JET alum with key role in post-Katrina response meets with JET alum working on Japan earthquake disaster response
Earthquake Tsunami, Notable JET Alums, Return on JET-vestment 
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I learned from Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA), that in the course of his recent work with JCIE/USA to help coordinate U.S. efforts to support Japan with disaster relief, Jim had the opportunity to set up a meeting in New York for Japanese representatives from key volunteer organizations with someone who played a key role in the post-Hurricane Katrina response. And it turned out that person happens to be a JET alum as well– Shawn Escoffery (Tochigi-ken, 1998-99). Sean currently serves as the Director of the Strong Local Economies Program for the Surdna Foundation.
JETs volunteer in Ishinomaki with British Chamber of Commerce in Japan effort
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Thanks to Andy Anderson (father of Taylor Anderson) for sharing a link to the photos (below) of JETs and others volunteering with the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan’s (BCCJ) efforts in Ishinomaki, where Taylor served as a JET.
Photos aren’t tagged, but two of the JETs pictured are Jane Suh and Kat Sheu in photos 69, 70 and 72. Also apparently the people in photo #40 are JETs.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.255169677832666.81687.200831479933153&type=1
Here’s text accompanying the photos from the BCCJ:
“From July 15-18 we travelled back to Ishinomaki, this time to support Peaceboat’s recovery activities as well as follow up with key contacts we met in June. We also had the opportunity to meet a politician from Miyagi Prefecture and the Japanese Ambassador to the USA.”
“Standing as a complement to larger relief and recovery organisations, the BCCJ will continue to work with the people of Tohoku to build an ever-expanding open network of supporters that will allow us to boost the rejuvenation of north eastern Japan.”
JETAA Sydney Trivia Night raises $650 for disaster relief
Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, JETAA Chapters Comments Off on JETAA Sydney Trivia Night raises $650 for disaster relief
Via the JETAA Sydney Facebook group:
“Sydney JETAA members and friends have raised $650 at our trivia night at the Parkview Hotel – all to be donated to the Japan Red Cross tsunami appeal. Thanks to all for a great night!”
JETAA Northern California helps community group with fundraising efforts
Cultural Outreach, Earthquake Tsunami, Fundraising, JETAA Chapters, JETs in the News, Return on JET-vestment, Volunteer Comments Off on JETAA Northern California helps community group with fundraising efforts
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Thanks to Mike Shu, JETAA USA Country Representative and JETAA Northern California member, for forwarding this great article from the Nichi Bei online magazine titled “Helping Northern Japan Recover: A community effort raises $3.5 million for disaster-hit areas” about the Japan Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCNC) and its fund raising efforts which have generated $3.5 million for disaster relief in Japan.
It’s worth noting that JETAA Northern California members were involved with the JCCNC’s fund-raising efforts as volunteers and that a JET alum is actually on their fund staff. Additionally, the article includes quotes from a JET–Miyagi CIR Takeno (Chiyo) Suzuki.
Here’s the link to the article: http://www.nichibei.org/2011/07/helping-northern-japan-recover-a-community-effort-raises-3-5-million-for-disaster-hit-regions/
Tampa Natsumatsuri a success thank to JETAA Florida’s Tampa subchapter
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Via the JETAA Tampa (aka Tampa Kumi) email list:
“We made it through another year of Tampa Natsumatsuri. We had over 300 people attend. It was the biggest event we’ve done yet. A huge thank you to everyone who participated. You truly make this event happen. Also thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the event. And lastly, the biggest thanks to the coordination committee who helped me tremendously this year! It would not have been possible to do an event this big alone. And these people gave significant portions of their time and personal resources to coordinate everything that went on.”
Tampa JET alumni are also known for their Tampa Tsudoi, a monthly “nihongo-dake” gathering at a Panera where JET alums and other Japanese-speaking members of the community (both American and Japanese) gather for Japanese practice and friendship.
