JETAANY GALA Celebrating our 30 th Anniversary Description
JETAANY GALA: Celebrating our 30 th Anniversary Description • In February 2018, JETAANY Celebrated JET’s 30 th Anniversary with a formal gala in Brooklyn, NYC • Great way to connect people, alumni from different generations, and to highlight the program, especially JETAA’s history, and our connection to US-Japan relations Details • Open to all, 140 guests and five chapters present • Formed a “Gala Gang” Planning Committee who rented a venue and caterer (dinner & bar) and coordinated event • Event included: taiko performance, silent auction, JETAANY Step & Repeat / photo booth, speeches, kage biraki, barrelbreaking ceremony, fun MCs, and leadership awards • Professional photographer • Held a logo contest – used for omiyage (sake cups!) • Recognized CLAIR, Consulate, senpai, and Sponsors in Program, through video, in on Website, On a 2 nd projector screen TIPS • Start Early, weekly calls • Form a vision & budget plan • Marketing & Fundraising • Volunteers Matter • Get advice! Thanks to JETAA – PNW, NC & Toronto especially!
JETAANY Summer Retreat Description Details • Every year, JETAANY hosts a weekend at a nature center for alumni, family, friends • Two full days and one night. • It’s a great way to engage families and bring different generations together; provide a fun opportunity to connect. • Weekend includes meals, undokai (coordinated games), a low-ropes course, hiking, boating, group trivia, board games, a campfire and “glow” capture the flag. • We advertise in our newsletter, Facebook and website. Tips • This event could be done on any scale, even as a day event (like a mini sports Sports Day festival) • Education centers geared towards groups • Different Alumni will attend depending on the host
Flood Relief Benefit Community Fundraiser Description Details • JETAANY has been active in coordinating with other Japanese -American organizations and recently helped form the NYC Japanese American Community Coalition (JACC) • Board and Exec Members were active in organizing the event, including recruiting alumni to create a poster, finding donated space and chef, marketing, selling tickets and soliciting items for a silent auction • JACC planned to hold a joint event; response to Western Japan became obvious approach • Each organization advertised through Social Media, newsletters, and our website. • Many alumni, different organizations and Japanese officials attended • Event was 6: 00 pm to 9: 00 pm • Guests could come at any time, heavy hors d'oeuvre and open bar available all night Tips • Encourage passion projects • Branding • Financial goals • Consider your chapter’s entire mission when planning events: To assist returning JETs with acclimation to life and work in NYC, foster education and understanding of Japanese culture, and strengthen the ties between the NY JET Alumni and the Japanese community.
Origami Earrings and Craft Night Description • We held a craft night focused on making origami jewelry (sometimes sold at festivals or Japanese book stores) Details Tips • Event started at 6: 30 pm in Manhattan; any conference room would work well • This was a great introduction to JETAANY where alumni could also bring friends and colleagues • Two alumni planned the event and bought the materials • Alumni have asked if we can do this monthly, or at least around holidays – it would be fun to consider doing different craft activities each time • Participants paid a nominal amount in advance to help plan for materials • Collaboration in color, design, and folding expertise • This could also be a great fundraiser or donation item
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