What an REI ambassador can do

The REI mission is aided by our organization’s informal network of ambassadors, who help spread awareness, raise funds, and generate new supporters. 

These ambassadors come from diverse backgrounds, yet all share a common commitment to supporting refugees. Here, we introduce three stories that highlight the different ways individuals can contribute to the work of REI. 

Drawing on tradition

Naoko Eshita’s connection to REI started through her friend, Yasuko Elison, who works for the organization and shared stories about its work. She was intrigued by REI’s focus on supporting refugees regain independence and was impressed by its operational efficiencies, which made her confident that people’s support was being used well.

When Yasuko asked Naoko about hosting a tea ceremony to fundraise for REI, she saw an opportunity to combine her passion with her desire to help. Drawing on her 30 years of experience in the art, she helped organize a tea ceremony experience called “Cup of Humanity” to raise funds for REI. After months of planning and preparation, the event exceeded its fundraising goals. Furthermore, the participants—many of whom were new to REI—were able to learn about the organization’s mission.

Since the event, Naoko’s understanding of REI’s work has deepened. Initially, refugees seemed like distant figures, but hearing their stories helped her realize that they are ordinary people who are facing extraordinary challenges with remarkable resilience. Naoko says belief in REI’s mission motivates her to continue using her skills to support others.

Updates from Kenya

During a workshop about social responsibility that she organized at her workplace, Accenture, Ayako Nara learned about REI’s work on the Thai–Myanmar border and was impressed at how effectively its small team could raise funds and direct them toward projects in different parts of the world.  She later attended an REI gala, where she heard about the organization’s projects in Kenya and decided to join a field trip to the country in 2024 to see the work firsthand.

While visiting, she saw the impact REI was having and was struck by how the refugees carried themselves with strength and dignity, despite their traumatic experiences. Many of them even had a spark in their eyes and a smile on their face, which Ayako saw as hope they carried for a better future.

Visiting Africa was something Ayako had always wanted, and it was even more meaningful because it was tied to a mission. Since her trip, she has shared her experiences with her colleagues and peers, hoping to inspire others to get involved with REI. She believes in the organization’s approach of empowering refugees to live independently, and she is committed to raising awareness about REI’s work.

Intern to advocate 

Jamie Stegman first became involved with REI as an intern in the fall of 2024. He created social media content and shared stories about the organization’s work but didn’t feel he fully connected with it until he attended a field visit to the Thai–Myanmar border in February 2025.

During the trip, Jamie witnessed how REI’s support was providing refugees with opportunities to live an independent life. One of the most powerful experiences for him was meeting the manager of a treatment center who had participated in a REI-supported treatment program and was now in a position to help others in similar situations. 

Now a graduate student, Jamie continues to work with REI, sharing his experiences with others. He has participated in events like the REI Walking Challenge, a virtual event that simulates the long and difficult journeys refugees endure. He has also spearheaded REI’s participation in the Fuji Rock Festival NGO Village, helping spread the message to many attendees who learned about the work of REI for the first time. 

Looking ahead, he hopes to build REI’s network in Tokyo and support its mission as much as he can, from sharing social media posts to attending events. He sees his efforts as a way to help others understand that refugees are just as human as anyone else, and that supporting them is an important step toward creating a better world.

Want to get involved?

The stories of Naoko, Ayako, and Jamie show how individuals can contribute to REI’s mission. Whether it’s through organizing events, sharing personal stories, or simply raising awareness, anyone can make a difference; you don’t need to be an expert or have a lot of experience. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us.