About Us
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) dates back to the 1920's and was formed to oppose the fierce anti-Asian climate that existed at the time. The mission of the National JACL is to continue to be a champion of civil rights and to oppose racial discrimination.
The West Valley Chapter of the JACL (WVJACL) was founded in 1970 and is composed of three groups: the Main Chapter, the Senior Club and Next Generation. While it supports the activities of the National JACL, WVJACL energies are dedicated to the local community through its support of the Senior Club and other public service activites. In 1973, a residence on Teresita Drive in San Jose was purchased for the use of general chapter activities and to house the senior center.
West Valley JACL is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions are deductible, as provided by law. For more information on our non-profit status go to Guidestar.org (registration required)
Senior Club
The Senior Center provides a variety of services to the members of its Senior Club. The center has three part time paid staff members and numerous volunteers. The center runs a weekly lunch program, monthly bus trips, transportation for shopping and doctors visits and craft programs. These services are provided at no or nominal cost to the seniors. The main funding sources include the annual Daruma festival, Next Generation and private donations. WVJACL is 100% privatly funded and does not receive monies from state, federal or local governments.
Next Generation
The West Valley Japanese American Citizen's League (WVJACL) Next Generation (NG) group was formed in March of 1991 to provide a forum for South Bay adults to gather and organize for social, cultural and service activities benefiting he Japanese-American community.
In the Spring of 1991, a group of South Bay young adults gathered to discuss the needs of today's generation. They discovered that many had the same desires of being able to serve the community learning more about Japanese-American and Japanese culture and gathering with people like themselves for social activities. The also agreed that the existing organizations didn't quite fit their need and they were torn between community service and professional and family commitments. The end result of their discussion was to form a group which could balance activities of community service, cultural awareness and social gatherings to fit into the busy lives of South Bay young adults. It was this in mind that the WVJACL Next Generation Group was created. Next Generation’s first major step in getting young people involved was to create the NG Volleyball league.
The Next Generation group is dedicated to helping take the WVJACL and the Senior Club through to the next level of service. Since forming in 1991, Next Generation has grown to over 200 members and has been able to carry out various activities benefiting both its members and the community.
Major Contributions by Next Generation
Over the last 15 years, Next Generation has been a major contributor to various charities and organizations that highlight the Japanese American experience. Funds were raised through a variety of activities, include the Daruma Festival, Volleyball tournaments, fashion shows, and community events. Here’s a list of some of those contributions.
- Donation of a Mazda Mini-van to WVJACL Senior Center
- Big screen TV and Karaoke system for WVJACL Senior Center
- $100000+ to WVJACL Senior Center
- $10000+ to Yu Ai Kai Senior Services
- $1000 to San Jose Museum of Art to help fund a Relocation Camp Exhibit
- $4150 to Kobe Earthquake fund
- $25000 to National Japanese American Memorial Foundation in Washington D.C.
- $15000 to Keiro Kai Senior Appreciation Luncheon
- $4000 to Tule Lake Pilgrimage
WVJACL Clubhouse
The West Valley JACL clubhouse is located at 1545 Teresita Drive, San Jose, CA 95129. It's at northwest corner of intersection of Graves Ave and Teresita Drive. Click here for a Mapquest link to the clubhouse. (Note: the Mapquest pinpoint location is a bit off. It's the only house on the corner of Graves and Teresita Drive)
© 2006 West Valley JACL & Next Generation. All rights reserved.
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