Call for Volunteers for 41st Annual Lunar New Year Celebration!

The Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) is an organization of representatives from ten local Asian communities that promotes civic participation and community service. Each year, leadership of the group rotates by community and this year the Japanese-American community is the host of the 41st ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION on Saturday, 02/10/2024 at Drury Lane, Oakbrook.

There will be approximately 1,000 participants from over 16 Asian communities, elected officials, corporate sponsors and others who are interested in connecting with the local Pan Asian community. The event starts at 4:30 pm, there will be a reception with exhibit tables, a silent auction, and a cash bar. Doors to the Grand Ballroom open at 6:00 pm and the dinner program features cultural entertainment and an awards ceremony honoring leaders in the community. The event ends at 9:00 pm.

Volunteers are needed starting at 1:00 pm and ending at approximately 9:00 pm. There are no definitive shifts. It is up to you how long you want to help and the assignment you choose.

Volunteer Assignments: There are a variety of tasks to be completed. They range from more sedentary seated tasks to guest-facing tasks to high-energy robust tasks.

• Assemble goodie bags, centerpieces, program books, giveaways

• Set up, monitor, explain bidding process, wrap up items for high bidders at Silent Auction Table

• Set up, arrange Exhibit Tables, stamp guest passports

• Inform guests of their table, check-in VIPs, distribute corsages and passports at Registration Table

• Take photos for guests

• Direct performers to dressing rooms

• Wranglers and ushers

If you are interested in possibly volunteering for this event, please let us know at info@jetaachicago.com! 

3 free tickets to "Find Your True Love to Japanese Teas" with the Japan America Society of Chicago!

Interested in trying a variety of Japanese teas and learning more about Japanese tea tradition? The Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC) is hosting an in-person Japanese tea event Thursday, February 1st, 6-7 pm CST at the Chicago Teahouse, and JETAA Chicago will buy tickets for 3 lucky alumni to attend! The tickets will be given on a first come, first serve basis, so if you'd like to attend, please email president@jetaachicago.com with your name, placement and years on JET by Monday, 1/29.

See more about the event below and on JASC's website:

About the Event

You are invited to enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea. Japan is home to the most amazing green tea gardens and our shop owner Agnes traveled to Japan to visit the finest green tea gardens, and observed the craftsmanship of plucking leaves and Japanese tea cultivation. Join us as we present a cultural journey of the Japanese tea tradition and taste some of the finest brews Japan has to offer.

Event includes a one-hour guided presentation, 4 loose leaf tea samples, light snacks and a 20% promotion on teas after the event.

About the Speaker

Agnieszka was first introduced to tea growing up in Poland, where tea is a social and cultural beverage. She found a deep connection with the world of tea and was inspired by the quote “You will never have to work a day in your life if you do something you’re passionate about”. Later on, Agnieszka graduated from DePaul and was hired as Director of Finance at TeaGschwendner, a German premium loose leaf tea company. As her knowledge and love for tea blossomed, Agnieszka found her calling and became a certified Tea Sommelier in 2017.

Career Development Workshop II

Whether you're a recently returned JET alum or making a career change, you may be at a crossroads regarding your next steps and opportunities.  This event will show how to sell your JET experience and create an effective resume. Interviewing points will also be addressed.  

Join us Saturday, February 10th from 10 am-11:30 am CST, for the second JETAA Chicago Career Development Workshop! If you are a JET alum currently navigating the job market after JET, considering switching careers, or just pondering what’s next for you, then your attendance is welcome! This event is intended to bring together JETAA members who are looking for career advice at all stages of their career trajectory.

Our speaker will be Emily Frank from The Career Catalyst who can answer your questions about advancing your professional plans.

The workshop will consist of a practical presentation on Resume Building and how to sell your JET experience.

The first five people to sign up AND attend the event will receive a free 30-minute one-on-one session with Emily free of charge on the topic of their choice. Preference will be given to JETAA Chicago members.

Please join us for this free workshop providing invaluable advice to help advance your career after JET!

Sign up here!

This event is for JET alumni only.

Questions? Contact Joe at networking@jetaachicago.com