CONSIDERATION ON CHARACTERISTICS OF WORKINGS OF LOCAL PARTNERSHIP GROUPS IN JAPAN BASED ON THE GROUNDWORK APPROACH IN THE U.K

The purpose of this study is to consider characteristics of workings and a future direction of local partnership groups in Japan based on the Groundwork approach in the UK. Compared with Groundwork in the UK, characteristics of workings of local Groundwork groups in Japan are summarised as follows: 1) an approach to matters of natural environment in the local community; 2) simple programme contents; 3) a practical activity only by Groundwork group; 4) a vulnerable partnership with the private sector; 5) a support system by volunteer staff with high skill; 6) a low capacity of fund raising and a small fiscal scale; 7) a passive strategy toward government policies. In conclusion, the following four points are necessary for developing Groundwork movement in Japan: 1) a step-by-step approach to enhance social environment; 2) an intermediary to expand a local partnership; 3) an organisational structure composed of full-time staffs with a coordination skill and diversification of finance; 4) a consciousness of a holistic approach strategy.