Below is tentative list of workshops offered at this year's Youth Conference. Use this as a guide when registering for the Conference. Workshop registration is first come, first serve so be sure to register today! Workshops are subject to change so check back often!

Workshop Session One

Midwest JA History
The Midwest has a unique history in which the Japanese American (JA) community has found their own niche.  Unlike the West Coast JA population, these JA’s were the result of post-WWII internment migration to the north.  Hear about this unique localized history from local Midwest residents and volunteers.

Savor the Taste: Sushi Making
Learn the art of sushi making, a delicious delicacy that has America in a Japanese sushi craze.  Learn from local sushi chef Rachel Matsumoto on the art and technique to making traditional hand rolls, sushi rolls, and modern rolls.

Fellows: A Walk In Their Shoes
The JACL offers a variety of leadership opportunities to young people in the form of Fellowships.  Over the past decade, JACL has offered four distinct fellowship positions: 
Mike Honda Fellowship – focuses on JACL’s advocacy and public policy awareness/programming, education and projects associated with the JACL National Youth Student Council
Mike M. Masoka Fellowship – provides the opportunity to work with a Member of Congress or a Senator, being exposed to all facets of work of the Representative or Senator and their staff.
Ford Fund Program Fellowship  - focuses on tasks and projects related to education, hate crimes and leadership as well as taking part in community outreach activities within the local Asian Pacific American community. 
Norman Y. Mineta Fellowship – assists the Washington DC JACL office on public policy issues important to the Asian American community by working under the direction of the JACL Director of Public Policy and coordinates JACL/OCA chapter activities related to child/teen auto safety programs promoted by State Farm.

Hear from current and past JACL fellows on their experiences as a fellow and how you can apply to these leadership opportunities within JACL.

Leadership Training Opportunities, Grants and More: State Farm Sponsor Workshop
If solving community issues is your passion, you have opportunities to develop your leadership talent.  Two service-learning grant programs for youth leadership development are highlighted.  The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a training opportunity that includes a paid summer internship.  Project Ignition is a national competition that allows you and your team to make a difference among your peers.

Grassroots Organizing: Generation WE
Since the early 1920’s, grassroots organizing has been key in building community groups, developing new leadership and organizing various campaigns.  In this workshop, we will be looking at how our generation has affected and been affected by grassroots organizing, and how blogging, social networking websites and multimedia have changed the way organizing happens.  Learn how we can mobilize today’s youth to react to issues we care about through the latest trends in grassroots organizing.

Workshop Session Two

Off To College: Getting Involved
Graduating from high school and leaving for college?  Learn about what college life is really like and how becoming involved in student organizations can enrich your college experience.  Learn from current college organization leaders how to get involved in these organizations, how to contact them, and how to make college a life changing experience!

After College: Where To Go When You Suffer From Student Organizing Withdrawal
Graduating from college soon?  Don’t know what you’ll do with your time after you try and get a full time job?  Learn what other recent college graduates are doing to stay connected in organizations and their communities.  How JACL can help that feeling of student organizing withdrawal and enrich your life through community and public service.

Empower Me: Affirming Asian American Identity
Jacqueline Mac, Ford Program Fellow
Leadership requires confidence and a strong sense of self.  This workshop is designed to establish a strong personal and collective foundation for participants to become future community leaders.  Participants will be educated on relevant issues, empowered with available resources, and engaged in discussions surrounding their Asian American Identities.

Savor the Taste: Sushi Making
Learn the art of sushi making, a delicious delicacy that has America in a Japanese sushi craze.  Learn from local sushi chef Rachel Matsumoto on the art and technique to making traditional hand rolls, sushi rolls, and modern rolls.

Culture Rhythm: Taiko Drumming
Experience the power of traditional Japanese drumming with an American flair.  This will be an interactive drumming session in which taiko senseis will teach the basic fundamentals to playing the taiko.

Workshop Session Three

Ties That Bind: Building a Network of JA and APA Student Organizations
There a many Japanese American and Asian Pacific American student organizations across the nation. While many have been around for decades, where is the universal network that allows them to connect and share resources? Come represent your college organization and help jumpstart the creation of a national network that works for and strengthens college activtists and organizations.

Savor the Taste: Sushi Making
Learn the art of sushi making, a delicious delicacy that has America in a Japanese sushi craze.  Learn from local sushi chef Rachel Matsumoto on the art and technique to making traditional hand rolls, sushi rolls, and modern rolls.

Can JACL Be Fun?
For the past decade, JACL has been our “grandparent’s organization” or our “parent’s organization”, now its time to make JACL relevant and fun for our generation.
Learn about what young people are doing for the JACL, what programs and efforts JACL has made in outreaching to young people.  Find out how JACL has begun to bridge the gap between generations, created opportunities to get involved in community, and empowering youth to become politically involved. Be part of a discussion that is long overdue, on how to make JACL work for our generation and to make it fun!

SPOKEN WORD WORKSHOP
Spoken word poetry developed in the late 1980s as a way for minorities to tell stories and express their views, and remains a valuable form of expression and communication. Students will learn a basic history of slam poetry and spoken word, then build basic skills that will allow them to write and perform their own pieces.

The New Video Production
Recent innovations in broadcast and communication technology have given voice to individuals who have previously remained unheard. Learn how digital video and websites like Youtube have changed the way the world communicates, and then put together a short video, picking up skills that will allow students to make their own videos for personal, organizational, and even professional use.