remembered that her mother was a member of SGI-USA and promptly checked the SGI-USA website. As she scanned the Hurricane Katrina pages of the website, she eventually discovered the list of SGI-USA members who had been located. She stared in disbelief as she read her mother's name, Kim Koehl, among the names of located members on the website. For three days, SGI-USA volunteers worked to help connect Christine and her mother. Finally, on Tuesday September 6th, local leaders were able to visit Kim in her home and enable mother and daughter to finally connect via cell phone. Christine was very happy and relieved to confirm for herself that her mother was safe and healthy. In fact, Ms. Koehl has been working hard preparing food and taking care of the elderly at a New Orleans shelter. She was also actively involved in helping to locate other missing SGI-USA members as well. As SGI-USA members continue the search for information about their missing loved ones, the SGI-USA staff will continue to do their best to support. Wednesday, September 7, 2005 For the past 5 days, I have been working with local SGI-USA youth volunteers to support hurricane relief efforts at the Houston Astrodome – the largest evacuation center in the United States. During my volunteer shifts, I witnessed the unbelievable suffering of many individuals and families. Many people lost everything. Jobs were lost. Houses were destroyed. Even worse, many lost their loved ones. The atmosphere always felt tense. I would often see evacuees crying, seemingly overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and hopelessness. This past weekend, the SGI-USA national toy collection drive for children displaced by Hurricane Katrina achieved its first milestone – over 1000 toys and books were donated to children at the Astrodome and other Houston-based shelters. I had the opportunity to personally visit several of these shelters. Many of the children staying at these shelters looked scared or worried. They went from the comfort and safety of their own homes to unfamiliar shelters where they sleep on cots. Seeing mothers sincerely giving their all to lift the spirits of their crying children was a common scene during my volunteer shifts. At these most crucial moments, I was so happy to offer even a little bit of comfort to these children by giving them a stuffed animal or book. Once, while transporting some of the toys in a shelter, a mother and her two young girls came up to me and the other SGI-USA youth volunteers. We asked them what toys or books they would like to have. The youngest girl who was about 5 years old, picked a stuffed animal. The older girl, who was about 9 years old picked a book. As I went to the shelter each day, I noticed the smiles on the faces of the children who were able to find joy in reading their new books or playing with their new stuffed animal. In fact, the arrival of new toys to a special section of the Astrodome has become a cause for celebration – bringing smiles and cries of joy from waiting children. Through this youth initiative, over the next week and a half, we will continue to do our best to offer a little bit of comfort to the many children who are struggling during this difficult time. Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Update on Hurricane Katrina, Day 3 Los Angeles, Calif., Sept. 6 – Yesterday, I left for the Jackson, Miss. International Airport around five in the morning. I was accompanied by two of the young men that have been working with the members in Mississippi and Louisiana over the last few days. Seeing someone off at the airport is a simple enough gesture, but the fact that they thanked me for supporting them, after I saw them work so hard, was rather humbling. Later in the day I spoke with Danny Nagashima on the phone about his visit to the Houston Astrodome. (This was also the day that former presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, as well as Oprah Winfrey, visited the Astrodome.) Danny very proudly spoke of the SGI-USA members he saw helping out the victims of the hurricane – distributing water and other provisions. He also mentioned that the number of approved volunteer groups was limited and that SGI-USA was one of those groups. I spoke with one of the members I had worked with while in Louisiana. He told me that he had finally made it into the New Orleans area. (Access is limited to residents who can provide documentation they are from the area.) The first thing he shared was that the SGI-USA New Orleans Community Center was intact. There was damage to the outside sign, but the building did not have water inside, and it did not take a direct hit from the storm. He got in contact with a few SGI-USA members that had stayed within the city limits. They were fine and their homes had received little or no damage. He also reported that, unfortunately, his house was surrounded by three to four feet of water. (To get to his house, he had to park six blocks away and walk.) Since this visit, he's told his family to stay in Jackson, Miss. They may need to settle there for the next few months. No exact telling when they'll be able to return. It's an odd situation all around. Some houses are not damaged at all, where others are destroyed. It will probably be three months before businesses in New Orleans will open again. In the areas he visited, trees and branches were everywhere. Larger streets have been cleared out of much of the debris, but the side streets were so full of branches, it's was hard to see the streets underneath. Since it was so difficult to find a hotel room, more than likely, he will be spending the night in his car. He'll try to get back into New Orleans again in the morning. He's also found that getting gas is easier near New Orleans. One less thing to worry about. I'm no longer in the part of the country affected by Hurricane Katrina at present, but I'll do my best to continue updates over the next few days. Monday, September 5, 2005 This morning, SGI-USA youth volunteers delivered 400 stuffed animals and children's books to children being housed at the Astrodome and other Houston-based shelters. In doing so, the youth of SGI-USA are joining the ongoing volunteer efforts of SGI-USA members throughout the State of Texas. This youth-led national toy collection drive will continue until Sunday September 18th.
Later that day, General Director Danny Nagashima arrived and shared words of encouragement with a group of SGI-USA youth volunteers who had just completed their shift. Mr. Nagashima then joined the relief efforts inside the Astrodome. Tonight, Mr. Nagashima will meet with SGI-USA members who were displaced from their homes in New Orleans. Update on Hurricane Katrina, Day 2 Jackson, Miss., Sept. 5 –- We started the day out with a slight problem. We didn't have enough gas. Our plan was to go as a group, there were to be about eight of us, on visits to more SGI-USA members in Louisiana and Mississippi. With the gas shortage, we had to adjust our schedule. (Lines for gas can be several blocks long and are usually accompanied by police escorts.) The morning began with our picking up SGI-USA General Director Danny Nagashima at the airport. He had just finished a trip to Texas that included a visit to Killeen, Austin and San Antonio. With a smaller group than we had planned, we headed out. Our first stop was in Folsom, Louisiana, to the north of New Orleans. As we got closer, the sight of large trees toppled over and downed power lines became the norm. An SGI-USA member had opened up his home for New Orleans citizens who had evacuated before Hurricane Katrina hit. Today there were 10 people at the house, and at one point there had been at least 20. We were greeted by dogs that had come with their owners. We could also hear the tractor running behind the house providing power, functioning somewhat like a generator. Almost everyone was in the living room enjoying air conditioning, but they quickly came out, happy to see visitors. Once we passed out supplies (food, water, toiletries and gasoline), we held a small meeting with Danny giving encouragement and sharing messages from SGI President and Mrs. Ikeda. It was very simple, but again, the members were touched by the support given. After leaving Folsom, we traveled to Hammond, Louisiana, a few miles closer to New Orleans. Strangely enough, the damage didn't seem as bad when we arrived, but it was still clear that Katrina had hit. We met with a women's division member who was happy not just to see us, but because her power had been turned on right before we got there. We did evening prayers and chanted with her family and again, held a short meeting. Tucked away in the back roads of Louisiana, it was clear that this SGI-USA member appreciated us being there. Our last visit was to a couple of women's division members in McComb, Mississippi, slightly north of the Louisiana border. We got there shortly before sundown, and because the power was off, the visit was lit by a couple of flashlights. Most of the visit consisted of Danny sitting with the two women in the darkened living room quietly sharing guidance from President Ikeda and discussing the concept of 'changing poison into medicine.' Almost all of their conversation took place in Japanese, and I didn't understand most if not all of what was being said. But it was clear that just by our visiting, these very proud women were touched beyond words. I return to Los Angeles in a few hours, but I don't think I'll ever forget what I've seen. Not just the downed trees and damaged houses, but the simple care that so many are showing to those in need. I have been following the TV coverage of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. The entire world is watching with great concern. Please extend your sincerest encouragement to every single member. Please support, encourage and aid them. I am praying that you will all accumulate great good fortune and experience the lessening of karmic retribution. With courage, please rise again. Do not be defeated. Rather, stand up with magnificent faith. My prayer is that all of you will rise up with this spirit to never be defeated. America, never give up! You must absolutely change poison into medicine. Let each of us stand up with this conviction that we will change poison into medicine. With our deepest sympathy, my wife and I are sending you daimoku. General Director Danny Nagashima flew into Jackson Evers Airport in Mississippi where he met with nine SGI-USA members who had been evacuated from their homes. They were all deeply moved as Mr. Nagashima shared President Ikeda’s September 4th message. Afterwards, Mr. Nagashima traveled along roads littered with uprooted trees and destroyed homes to meet members in Folsom, McComb and Hammond, Louisiana to chant, share words of encouragement and deliver essential supplies and gasoline. In Texas,two young men received the Gohonzon at the Houston World Peace Prayer meeting and immediately began supporting relief efforts at the Houston Astrodome. They joined the many other SGI-USA volunteers who continue to support at the Astrodome, Reunion Arena and various other facilities throughout the State of Texas. SGI-USA youth leaders launched a national toy collection drive to offer emotional support to the youngest victims of Hurricane Katrina, children 0-5 years of age. The first shipment of over 400 toys arrived today and will be delivered to children at
Update on Hurricane Katrina Jackson , Miss., Sept. 4 – When I arrived yesterday, I was greeted by an SGI-USA member from New Orleans. He and his family (wife and three teenage children) have not seen their home since the Hurricane Katrina hit last week. Yet they are all part of a team of SGI-USA members traveling throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, visiting other members who have been impacted by the recent storms. When we went back to the hotel, other members were preparing for home visits. This includes gathering supplies that many are not able to collect: food, water, paper towels, toilet paper and the most important commodity around, gasoline. These goods were packed into vans and cars for the trips ahead. I went with three young men to visit members in Meridian, Mississippi. Two of the young men have had their lives forever changed. Both from New Orleans, one of them knows that his house was underwater (he's seen the roof of his home on television reports). The other is rather certain his home, and his father's business, have been lost as well. Regardless, they were more than willing and able to help out other members affected by the storms. The two women's division we visited lived in areas somewhat removed from the major highways, so it took some time to find their homes. Our first visit was complicated even more because all of the power in the neighborhood was gone (it was dark by the time we reached the house) and many of the street signs had been blown away. When we finally arrived, we were greeted with surprise and sincere thanks. She kept saying over and over, “this is wonderful. This is tremendous.” (We were approximately 150 miles from the coast from the worst damage, but still there were trees and power lines thrown about. For some areas, it will take months before things are back to normal.) The next woman we visited was also in an area with no power. She told us that recently she had been very sick with a fever, and only had been able to return to work today. Her traveling was also made difficult because of her difficulty in finding gas. When the young men presented her with the provisions they had brought and shared with her messages sent from SGI President and Mrs. Ikeda, she began to weep. As we were returning to the hotel for the night, we received a call from the daughter of this woman telling us how much she appreciated the visit and the supplies. There are approximately 300 members in the New Orleans Area (which includes parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama) and more than 145 have been located. From what I've gathered, even though some of them have been displaced from their homes, all have been in good health to this point. There is tremendous care being given to support every single person. And even though I am here simply to report what was going on, I am very proud to be a part of the SGI-USA. Those severely affected by the hurricane are now being evacuated to surrounding states, including Texas, as resources in Northern Louisiana deplete. SGI-USA members from areas in Texas are supporting evacuees, working with other support organizations like the Red Cross, to provide necessary essentials and help evacuees feel as comfortable as possible. There are currently SGI-USA members and leaders supporting disaster efforts at the Houston Astrodome, Dallas Convention Center and Reunion Arena also in Dallas. At these locations, SGI-USA members are supporting hundreds of evacuees, by serving food; bringing and organizing supplies, water and clothing, and even giving individual care to evacuees. At these and many other locations, SGI-USA members are actively involved in helping not only fellow members but also the thousands of other evacuees from the affected areas. There are currently 21 members helping in the Astrodome, 23 members helping at the Reunion Arena and many others supporting at other locations. Hoss McBain, an area men's leader from Texas was appointed by the Red Cross as the Shelter Manager for the night shift at the Dallas Convention Center. In this capacity, Hoss will take responsibility for the health and safety of 10,000 evacuees. Right now SGI-USA staff members and local leaders are visiting many of the affected areas to help local evacuees by visiting them and delivering supplies. They are visiting areas that have had severe damage and areas that are still experiencing loss of water and power, and flood damage. Some local leaders are visiting other areas, meeting with members to offer their support and encouragement. There are still many outlying areas experiencing loss of water and power, and flood damage to their homes. Local SGI-USA leaders are making continuous efforts to encourage evacuees and members from areas who have suffered from the effects of the hurricane.
Friday, September 2, 2005 SGI President Ikeda provided detailed instructions to General Director Nagashima to immediately visit these members and personally deliver his message and packages containing food coupons, gift certificates and other essentials. Both President and Mrs. Ikeda have been sending messages and receiving constant updated reports about the condition of the members
The members, although struggling with many worries, were filled with tears of appreciation to receive this outpouring of encouragement from President and Mrs. Ikeda as well as the prayers and concern of their SGI-USA family. Mr. Nagashima has also been encouraging every youth to change poison into medicine as they take on the challenge to enroll in new schools. Furthermore, Mr. Nagashima met with the families who have taken evacuated members into their homes and local leaders to extend President Ikeda’s messages and appreciation for their support of our precious members of the SGI-USA family. As of now, General Director Nagashima has met with 10 evacuated members in Dallas, Texas, and 14 members in Shreveport, Louisiana. Saturday, SGI-USA members from Houston will support disaster relief efforts at the Houston Astrodome. Two SGI-USA staff members will also be dispatched to Houston to identify any additional opportunities for SGI-USA members to support relief efforts. Back to top Thursday, September 1, 2005 Yesterday, two SGI-USA staff members were dispatched to support SGI-USA members who have been evacuated from their homes and relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana and Jackson, Mississippi. General Director Danny Nagashima also departed today to support evacuees who have gathered at various locations throughout Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. In addition, a control center has been established at the SGI-USA National Headquarters to help locate and account for the safety of SGI-USA members that have been evacuated from their homes.
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SGI-USA Youth play taiko drums at the SGI-USA Texas Region Gulf Coast Youth Culture and Sports Festival where evacuees were invited, September 10.
SGI-USA members are continuing volunteer work at the Houston Astrodome.
SGI-USA members gather at the South Carolina Community Center to chant for the safety of Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
Hoss McBain, SGI-USA member and night manager for evacuee shelter, Dallas Convention Center.
Buster Williams, center playing bass, and his quartet, play for evacuees at the Hurricane Katrina Concert of Hope, Dallas, Texas, Sept. 9
Kim Koehl (left) with local leader Brian Saito who was also forced to evacuate his home by Hurricane Katrina.
An SGI-USA youth volunteer shares a smile with one of the children housed at a local Houston shelter.
Smiles abound as an SGI-USA youth volunteer joins a group photo with children who enjoy newly delivered toys.
The SGI-USA New Orleans Community Center sustained no damage from Hurricane Katrina other than the missing sign.
SGI-USA youth volunteers begin to deliver 400 toys to children being housed at shelters throughout Houston, Texas.
General Director Danny Nagashima joins relief efforts alongside local SGI-USA volunteers inside the Houston Astrodome.
SGI-USA members in Hammond, Louisiana take a group photo after doing evening prayers and holding a short meeting.
General Director Danny Nagashima discusses the Buddhist concept of "changing poison into medicine" with two women in McComb, Mississippi.
General Director Danny Nagashima shares words of encouragement with SGI-USA members affected by Hurricane Katrina in Folsom, Louisiana.
Two young men (back row, 3rd and 4th from the left) who received the Gohonzon earilier in the day join a group photo with other SGI-USA volunteers at the Houston Astrodome.
SGI-USA youth volunteers collect over 400 toys for children in shelters throughout Houston, Texas.
Three young men from the New Orleans area visiting a women' division member in Meridian, Mississippi.
New Orleans members preparing supplies for home visits in Jackson, Mississippi.
SGI-USA volunteers support hurricane relief efforts at the Houston Astrodome.
The Red Cross appoints Hoss McBain, SGI-USA area men's leader from Texas as the night shift Shelter Manager at the Dallas Convention Center.
SGI-USA disaster relief volunteers provide food and gasoline for SGI-USA members in an isolated part of Mississippi.
General Director Danny Nagashima chants with evacuated and local members in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Evacuees in Shreveport, Louisiana gather together for a group picture after a visit with General Director Danny Nagashima. SGI-USA Newsroom
As a non-governmental organization the Soka Gakkai International works toward the principles of peace, culture and education. Engaged in grass-roots efforts the SGI works together with many organizations to promote humanistic principles. |
 Our Shared Humanity
A 20-minute film that answers the questions: What is the SGI? What are it's philosophical underpinnings? Who are it's members and what do they do? |