FAQ
Board Members
Who are the current board members?
What is the term length for board members?
Who elects board members?
Board members are elected by JETAA members.
How can I become a board member?
Why is the Treasurer a two year term?
While all positions on the board are important, the Treasurer's main purpose is to take care of the funding received to accomplish the chapter's mission.
General Membership
How do I become a member of JETAA Chicago?
Simple! Once you as a fellow JET Alumni sign up for our newsletter and we receive your contact information, you are considered a member.
What are the benefits of being a member?
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to provide a social and professional network for JET alumni; -
to support the JET Program (promoting, recruiting, interviewing and preparing); -
to serve as a resource for alumni seeking Japan-related education and employment Opportunities; -
to promote Japan and its culture in our community.
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Monthly newsletters with information about Japan-related events in and around Chicago to keep you connected with Japan and the local Japanese community. -
Access to discounts for events and career building services. -
Information about social, cultural, and professional orientated events. -
Opportunities to build a network while sharing experiences and skills with fellow alumni in Chicago and the surrounding area.
Open Board Meetings
What is an Open Board Meeting?
Previously known as Monthly Member Meetings, Open Board Meetings are held once a month where members of the board get together to discuss what is going on with the chapter. Topics include events from the past month, any upcoming in the near future, and news relevant to JETAA.
Meetings are also a chance for non-board members to share ideas and get involved in JETAA Chicago activities.
Who can attend Open Board Meetings?
Meetings are open to all members of JETAA Chicago! Let us know in advance if you’re coming so we can make food arrangements. For RSVPs, we are trying something a little different moving forward. In the interest of including those that do not use Facebook and other social media platforms, a Guestlist event will be made for each open board meeting. All alumni interested in attending are required to RSVP through that event. Facebook event pages will still be posted to promote the monthly open board meeting in the JETAA Chicago Facebook group, and questions can still be e-mailed to info@jetaachicago.com.
Why are the Open Board Meetings held during the week?
In the event that you cannot come in person, we also have the option for people to call in or join via Google Meets. Reach out to us at
info@jetaachicago.com if you want to connect digitally.
Where can I find past Open Board Meeting minutes?
The minutes for past Open Board Meetings can be found here.
Events
Who decides what events are hosted each year and are they always the same?
What events have been held in the past?
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Career Development Workshop: Keynote speaker plus JET alumni guest speakers provide professional advice and guidance to recently returned JETs. -
Happy Hour: Alumni grab a drink and chat with outgoing JETs after their Japanese class. -
Last Call Q&A: Alumni offer last minute advice and tips before outgoing JETs leave for Japan through an online video chat. -
Mitsuwa Supermarket Sweep: Alumni and outgoing JETs go on a scavenger hunt to help outgoing JETs navigate a Japanese supermarket. -
Monkey Meet and Greet: Alumni meet outgoing JETs and see the snow monkeys to kick off the Survival Series at Lincoln Park Zoo. -
Nihngo Dake: Quarterly event for Japanese speakers to practice their skills with a native speaker to help facilitate conversation. -
Shinnenkai: Annual New Year's fundraiser and event that honors Japanese New Year's traditions and introduces Chicagoans to Japanese culture. -
Sushi Reception: Alumni mingle with outgoing JETs after the JIC’s Outgoing JET Q&A Panel. -
White Day: Alumni congregate to celebrate White Day together over BBQ and Karaoke.
My event would require funding. Is that a problem?
Where can I find ideas for events to help me brainstorm ideas?
JETAA USA has an excellent archive of past NatCon presentations, which touch on events chapters across the US and Canada have held over the years. Something there is sure to inspire you!
Getting Involved
What are JETAA Chicago subchapters?
Subchapter members are simply counted as members of the main local chapter even though they can function as a separate group most of the time. They have all the rights and responsibilities of regular chapter members, including voting for officers, joining meetings, hosting events and more. Subchapter members are included in the chapter membership list submitted along with the chapter's GiA request (please link to GiA portion).
Additionally, subchapter funding comes through the main chapter, and needs to be coordinated with the Treasurer (
treasurer@jetaachicago.com) of the main chapter in order to apply and receive the funds as CLAIR does not fund subchapters directly.
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Indiana (Hoosier) -
Wisconsin
What if I was never a JET? Can I still be involved with JETAA Chicago?
While JETAA Chicago focuses on JET alumni, we often have events that are also open to “Friends of JETs”. Sign up for our newsletter to find out when we’re holding events or looking for volunteers to help out.
How can I help if I don’t live in Chicago, but a neighboring state?
I have a post I’d like JETAA Chicago to share, but whom do I contact?
Other
Where does our budget come from and how much is it?
What if my question wasn’t answered here?
Reach out to JETAA Chicago at info@jetaachicago.com with your question and we’ll do our best to answer it!
Why am I not receiving emails from JETAA Chicago?