Step Up to Step Back

The JACL filing deadline to run for National Board is May 20.

By Eric Langowski

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]very two years, JACL holds elections for its National Board and calls for individuals to “step up” their service.

I asked every member of this committee why they thought you should run for national office.

Here are some of their responses:

“To contribute to protecting and preserving our portion of who and what we are in our local, state, and national whole.”

“I believe in the continued mission and vision of the JACL, and it is my hope that we see ongoing leadership in addition to some new faces and voices.”

“Running for and serving in a national office position helps JACL continue to exist. Running for and serving in a national office position helps the candidate grow professionally and personally and connects the candidate with API leaders across the country.”

“Working with other community partners, JACL is leading its effort to fully fund the JACS grants. It is through engagement and effort where we can impact policy decisions on a local, regional and national level. You can make a real difference as a JACL National Board member.”

Running for the JACL National Board is a commitment to service in a time where JACL is as needed as it has ever been. The organization’s membership is shrinking, and our incarcerated ancestors are passing on just as our community story of incarceration is being cited as a precedent for future injustice.

If you have a vision for empowering others, this is the time to run for office and incorporate your ideas into our electoral process. Stepping up, by running for office, is one of the best ways to step back and empower future and current JACLers across the nation.

The initial filing deadline is May 20. After that date, candidates must run from the floor of the National Convention, subject to additional requirements. Information and applications are available on the JACL website (www.jacl.org).

If you are interested in running for office or have any additional questions, email erhlango@gmail.com.

Eric Langowski is the chair of the Nominations Committee and the Midwest District Council Youth Representative on the National Youth/Student Council.