The 2015 JETAA USA National Conference was held in downtown Detroit from September 24-27, and I was excited to have the opportunity to attend as one of two delegates representing Canada this year.
The conference began with a welcome reception on Thursday evening, during which JETAA delegates from Alaska, Miami, to Honolulu (also Ottawa and Toronto!) got to know each other as we enjoyed a delicious meal. This was followed by rooftop hopping in Detroit’s vibrant Greektown neighbourhood.
The conference officially began on Friday morning, with a warm welcome to Detroit from Faye Valtadoros (President, Great Lakes JETAA) and Consul General Wada (Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit). Fukukawa-san (Executive Consultant, CLAIR) and Tatsuta-san (Executive Director, CLAIR) updated delegates on the projected growth of the JET program and the role of JETAA in its promotion. We also heard from the three North American delegates for the Satogaeri Project, and about exciting new developments with US JETAA—an umbrella organization uniting all JETAA chapters in the United States. To conclude a busy and informative day, Consul General Wada and his wife generously welcomed the conference delegates, newly returned Great Lakes JETs, and members of the Japanese community to his residence for his first reception as Consul General in Detroit.
On Saturday, delegates received an update about the Tohoku Tomo film project, participated in skill building workshops for our executive teams, and learned about the many exciting events that JETAA chapters are hosting across the United States—many of which we hope to bring to JETAA Toronto members in the year ahead. Fellow Canadian delegate Alex Svetlovsky (National Representative, Canada, JETAA Ottawa) and I provided a brief update on the many exciting activities that are happening across Canada—and to brag a bit about the great work JETAA Toronto has accomplished in the past year! Saturday ended with a delicious dinner generously sponsored by CLAIR, a surprise taiko concert, and a scavenger hunt that took us through the beautiful architecture and vibrant culture of Detroit’s downtown core.
Before parting ways on Sunday, delegates learned about some of the exciting events being planned to celebrate the JET Programme’s 30th anniversary (stay tuned for details!) and heard additional chapter updates. And then, in a flurry of meishi exchanging, forty-two delegates and a dozen special guests parted ways, taking fresh ideas, renewed energy, and soon-to-be-legendary swag bags home with them.
I would like to thank Faye Valtadoros and the amazing Great Lakes JETAA team for hosting such a well organized, energizing, and fun conference. The JETAA USA country reps, Monica Yuki, Cheryl Hou, and Xander Peterson, put together a program packed with valuable opportunities to engage with the diverse experiences of twenty-one chapters. Moreover, I would like to extend my gratitude to the warm welcome both Alex and I received from all of the United States delegates—it was truly a pleasure to learn from each of them.
Written by Danielle Taschereau Mamers, Event Coordinator