In this edition of JETAADC News:

Message from the Board:

Greetings!

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful Fall weather!

Recently, JETAADC President Leigh Ann Mastrini and I traveled to Minneapolis, MN to represent the DC chapter at the annual JETAA National Conference. This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with representatives from the other 18 chapters in the U.S. and exchange stories and ideas. The weekend began with an opening reception featuring former Vice President and Ambassador to Japan, Walter Mondale. The next two and a half days were packed with interesting and informative presentations and breakout sessions on topics such as: The Kakehashi Project, Membership Management, and the JETAA National Initiative. We continued conversations and networking into the evening both nights, experiencing Minneapolis’ charm with receptions at local hot spots hosted by MOFA and CLAIR. Minnesota wild rice and bison were even on the menu! We had some great discussions about the future of the JET Alumni Association, and I’m excited about all the things JETAA chapters are doing across the U.S. The weekend wrapped up with the announcement that Boston will host a Regional Conference in January, focused on membership engagement, and next year’s National Conference will be held in Seattle, WA.

I’m really looking forward to implementing some of the ideas discussed at the National Conference. JETAADC is a strong and respected chapter at the national level, and we will do our best to motivate and engage JETAADC members to continue the mission of JETAA and the JET Program.

Thanks!
Rebekah Solem
JETAADC Vice President

November JETAADC Events:

Career Workshop & Welcome Back Reception

Thursday, November 7
Workshop 2:30-5:30pm / Reception 6:00-7:30pm
Old Ambassador’s Residence
2516 Massachusetts Ave. NW

*Former JET participants only*

Please RSVP via this online form by MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
http://bit.ly/1ip5733

New to the DC area and wondering what to do next? Been back for awhile but seeking a career change?

Come join us at the JETAADC Career Workshop hosted by JETAADC from 2:30PM – 5:30PM at the Embassy of Japan’s Old Residence. Unlike most professional development seminars, this workshop will be specifically geared towards recently returned JETs or JETs looking for a career change.

Freer-Sackler Gallery Visit

Saturday, November 16

Interested in Asian art, or just want a change from always going to the Air and Space Museum? Join us on Saturday, November 16th, for our outing to the Freer-Sackler Gallery, one of the lesser known Smithsonian Museums which houses a wonderful collection of Asian art, including Japanese screens, porcelains and illustrated books. Entrance is free! We hope to see you there.

Ramen & Karaoke

Friday, November 22
Sakura Ramen / Muzette Karaoke Studios
Dinner 6:00pm / Karaoke 7:00pm

Miss eating at your local ramen shop? How about belting out your favorite English and Japanese songs while your friends slap their tambourines to the tune? Come relive those good old days with fellow JETAADC members at our KARAOKE NIGHT on Friday, November 22nd. Join us first for a delicious dinner at Sakuramen at 6:00pm followed by a night of singing and merriment at Muzette Karaoke Studios at 7:00pm in Adams Morgan. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and be ready to sing your heart out!

Save the Date: The Bonenkai is Dec. 8!

Volunteer with JETAADC on Dec. 28

Come out and join JETAADC in helping to sort food donations for low income families during the holiday season at the Capital Area Foodbank on December 28th. Details TBA.

Other (non-JETAADC) events you may be interested in…

theater: 36 Views

by Naomi Iizuka
directed by Allison Arkell Stockman
Constellation Theatre Company
at Source
1835 14th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
runs through November 24
tickets start at $15 (Use code JAPAN to get a discount)

Amid vibrant woodblock prints, luminous landscapes and evocative portraits, an ancient Japanese pillow book emerges – a diary of sorts consisting of poems, lists and intimate observations. Six ambitious individuals engage in an erotic game of greed, love and mental hide-and-seek as they solve the mystery of its origins. What makes art valuable? Questions are posed about authenticity – not only in rare antiquities, but also in personal identity and matters of the heart.

brown bag lunch: Japan Matters: Why Japan Will Always Be Important to America

Tuesday, November 19
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Japan-America Society of Washington DC
1819 L Street, NW, B2
Washington, DC 20036

Dr. Satu Limaye, Director, East-West Center in Washington and Director, Asia Matters for America Initiative, will compare Japan’s relationship to the United States with that of other Asian nations in investment, imports and exports, and educational and cultural ties.

volunteer: help rake the japanese garden
Maymont
1700 Hampton Street
Richmond, VA
Saturday, November 23
9:00 am

Join the Richmond Japanese Language and Culture Meetup Group for a morning of gardening, followed by a picnic. Find out more about the Meetup Group here and sign up to volunteer at Maymont here.

Best of JET (etc.) Around the Web

November JETAADC News