Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i to Offer Free Extensive Volunteer Training Course to Assist with the Center's Educational Programs

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Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i to Offer Free Extensive Volunteer Training Course to Assist with the Center's Educational Programs
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NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Denise Tagomori Park/Office: (808) 945-7633 Ext. 27
August 16, 2011

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i to Offer Free Extensive Volunteer Training Course to Assist with the Center's Educational Programs

The Cultural Center is growing its educational programs including exhibition tours, Discovery Box outreach, and Hawai'i internment presentations and needs more volunteers to make this possible

Honolulu - The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i (JCCH) will launch a free extensive training program for adults interested in becoming volunteer gallery docents, Discovery Box or Hawai'i Internment presenters.

The goal of the program is to provide participants the opportunity to learn the role of the guide and how to provide a meaningful experience to customers regarding the Japanese American experience in Hawai'i.

"The program will not only open the doors of learning to the history and culture of the Japanese in Hawai'i, but it will also offer experiences, strategies, and insights into conveying information and ideas effectively to visitors, both young and old," said Jane Kurahara, staff emeritus of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i. "We believe this program is a true win-win situation for both the participant and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i."
The program starts in October with weekly sessions every Monday morning through November. From that point, participants will be assigned to individual practical sessions with brief monthly meetings through May 2012.

Program participants will be given the opportunity to observe a variety of actual presentations by experienced docents and presenters; gather content information through a rich variety of resource material, hearing informative speakers, and viewing effective audio-visual presentations; design and share a mini-presentation; observe and participate in actual presentations with mentors; and conduct presentations independently with helpful feedback from mentors.

The training program and required text is provided at no charge to participants. However, the training agreement will include a commitment to serve as a volunteer JCCH guide through October 2012.

Over the past few years, the Cultural Center has significantly grown its educational programs and expanded community outreach. More volunteers are needed to keep the momentum going.

Space for this program is limited. Interested applicants may contact Derrick Iwata at 945-7633 Ext. 25 or iwata@jcch.com. Deadline for applications is August 31. Interviews will be conducted through September.

The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, a non-profit organization, strives to strengthen our diverse community by educating present and future generations in the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai'i. Founded on May 28, 1987, the Center celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012. The Cultural Center has more than 4,800 members and annually connects to more than 30,000 residents and visitors through its programs and events. The Cultural Center features a historical museum, an exhibition gallery, library/archive center, the Kenshikan martial arts d j , the Seik an Japanese teahouse, and a Gift Shop. For more information call (808) 945-7633, email info@jcch.com or visit the website at www.jcch.com.
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ABOUT JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF HAWAII

The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH), a non-profit organization, strives to share the history, heritage and culture of the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i. Located at 2454 South Beretania Street in Mō‘ili‘ili, the Cultural Center features a Community and Historical Gallery, Resource Center, Kenshikan martial arts dōjō, Seikōan Japanese teahouse and Gift Shop. The Cultural Center presents various programs, festivals and exhibitions throughout the year.

Motto
Honoring our heritage. Embracing our diversity. Sharing our future.

Vision
We aspire to co-create a society where a deeper knowledge of one's heritage and a profound understanding of oneself will enable enlightened connections among all people.

Mission Statement
To be a vibrant resource, strengthening our diverse community by educating present and future generations in the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i. We do this through relevant programming, meaningful community service and innovative partnerships that enhance the understanding and celebration of our heritage, culture and love of the land. To guide us in this work we draw from the values found in our Japanese American traditions and the spirit of Aloha.

History

The seeds of thought and planning which had since developed into the solid concrete of Phase I and the working committees of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i were sown over two generations ago. Minds and hearts of Issei and Nisei (first and second generations) forebearers set themselves to the tasks of survival, later to national heroism, and later still to the responsibility of restoring the concept of cultural pride in themselves and their community. Emotions generated by the Kanyaku Imin (125 Years of Japanese In Hawai‘i) celebration in February of 1985 spurred the devotion of major Japanese groups in the community to initially conceptualize the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.

In 1986, The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) initiated the Japan-Hawaii Cultural Center project, "The Dream," for the purpose of bringing together related organizations in Hawai‘i to work in a common effort to preserve the legacy and history of the pioneers who came to Hawaii from Japan, and whose sacrifices and contributions made it possible for the younger generations to become integral members of American society. It was planned to be a legacy where future members of our community could look back and be fully conscious of their roots. The Center would also foster relations by promoting harmony and mutual understanding between Japan, Hawai‘i, and the United States.

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce was willing to accept the enormous responsibility of immortalizing and cultivating the legacy of the Japanese in Hawai‘i by making a commitment to plant and nourish the seedling. Many community organizations supported the creation of a Japanese cultural center, as indicated by a survey to assess the need and expectations for a center.

Courses of action plans were implemented to create Ad Hoc Committees composed of the various Japan related organizations, and to organize a fund-raising organization to raise funds from the community within the State of Hawai‘i as well as in Japan. Committees set in motion to carefully plan, develop, and research in establishing the Cultural Center. The inception of some committees were: Steering, Planning, Public Relations, Historical Research Program, Program, Membership and Property Management. A schedule of "Milestone" tasks for these committees were implemented to prepare for the tremendous work that lay ahead in the formation of the Cultural Center.

On May, 28, 1987, the birth of a new direction and a new step toward the dreams of our forefathers emerged as the Cultural Center was incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawai‘i as a non-profit corporation to develop, own, maintain, and operate a Japanese cultural center in Hawai‘i. As an independent entity, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i would play a most crucial role in perpetuating the cultural heritage we inherited from our Issei forefathers into the lifestyles and values of our children's children.

Revamped, Revved and Ready... the Cultural Center Boards and staff moves forward with great aspirations
The Board of Directors consists of 15 community leaders from O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i counties who lead the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i by establishing policies and strategic direction. Each Director either chairs and /or is a member of the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Membership Development Committee, Fundraising Committee, Facilities & Operations Committee, and Budget & Finance Committee. The Board members are elected by the membership as a whole.

The Board of Governors currently has forty (40) members who advise and make recommendations to the Board of Directors, and oversee the implementation of programs and activities of the Cultural Center. The Board of Governors also assist and maintain the fiscal well-being of the Center by supporting its fundraising activities. The Board of Governors are appointed by the Board of Directors.

The staff of nine full-time and two part-time employees is led by the President & Executive Director who administers the day-to-day operations of the Cultural Center.

The Board of Directors, Board of Governors and the staff, and volunteers work in unison to carry out the many exciting plans at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. When put together these individuals, though all unique in their background, create a dynamic, capable and passionate group who are dedicated to the Cultural Center's mission of sharing the history, heritage and culture of the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i.

HOURS
Community & Historical Gallery and Gift Shop: Tuesday -- Saturday, 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m.
Resource Center: Wednesday -- Friday, 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Office: Monday -- Saturday, 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

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