Tokyo 2020 Volunteer Update: Roles, E-Learning, and English Test (March)
There are many different questions being posted all throughout social media and message boards regarding the current situation involving Tokyo 2020 Volunteers. Some information seems somewhat unclear for many at this point in time. Many of the issues are centered around the roles that are being handed out, the video e-learning course, and the English test/course. I decided to make a quick update on the current situation to hopefully help answer some of the most common questions. If you are worried about the anything in relation to volunteering, you can always message the volunteer center at the email below.
Email: contact-center@volunteer.tokyo2020.jp
Roles:
The release of emails, specifying volunteer roles was the big news that came out in early March. The Tokyo 2020 Field Cast organisers began sending offers specifying roles and locations for volunteers. This was based on what volunteers filled for your desired role and how the interviews went.
Originally volunteers were told they had to accept or reject the roles by March 11th. However due to a some delays of volunteers receiving their offers, the volunteering committee has extended the dates for those who receive a later message.
These roles were intially broken up into nine different categories: guidance, events, mobility support, personal support, operation support, healthcare, technology, media and ceremonies.
There may now be additional titles to your role that may clarify levels of responsibilities. Titles like “team member” or “team leader” are some of the commons ones people have shared online. It may also give you specific details within the “Functional Area”, as to what exactly is your job. In medical services it may tell you “First Responder” or something like that.
The offer was sent to your “My Page” profile and to look at the offers simply look at the “My Status” section and click on the “see all my status”. You can also go to the page via email as well.
Rejecting the role:
While many people are happy about there position and role obtained during this initial handout, some have voiced disappointment in either not getting exactly what they desired or getting placed far away from the center of Tokyo. While you can obviously reject this offer, if you so desire, be cautious to do so.
Well it seems that if you reject the role, there is a chance that you can get a more desirable position, this is not guaranteed. Because of other cancellations and ultimately those who will bail on a position, replacements will always be needed. So there are hypothetically chances you can be recast in a different role.
However, if you choose to reject the first offer, you should be aware there is a chance that you will be left with nothing at all. While volunteer organisers will try their best to accommodate your desires, there are so many moving parts, you may be lost in the grand scheme of things.
Tokyo 2020 E-Learning Video Training
Another topic that has come up is about the E-training. People are wondering if and when it has to be done.
- IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The E-training is on a completely separate website than everything else. It is not the same as the English Online Traning!
E-Training Website: https://www12.learningpark.jp/tokyo2020/
The E-Training video is mandatory and it seems the deadline to finish all the videos is by the end of March. The training comprises of 8 sections and takes roughly 2 hours to complete. There is no test, but it does include some important points of how to do your job correctly. It is available in English and Japanese, as well support systems for the visually impaired.
English Test/E-learning (General English)
The English test and E-learning course which can be found on the volunteer website in the activities section are not strictly mandatory, but it is highly advised that you complete the two. The test is a 30 minute multiple choice scored out of 100. It is a 1 time test that can’t be retaken.
The E-learning English course’s test on the other hand can be done multiple times. Once you finish the initial test, you will be placed in a specific level. Based on you level you will be given a certain goal to reach, being offered a variety of study tips and tests.
There has been some concern as the E-learning course never says “attended”, but don’t worry. This issue will be resolved in the future.
If you have other questions I highly recommend you join some online communities that may be able to address you problems. They can be found in various languages through various platforms. Good luck.
