Eden Township Japanese Community Center (ETJCC) Board Vacancy

The ETJCC Board is seeking a high school or college student to serve a one-year term as a voting member. In addition to holding office as a voting board member, this position will be responsible for maintaining the ETJCC website (edenjapanesecc.org) and social media (Facebook and Instagram).

Link to Application: ETJCC HS/College Board Application 2022

This position will give the student experience on a non-profit board.  They will:  

·      Develop skills desired for dealing with multiple organizations; 

·      Practice informed decision making (e.g. voting on issues);

·       Develop communications by actively participating in meetings and communicating with all ETJCC organizations. 

Requirements:

·      High school or college student

·      Knowledge of Facebook, Instagram and preferably Squarespace.  Training on Squarespace will be provided if needed.

·      Attend all ETJCC Board meetings every 4th Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm on Zoom.

·      Promote social media and maintain the website with the goals of attracting an audience in the 20 – 50 years range.

·      Commit to train replacement before leaving the position.

·      Passion for brainstorming and creativity.

·      Team player

·      Knowledge of Canva is a plus.

·      Common sense skills as applied to voting on ETJCC issues.

·      Self-governing abilities desired to communicate and meet deadlines.

·      Experience with the ETJCC.

Term:

April to March

About the Eden Township Japanese Community Center (ETJCC):

The Eden Township Japanese Community Center (ETJCC) is a non-profit organization that cares and manages the operations of the Eden Japanese Community Center.  The Center is the home to local organizations who promote Japanese American and Japanese cultural activities.  

The history of the Eden Township Japanese Community Center dates back to 1931 when Minoru Okada had a vision of providing the community with a place to gather and to preserve the cultural ties to Japan.  With support of local Japanese families and friends, they built the predecessor to the Eden Township Japanese Community Center known as Ashland Gakuen Hall.  Back then, one would stop by and find Japanese movies being played, live plays being performed, kendo tournaments in action, Japanese language school being conducted, Buddhist church services and/or board meetings being held.  It was also a place for family and community, young and old, to gather for holiday festivities and parties.  

Construction of the current Eden Township Japanese Community Center began in 1962, after the Ashland Gakuen Hall was condemned due to fires.  Local Niseis assembled and discussed plans to build a community center.  Through fund raising and generous pledges from local businesses, the Community Center was built.  

Today, the Center is home to the Eden Seniors who gather regularly for activities such as the senior lunch program, chair exercise, crafts, movies, and game day.  You will also find Japanese cultural groups that offer instruction in bonsai, karate, ikebana and taiko.  The Center also serves as a meeting place for the Ashland Howakai (Buddhist Church services led by Oakland Buddhist Church ministers), Eden Athletic Club Board (basketball teams which participate in the East Bay Boys and Girls Athletic Leagues) and the Eden JACL and Eden Township Japanese Community Center Boards.   

The Center has provided a safe, welcoming environment to all those who come as participants, visitors, friends and family.