The JACL is looking to create a Next Gen Speakers Program for volunteers who can speak on a variety of subjects related to the Japanese American experience, history, and culture. We want these speakers to be able to engage with a wide audience to learn about our community and history from someone who knows it well. Types of speaker engagements could include classroom lessons, Day of Remembrance celebrations, news interviews, research projects, and more!
Program Expectations:
Program training will consist of multiple sessions over Zoom in which participants will be given opportunities to refine their stories, practice with others, hear from other speakers, and get material that they can share as part of their engagements. These trainings will take place over several months, 1-2 times per month. Regular attendance is expected but all sessions will be recorded in case of absence or for later use. Speaking responsibilities will be on a case by case basis, as needed or requested.
Some possible events to look forward to as a speaker: Invitations to speak at JACL NEH 2022 Summer Program, special speakers group reception at 2022 National Convention, participation in JACL National Education Committee Teacher Training Workshops, and more!
Eligibility:
Anyone is welcome to join, you don't need to be Japanese or Japanese American, or have any family connection to the incarceration. We also welcome anyone who isn't looking to be a speaker but wants to learn more about Japanese American history or use this knowledge of the incarceration experience in other ways such as through art and media. The goal of the program is to increase historical knowledge amongst the community and to possibly help people find out more of their personal family history.
Program Timeline:
To be announced!
"I'm really excited to be able to get this program up and running! Growing up in a smaller Japanese American community, and having an interest in history, I found myself being the one who had to teach my peers and others about what happened to the community. As I got older and found others with similar experiences, I realized just how much people wanted to share our history but either didn't have the resources or felt comfortable doing so. My hope with this new program is that we'll be able to have this group who are able to pass on what the Nisei and Sansei have done for so many years. To keep these stories and histories alive!"
- Matthew Weisbly, Program Manager
We hope to begin training in early 2022 and send out speakers in mid-2022! So please sign up soon!
For questions or other inquiries, please contact program lead, Matthew Weisbly at mweisbly@jacl.org!