Together We Can Make a Difference

Portland Chapter Membership Information

What is JACL?
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) was founded in 1929 and is one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country. JACL continues to be the primary voice for upholding civil rights of Japanese Americans, with strong advocacy programs at the national level and a network of local chapters across the country engaged in a wide range of activities. Recent national programs include: Monitoring anti-Asian violence.

• Promoting accurate historical accounts of the Japanese American experience in school curricula and textbooks
• Nikkei leadership development programs
• Creation of the Legacy Fund endowment
• Monitoring the implementation of redress, for which JACL was instrumental in obtaining for our community.

Why should I join the Portland Chapter of JACL?
The Portland Chapter of JACL helps to support and maintain the Nikkei community and provides a voice for the community to speak out against discrimination and infringement of civil rights in Oregon. As a member of the Chapter, you can reconnect to the spirit, heritage, and culture of Japanese American life through a wide range of programs and activities. Some of the major program and activities the Chapter recently sponsored or participated in include:
• "Our Family Had a Number" - a program about the Oregon Internment experience
• Issei Pioneers of Oregon - an exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society
• Nikkei Book Project - The Gift. by Deena Nakata was completed in 1995 and chronicled the Nikkei in Oregon
• Memorial plaque and dedication program at the Portland Assembly Center
• Annual scholarship program and high school graduation banquet
• Nikkei Community Summer Picnic
• Oshogatsu New Year Party

With membership in JACL, you are also eligible for these important benefits:
• Scholarship Program
• Long term and home health care plans
• JACL Credit Union VISA card
• Discounted long distance calling program
• Discounted car rentals
• Our monthly Chapter newsletter; and the national newspaper, the Pacific Citizen.