JETAA NY: Looking for New JETAANY Subchapter Reps (NJ, Philly, NY State)!
Cultural Outreach, JETAA Chapters 
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Via JETAANY:
Do you wish you could go to JETAA events, but live outside of the NYC metropolitan area? Then help us bolster our subchapters! We currently have an active chapter in Pittsburgh, but we’re looking for JET alums in New Jersey, Philly and New York State to help organize events.
If you are interested in becoming a representative, offering ideas, or even simply in hearing about events outside of NYC, let us know by emailing Pam Kavalam at secretary [at] jetaany.org.
Volunteering in Tohoku – message from a JET alum
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This helpful info was recently posted to the Nagasaki JET yahoogroup by a JET alum for the benefit of current JETs, though it contains a great deal of potentially helpful info and perspective for the JET alum community as well. Have a comment or perspective on volunteering in Tohoku to share? Post to the comments section:
Hi. My name is Andrew Morris and I was an ALT in Sonogi, Nagasaki prefecture from 07-09. After that I moved up to Kyoto for two years and then I just moved back to the U.S..
However, the reason for this email is that just before I made the fabled journey “home” this month, I was able to free up enough time in my schedule to allow myself to take two separate volunteer trips up to the Ishinomaki City area in Miyagi Prefecture, which was amongst the hardest hit areas by the tsunami/quake in March. The part where I did most of my work was on the Oshika Peninsula, which was actually the very area that was featured in the great short movie (http://vimeo. com/24037794) made by Mark Flanigan another former JET.
My experiences up there were both just as I thought and completely different. I shoveled an insane amount of mud, I hauled debris of all varieties for days, I crawled through mounds of fly infested ropes trying to salvage buoys, and I sang drunken karaoke with the local fisherman when it was all done. It was an experience I will carry with me forever and in that short time I met some of the most amazing people I ever have and made connections that will last a lifetime. I can assure you that my experience was not unique.
The reason I have for wanting to tell you about my experiences, though, is that I want to encourage each and every one of you to seriously consider going up there to try to do the same. As I’m sure you’re well aware, summer vacation is nearly here, and you may still be considering how to spend yours. I know sitting in the office figuring out new and interesting ways to stay busy sounds like fun now but… Who knows, if you’re industrious enough, you may even be able to put together a project out of taking a trip up there help out and convince your school you should be able to do it without taking nenkyu. Worth a shot at least right? Even if you have to take vacation, it would be much more meaningful in a lifelong sense then lounging on a beach somewhere (though no offense if you’ve already got your tickets to do that). Trust me, if you do it your stature in the shokuinshitsu will increase 100 fold.
To see pictures from my trip please visit – anmorris.photoblog.com
Further to my encouragement, I’d like to offer some information about going up there and hopefully dispel a few myths that I myself was quite worried about before heading up there.
- Transportation myth – It’s hard to get there. Reality = It’s not. I mean, it’s far but trains and buses to Sendai are in full working order. In fact I found it quite cheap. Turns out there’s a ¥6,000 night bus from Kyoto to Sendai. Or if you have access to a car you could even make it into an epic road trip. It would also definitely benefit you to have personal transport while up there, although not essential. From Sendai City there’s a ¥800 highway bus (bus stop 33) that takes you directly to Senshu University, which is the volunteer basecamp for Ishinomaki. Downtown Sendai itself barely looks like it even suffered any damage really.
- Lack of volunteer groups myth – It’s not easy to join a volunteer group. Reality = Depends on the group. Some of the bigger groups like peace boat, while great, require volunteers to attend an orientation in Tokyo before going which can be a huge hassle if you’re not from there. However, there are a bunch of other smaller groups doing great work in the area that need all the help they can get. Contact Robert Mangold and he can put you in touch with a bunch (idrojapan [at] gmail. com)
- Food myth – It’s hard to get so you have to bring it all up with you. Reality = It’s not hard at all to get it and the people there have more than they need. In fact volunteers are fed off of left over food from the shelters, and sometimes there is even more than they can eat. Plus there are supermarkets and convenience stores open in the town you can use. Even down on the peninsula the konbini‘s are starting to open up. Water is pretty much the same issue, and drinks of all varieties are now readily available, which is going to be especially important in the coming summer months.
- Work myth – It’s all really hard manual labor. Reality = That is available in spades, but so are any number of other jobs. Some people help cook food for the shelters. People go and spend time with the kids or do performances at the shelters. Some people give massages or acupuncture to people who suffer from physical issues or stress (obviously licensing or some professional experience is highly valued in such a case). Some people work cleaning photos found in the rubble for display so that the owners might find them again. If you have any sort of applicable skill or an idea for a project that might be useful in this sort of situation I’m sure they’d love to hear about it. Heck, you could probably just go and offer free “English Conversation” and they’d love it!
- Gear myth – You have to go out and buy tons of gear before you go like boots, a helmet, gloves, masks, etc. which can cost a lot of ¥¥¥. Reality = Unless you sign up with a volunteer group that requires you to have these things, or unless you go up with a whole herd of volunteers then it’s probably not necessary. The group I volunteered with had plenty of that equipment for me and all the other volunteers. Especially if you aren’t going to be doing the nitty gritty work, you won’t need any of that type of equipment. However, one thing I would suggest bringing if you do plan to do debris cleanup is steel insoles for boots. There’re lots of nails and other sharp things all around as you can imagine so they can really save you a very painful experience. Also, if you have “outsized” feet or hands, etc. it may be good to bring your own gear.
- Sadness myth – The overwhelming sadness of the situation will leave you depressed. Reality = Well, obviously this is entirely an individual issue, and everyone reacts differently to these situations. However I will just say that although the destruction you encounter there is just entirely unbelievable, and the people you meet there have often been through absolutely devastating experiences, in general, I found both the locals and the volunteers to be in incredibly high spirits. The positive energy they displayed in taking on this massive project of putting their lives and communities in order was nothing short of inspirational. I dare say that a good portion of the time I was having… fun (see drunken karaoke above).
Some words of caution:
-All that said, it is a difficult, trying experience and should not be undertaken on a whim.
-As was pointed out in a previous email from CLAIR, it is extremely important to think about “Volunteering Responsibility.” It is not a vacation, and you should do your very best to make sure that you do not need to be taken care of.
-Some of the jobs are quite dangerous (although every precaution is taken) and you should consider which role you can play safely.
Some words of advice:
-Speaking Japanese is not entirely essential, but it is extremely beneficial. This goes in the “making sure you’re not a burden” section. Try to go up there with someone who can communicate well so you can receive instructions and know what’s going on if possible.
-As you’re well aware it’s going to be bloody hot. They told me it’s cooler along the coast than many places thanks to the cool breeze, but still, it’s Japan in July/August… Be prepared. That means lots of fluids, and buckets of sunscreen.
Feel free to contact me with any questions too (anmorris [at] gmail. com). Good luck with whatever you do and enjoy your remaining time in that wonderful wonderful country!
Ganbaro Nippon!
Job: News Assistant/Staff Reporter at Asahi Shimbun (DC)
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Via JET alum Marc Hitzig of the Japan America Society in DC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London and is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: News Assistant/Staff Reporter at Asahi Shimbun (DC)
Job Details:
Position: News Assistant / Staff Reporter
Job Status: Full-time
Salary: $32,000 to $36,000
The Asahi Shimbun is Japan’s leading national daily newspaper. Based in Tokyo, it has a circulation of more than eight million. Its North American bureaus are located in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
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Job: Project Manager – Shire Pharmaceuticals (Lexington, MA)
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Via former JETAA Philly Rep Therese Stephens who works for Shire Pharmaceuticals. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London and is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Project Manager – Shire Pharmaceuticals (Lexington, MA)
Job Details:
The focus of this role will be on project management of APAC commercial activities.
Key areas of responsibility of this role are:
Job: Assistant Dean, Director for International Affairs (Fordham Business School – NYC)
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Via idealist.org. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London and is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Assistant Dean, Director for International Affairs (Fordham Business School – NYC)
Job Details:
Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, located at our Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, is seeking an Assistant Dean for International Programs to be responsible for all aspects of global business education, including study tours, study abroad, curriculum, and advising. The Assistant Dean will help to create a vision that coordinates the various aspects of the program and increases its offerings.
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Job: Program Manager & Accounting Manager at US-Japan Council (DC)
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Via the US-Japan Council in DC. Posted by Dipika Soni (Ishikawa-ken, 2003-06). Dipika has recently moved back to London and is currently looking for new work opportunities related to Japan, translation, or other fields.
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***Note: If you apply for this position, please let them know you learned of it from JETwit. Thanks.***
Job Position: Program Manager & Accounting Manager at US-Japan Council (DC)
Job Details:
1. Program Manager – The U.S.-Japan Council (Full-time, Washington, DC)
We are looking for an applicant who is committed to the goals of the organization and can bring experience in developing interesting programs that educate and engage audiences who are interested in U.S.-Japan relations.
The program manager will be involved in developing and implementing programs with U.S.-Japan issues in areas such as economic cooperation, new technology and academic exchange. Hands-on event management and execution is required, and he or she must be able to multitask and work efficiently in engaging various resources. This position offers an opportunity to make impact in a fast-growing small, non-profit and an opportunity to network with prominent leaders at the forefront of U.S.-Japan relations. Fluency in English and Japanese is desirable.
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Tohoku update and perspectives by Japan Society of Boston President Peter Grilli
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If you’ve been looking for good sources of on the ground reporting in Tohoku, you may appreciate the writing of Japan Society of Boston President Peter Grilli who just returned from three weeks in Tohoku. After March 11, JSB teamed up with The Boston Foundation and the Fish Family Foundation to create the Japan Disaster Relief Fund Boston.
Below are two reports by Peter for JSB as well as two for JDRFB.
- http://www.japansocietyboston.org/Tohoku
- http://www.japansocietyboston.org/Onagawa
- http://jdrfb.squarespace.com/blog/2011/7/19/transition-rescue-and-reconstruction-peter-grilli.html
- http://jdrfb.squarespace.com/blog/2011/7/12/report-from-onagawa.html
Japan Society (NY) Focuses on Healthcare, Children’s Needs in 2nd Round of Allocations from the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
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I saw the below press release from the Japan Society in New York just before attending the Japan Foundation and JCIE/USA gathering aimed at helping Japanese NPOs and U.S. organizations better collaborate and share information for disaster relief support. Listening to the discussion helped me appreciate even more the tremendous effort that the Japan Society in New York–not traditionally a grant-making organization–has made and continues to make in providing disaster relief support. The list of grantees also gives some sense of the key needs in Japan right now.
Via Shannon Jowett, Director of Communications for Japan Society in New York.
“In the second round of funding relief and recovery efforts in Japan, Japan Society is supporting NPOs and NGOs focusing on healthcare, mental health and children’s needs among others. Please find full details below, and let me know if you would like further information. I look forward to hearing from you.”
–Shannon
For Immediate Release
Japan Society Focuses on Healthcare, Children’s Needs in 2nd Round of Allocations from the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
New York, NY – Japan Society announced six organizations working in relief and recovery in Japan to receive $2.1 million in the second round of funding from the Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund (JERF).
The organizations–AFS Intercultural Programs Japan, Care Center Yawaragi, Japanese Medical Society of America, Japan Primary Care Association, Supporting Union for Practical-Use of Educational Resources, and the Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief–will receive grants to strengthen their relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.
“As we announced earlier, Japan Society has made it a priority to support NGOs and other organizations that focus on healthcare, including mental health services, as well as the needs of children,” Japan Society President Motoatsu Sakurai said. “After intensive research and lengthy discussions, we are pleased to announce our support of these six organizations.”
In addition to providing healthcare for the most in need—including the elderly, ill, disabled and pregnant—programs and services range from long-term support for local physicians to creating mental health clinics, serving those suffering from post-traumatic or pre-existing conditions. Additionally, organizations are setting up summer camp programs for children from Fukushima Prefecture. The six organizations to receive funds are as follows:
- AFS Intercultural Programs Japan is a non-profit international exchange organization for students and adults. AFS Japan provides a wide range of programming, including summer camp programs, and school-based exchange and shorter summer programs for high school students. With support from JERF, AFS Japan will provide scholarships for students from the Tohoku region for long-term exchange programs to the United States.
- Care Center Yawaragi is a non-profit organization in Tokyo that offers personalized home care services for the elderly, including group homes, short-stay services, day services, and home help services. In response to the March 11 disaster and with support from JERF, the organization will provide healthcare kits, including bicycles, ponchos, gloves, masks, and antiseptic, among other essentials necessary for healthcare providers in the region who care for the elderly, ill, disabled or pregnant. The healthcare workers will focus on those outside of the shelters who lack mobility or means and require home care.
- Japanese Medical Society of America (JMSA) is a professional medical association of Japanese speaking doctors in New York. In partnership with the Fukushima Prefectural University Medical Center, it supports the Medical Center’s “Kokoro no Care” program, a project to create community-based multidisciplinary mental health clinics. These clinics will provide mental healthcare to patients with symptoms resulting from the March 11 disaster, as well as those with pre-existing conditions.
- Japan Primary Care Association is a professional society of medical practitioners, researchers and students that promotes best practices in the medical and health and welfare fields. In response to the Tohoku earthquake, the Japan Primary Care Association established the Primary Care for All Team (PCAT) to undertake medical relief work in the region. JERF supports PCAT teams–multidisciplinary healthcare teams headed by doctors–who provide medical care to evacuees in shelters and temporary housing, and to those in need in their homes. The healthcare teams also provide long-term support for local physicians in the region to ensure that patients have access to continued primary care, including a specialized team in obstetrics.
- Supporting Union for Practical-Use of Educational Resources, in partnership with Abukuma NS Net, both of which run summer camps for children all over Japan, started the Fukushima Kids Summer Camp for first through ninth graders from Fukushima Prefecture who cannot enjoy the outdoors this summer due to radiation concerns. With support from JERF, an additional 200 students will participate in the Fukushima Kids Summer Camp in Hokkaido. The Supporting Union for Practical-Use of Educational Resources provided summer camp opportunities to children after the Hanshin Awaji and the Chuetsu earthquakes.
- Additionally, Japan Society extended another round of funding to the Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief, which is collecting and distributing emergency relief goods, setting up a base in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, and is coordinating the work of approximately 3,000 volunteers who distribute emergency relief supplies and aid clean-up efforts.
The Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, launched on March 12, 2011, has received over $10 million from over 21,000 donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations. One hundred percent of the tax-deductible contributions to the Relief Fund go to organizations that directly help victims.
On March 30, Japan Society announced its first round of funding of $1 million to four Japanese nonprofit organizations on the front line of relief and recovery. In addition to the Tokyo Volunteer Network for Disaster Relief, they are JEN, Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC), and the Japan NPO Center.
“We have been rigorously monitoring the work of the fund recipients from the first round, and we are pleased with the progress these organizations are making,” Mr. Sakurai said. Updates from the Relief Fund recipients can be found on the Society’s website, www.japansociety.org/earthquake.
Japan Society Vice President of External Relations Daniel Rosenblum said the Society continues to explore opportunities to fund the work of organizations that benefit children affected by the March 11 disaster, as well as organizations involved in long-term reconstruction efforts.
“We are working on the selection process for a third round of funding and will be making an announcement sometime in the fall,” he said.
The recovery and reconstruction process is likely to take five or even ten years, Mr. Sakurai said. “We are looking at a long-term process, and there is much uncertainty. But we are confident in the final analysis Japan will recover and thrive,” he said.
Those wishing to donate to the fund can go to www.japansociety.org/earthquake or mail a check to Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, New York 10017; Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Checks should be made payable to “Japan Society” and indicate “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” on the memo line of the check. For additional information, email japanrelief@japansociety.org.
In a previous announcement, Japan Society pledged half of all admission sales made March 14 through June 30, 2011 (totaling $50,000) to the fund. In addition, the Society organized the April 9 CONCERT FOR JAPAN, which drew 2,400 visitors, was viewed by over 200,000 people live on Ustream, and raised over $88,000 for the fund.
Japan Society is an American nonprofit committed to deepening mutual understanding between the United States and Japan in a global context. Now in its second century, the Society serves audiences across the United States and abroad through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education. For more information, visit www.japansociety.org or call 212-832-1155
# # #
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Shannon Jowett, Director of Communications
(p) 212-715-1205 (f) 212-715-1262 (e) sjowett@japansociety.org
Japan Society | 333 E. 47th St. | New York, NY 10017 | www.japansociety.org
Donate Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
View Japan Society’s full Calendar of Events
Join Japan Society on Facebook
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Visit About Japan: A Teacher’s Resource
Life After the B.O.E.: The End
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Life After the B.O.E. is a comic series about the JET experience by David Namisato (Aomori-ken, 2002-2004), a professional illustrator currently living in Toronto.
Visit David’s website at www.namisato.org.
After 5 years, Life After the B.O.E. has come to an end.
Thank you all for joining me on this fantastic journey.
Now, I’ll be concentrating on Life After the B.O.E. the book, which will contain all the comics, but with many of the earlier comics redrawn to match the current look of the comic, new comics, and other goodies.
I’ll be posting updates about the book on www.lifeaftertheboe.com and jetwit.com.
Life After the B.O.E. the book is planned for a Holidays release.
See you soon!
-David
JET alum with key role in post-Katrina response meets with JET alum working on Japan earthquake disaster response
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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
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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.
Challenges facing the US-Japan Earthquake Relief Response
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I had the privilege yesterday of being invited by Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA), to attend a unique information and idea exchange titled “Funding Meeting: US-Japan Cooperation on Supporting the Japan Disaster Response.”
The gathering, organized by JCIE/USA and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (New York), was held in a meeting room at the Institute of International Education in Midtown Manhattan, consisted of representatives from about 40 to 50 organizations involved in raising funds to support relief efforts for Japan.
It began with presentations from key representatives from Japanese civil society–Yoshifumi Tajiri of the Japan NPO Center and Japan Civil Network for Disaster Relief in East Japan (JCN), Yoichiro Abe of the Central Community Chest of Japan (CCCJ) and the Joint Committee for Coordinating and Supporting Voluntary Disaster Relief Activities, Tae Namba of the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) and Tomoko Wakabayashi of the Association for Corporate Support of the Arts (Japan).
Two discussion panels followed. The first was titled “Challenges and Concerns of US Funders and Partners.” Moderated by Jim Gannon, it included presentations by Irene Hirano, President of the US-Japan Council, Betty Borden, Director of Policy Projects for Japan Society (NY), Scott Sugiura of Give2Asia and Mari Kuraishi of GlobalGiving Foundation. The second panel was titled “Strengthening US-Japan Collaboration for Recovery” and was moderated by Japan Society of Boston President Peter Grilli with presentations by Noboru Hayase of Osaka Volunteer Action Center and Jim Gannon of JCIE/USA. Many others participated in the subsequent discussions and exchange of information and ideas.
Key Takeaways:
A couple key takeaways from a JET Alumni perspective were:
1. Figuring out effective ways to support the relief efforts in Japan is tricky stuff. It’s not a straightforward task to simply provide grants and financial support. Among other reasons, Japan apparently does not have as strong or established of a “civil society” as we’re used to having in the U.S. i.e., There is not a large non-profit sector. And there is not as much organizational experience seeking and applying for and reporting on grants and donations. To paraphrase one attendee, no one was knocking on their door seeking grants in the way people did following disasters in Haiti and elsewhere.
Language and cultural barriers were also cited. As was the fact that for many small NPOs and other organizations that have stepped in to do good work, they don’t have the bandwidth to focus on grant seeking and reporting requirements. Or if they do, it comes at the detriment of doing the work that needs to be done.
The other major challenge cited was the expansive geographic scale of the disaster.
Additionally, several attendees commented that one of the areas where significant assistance is needed (among many needs) is mental health. Depression and suicide rates are high in the affected region, particularly among working age males trying to support their families in a dire employment environment. (Read this letter from Japan Society of Boston President Peter Grilli, who recently traveled to Japan, for additional information and perspective.)
2. Progress is being made. For all the challenges, it sounds like organizations were figuring things out and gaining experience as they moved forward, and there was a lot of discussion about information sharing and providing additional forms of support in ways that would aide the process.
3. JET Alumni are involved in a variety of ways. There were five other JET alumni in attendance, including Jim Gannon, Paige Cottingham-Streater (Japan-US Friendship Commission), Renay Loper (Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership), Bhaird Campbell (Japan Society of Boston), Jonathan Schwab (Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York) and Jennifer Quiambao (Asian Cultural Council). Additionally, a several other attendees said that they had JET alumni working in their offices when I mentioned my connection with the JET Alumni Association.
Thanks again to Jim for giving me, and in essence the JET Alumni Association in the U.S., a seat at this very significant table. And a reminder that the relief and rebuilding effort continues and that, as with our JET experience, patience and persistence yields great growth over time.
