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C h a r t e r
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Dear Friends,
Welcome to our website-the official on-line presence of the Watsonville-Santa
Cruz Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).
Here we are in the fourth year of the 21st Century. Even though we left the
20th Century, there are many people who have failed thus far to leave some their
old social and cultural stereotypes and attitudes behind. Although we live in
a culturally-rich society of many different kinds of people with different
attitudes, colors, cultures, etc., many of us still consider ourselves somehow
"superior" to others. Many of us still think this is an "us against them" type
of society. Hence, many times, responses range from racial discrimination to
overt violence against others just because of the color of their skin, race,
creed, religion, or sexual orientation.
The purpose of the JACL, of which the Watsonville-Santa Cruz Chapter is a part,
is to be forever vigilant for instances of racism, bigotry, harassment,
discrimination, violence, etc. still occurring in our society in the 21st
Century. Although the focus of JACL began over instances encountered by
Japanese-Americans specifically, we have come to realize the importance of
noting and responding to any instances or threats against any recognized group
of individuals. This is based on the fact that: if anyone's rights are
threatened or denied, it is also a threat to the rights of all of us-i.e.,
the total society. As stated by John Tateishi, National JACL Executive
Director, the mission of the JACL is, "to fight discrimination and to insure the
well being of anyone who is victimized by social injustice."
The Watsonville-Santa Cruz Chapter is the "local" organization with ties to the
international civil rights organization of the JACL. Our chapter works on a
diverse range of activities such as: civil rights, education, culture, civic and
history, veterans, etc. We inter-face with other community groups,
Asian-American organizations, and the media, to prevent or respond to hate
crimes and discrimination. Some examples include the following: the community
picnic; support of Watsonville Taiko, Kokoro no Gakko, Sister City's Program of
cities in Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Japanese Cultural Fair, and the JACL
Senior Center. For our young scholars, we support the Kee Kitayama Memorial
Scholarship, as well as scholarships and grants available through the National
JACL. If desirable, we participate with a Blue Cross health insurance plan.
A long-term health care plan is also available. If needed, our Chapter can
mobilize its disaster relief committee to help our community friends and members
who may suffer from various calamities or misfortunes such as earthquakes,
floods, or fire. We also inform our members of current issues and upcoming
attractions through a great newsletter.
Please join the nearly 350 members and their families of Santa Cruz County and
northern Monterey County and beyond who belong to the Watsonville-Santa Cruz
Chapter of the JACL. For more information, please contact Membership
Chairperson, Victor Kimura, at (831) 761-0945. We welcome you and thank you
for your support.
Sincerely,
Paul Kaneko, Chapter President, 2004
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