We are the ventura county jacl.We grant scholarships to local high school seniors in Ventura County and sponsor cultural and family-oriented events throughout the year. Our goal is to bring awareness to the Ventura County community about Japanese-American history and civil rights. Scroll down to learn more about our board and what we do.
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EventsWe conduct a variety of events, including an Oshogatsu potluck, bingo, fundraisers, and other outings to new places and performances. See our events page for the latest information and opportunities to get involved!
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ScholarshipWe grant scholarships to high school seniors in the local area. See our scholarship page if you are interested in applying or donating.
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GoalsOur goals are to educate the local community about Japanese and Japanese American culture. We are committed to promoting civil rights of all people and we work with our national organization to further this cause.
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Our Board
Our board is made up of a group of hardworking volunteers. We meet once a month at the Japanese American Christian Chapel in Camarillo once a month to plan activities and events. Get to know our board below. If you're interested in joining our board, please email us at venturacountyjacl@gmail.com
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PRESIDENTS
Lily Welty-Tamai 
Megan Gately has worked with JACL for over 15 years, including local chapters in Arizona and California, facilitating teacher workshops, camp clean ups and student related projects to JA history, and the National Education Committee of the JACL who produced the Power of Words Handbook. She is the Associate Director of Education at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
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VICE-PRESIDENTS
Betty Katsura has been a member of JACL since 2002 when she married Yosh Katsura, a former president of our local chapter. She soon became a board member and have participated in the Culture Day committees and the scholarship committee. She has also volunteered at Keiro and participate in the book club.
Jessica Wan has been a member of JACL since 2018, shortly after moving to Ventura County. She also serves as the chapter's webmaster.
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Treasurer
Ken Nakano has served as the chapter's treasurer since the 1980s when the chapter was revitalized. Ken has been an important guide for the organization ensuring that we spend wisely and responsibly.
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SECRETARY
Marcia Miyasaka has served on the board since the 1980s when the chapter was revitalized. She coordinates the board, keeps track of our minutes, and makes sure we are fed!
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CEMETERY RESTORATION COORDINATOR
Anne Chilcott served as president of the chapter 2012-2018. She is now the lead coordinator for the chapter's efforts to restore the historic Japanese Cemetery in Oxnard.
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SCHOLARSHIP COORDINATOR
Jennifer Kuo has served as the scholarship chair for the last ten years. She coordinates the high school scholarship program, including dispersing applications, choosing recipients, and attending the scholarship receptions for all recipients.
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Board Members at Large:
Aiko O. King, Joanne Nakano, Mark Chilcott, Edwin Miyasaka. Our board members at large help with events and attend board meetings to help guide the organization.
Past Board Members:
Elizabeth Hiroyasu (President, 2018-2019)
If you are interested in joining the JACL Ventura Board, please contact us at venturacountyjacl@gmail.com!
