We were lucky to catch up with Justin Imamura recently and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
My life has not been risk free – it’s kind of part of the territory when starting your own nonprofit and working in the world of punk rock! As the leader of The Trash Punx, a San Jose based nonprofit dedicated to seeing a cleaner community and environment, we are known for hosting unconventional style events to help clean up the environment. The story of how I met Sabore Ole Oyie, a Maasai Warrior and Elder, and ended up in Kenya to clean up his village was a risk that would launch us into uncharted territory.
It all began at a friend’s holiday party in San Jose, California. My friend had invited an interesting mix of people, and it was there that I noticed a distinguished guest, a long-time friend of the hostess, dressed in traditional Maasai attire. He wore a vibrant red shuka and intricate beaded jewelry, a beacon of color!
Our conversation ignited a spark of connection between us, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. The Trash Punx were always known for thinking outside the box, but this encounter pushed us beyond our comfort zone. Sabore’s plea for help resonated deeply with us, and without hesitation, we made a bold decision to take on a project that would become the cornerstone of our global program.
Within a few short months, we were on a plane to Kenya, greeted by the vibrant colors of Maasai warriors and the warm embrace of Sabore’s village. We immersed ourselves in their daily life, learning about their culture, traditions, and the environmental challenges they faced. It certainly was a humbling experience that made us realize the true extent of our privilege and the urgency of our mission.
Our project, which we called Project Pick Up, began with a massive cleanup effort, removing tons of trash that covered every inch of the village. The Trash Punx and the Maasai community worked side by side, forging a powerful bond that transcended language and culture. The project not only cleaned up their village but also initiated a much larger movement to bring the needed infrastructure and government support to the people.
In the months that followed, our collaboration with Sabore and his community has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. We received support from several community businesses, the press, the local government, and the First Lady of Kenya! Our risk of stepping out of our comfort zone had paid off in ways we could never have imagined.
Our combined vision and passion had not only changed our lives but had also set in motion a global movement to protect our planet. The risk we took at that seemingly ordinary holiday gathering had become a no-brainer, shaping our destiny and the future of our environmental activism.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The spark that ignited the inception of my non-profit venture traces back to 2016. Every day, during my commute to Downtown San Jose, I couldn’t help but notice the disheartening sight of trash strewn about and illegal dumping plaguing the city streets. It was a disheartening sight, and it seemed to worsen with each passing day. Determined to understand the custodians of cleanliness for our public spaces, I embarked on a research journey.
My inquiry revealed a disconcerting truth: the quantity of litter had grown so uncontrollably that the City’s public services were struggling to keep pace with the demand. My quest didn’t stop there. It led me to the doorsteps of several local non-profits dedicated to preserving the Bay Area’s waterways through a harmonious blend of conservation and education. These waterway stewards welcomed me with open arms, and their mentorship kindled a fire within me to establish my own non-profit.
Drawing from my background in the music and entertainment industry, I aspired to infuse our non-profit with the infectious vibrancy of music and entertainment. The “brand” I envisioned was inspired by the audacious spirit of “punk rock” culture, a vivacious energy that we channeled into our mission: “cleaning up our World, one piece of trash at a time.”
Our organizational values are the pillars that hold us together:
Love: We believe that love is the foundation for all we do
Conservation: We serve our planet by helping to preserve our natural resources and wild environments
Collaboration: We know that doing life together is better than doing life alone
Leadership: We empower others to make global changes
Innovation: We support the implementation of new ideas that better our environment
Interestingly, this all kind of started way back in 1999, during my time as an Eagle Scout. Back then, I spearheaded a neighborhood cleanup effort in a part of San Jose notorious for illegal dumping and municipal neglect. The project encompassed not only clearing trash but also repainting fading emergency curbs, erasing illegal graffiti, and organizing a free community BBQ for the neighborhood and all the dedicated volunteers.
Little did I know that this Eagle Project from 1999 would evolve into The Trash Punx!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
In my role at The Trash Punx, I’ve found that maintaining a high morale within our team is essential for our mission of serving the planet and its inhabitants. It’s a mission rooted in love, respect, kindness, and empathy, and here’s how I approach it:
Leading with Love and Kindness: I firmly believe that leading with love and kindness sets the tone for our team’s interactions. By treating my colleagues with the respect and kindness they deserve, we create a harmonious work environment. When you genuinely care about the people you work with, it fosters a sense of belonging and unity.
Active Listening and Empathy: Actively listening to my teammates and approaching their concerns with empathy is a fundamental part of our work culture. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to share their ideas and collaborate effectively. It’s about acknowledging their perspectives and showing that their voices matter.
Finding Your Passion: At The Trash Punx, we’re fortunate to have a mission that’s incredibly inspiring. I’ve discovered that when you find what truly resonates with you in this mission, your enthusiasm becomes infectious. Whether it’s cleaning up a local beach or advocating for sustainable practices, your passion for the cause can motivate and inspire others.
Dedication to Serving: Our commitment to serving the planet and its inhabitants is the driving force behind what we do. Being dedicated to our cause means showing up consistently, taking our responsibilities seriously, and taking pride in the positive impact we’re making.
Support for Teammates: Supporting your colleagues is a cornerstone of a thriving team. Whenever a teammate needs help, I’m there to provide assistance, share knowledge, or simply offer encouragement. This spirit of collaboration and support is what makes us a strong and united team.
Celebrating Achievements: It’s important to celebrate our successes, both big and small. Recognizing the accomplishments of our team members not only boosts morale but also reinforces the idea that our efforts are making a difference.
Leading by Example: I try to set the standard by embodying the values of The Trash Punx. When my colleagues see me practicing love, respect, kindness, and dedication, it inspires them to do the same. Our collective actions make our mission a reality.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have found myself juggling a full-time job, managing my nonprofit, a side job (My band), and a family with young children. The challenge was finding balance and learning to pivot when necessary. One day, an unexpected family emergency demanded my immediate attention. I had to refocus by temporarily delegating tasks. It was a challenging time, but it showed me the importance of adaptability and setting clear priorities to ensure that my family remained my top focus, even with a busy schedule. It was one of those life lessons that if you didn’t pay attention to it, you could lose so much more in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thetrashpunx.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheTrashPunx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTrashPunx
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thetrashpunx
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTrashPunx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrashPunx
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetrashpunx
Image Credits
Adam Brioza, Faive Atualevao