Mesa Buddhists join efforts for a cleaner community through adopt-a-road program

Ten SGI-USA Buddhists in East Mesa recently kicked off a campaign for a cleaner community by picking up trash on Broadway Road between Ellsworth and Crismon Roads in Mesa.

The Buddhists coordinated the effort through the county’s Adopt-A-Road program. maricopa.gov/629/Adopt-a-Road

As mandated by the program, the crew wore closed-toe shoes and brought water at the on Feb. 28 event for what was to be one of the hottest days in 2026. All protective equipment was provided by the county. After working for two hours from 9 to 11 a.m., the Buddhists collected some seven big bags of trash along the county road, according to a release.

“This activity marks more than a decades-long goal to adopt a road as part of my SGI district,” Colin Smith, an SGI-USA district leader in East Mesa, said. “I was inspired by my mother’s SGI district in Bend, Oregon, who adopted a road as part of their pursuits of peace in their community. East Mesa is a diverse community and our equally diverse Buddhist community Buddhist group is committed to being a positive change to those around us.”

The cleanup will be an ongoing effort to provide a hands-on community service, as well as raise awareness of the existence of Buddhism in the East Valley.

SGI-USA is the American branch of Soka Gakkai International, a global lay Buddhist organization based on the 13th-century Japanese teachings of Nichiren. It emphasizes “human revolution” — inner transformation to unlock potential—through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Focused on daily life, peace, and education, it operates via community discussion meetings.

For information, go to sgi-usa.org or call the Chandler Buddhist Center at 480-793-7791.