TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Orientation for Continuing and Incoming Regional Representatives

On March 16th and 30th, 2024, three virtual Orientation sessions were conducted to onboard the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Regional Representatives and Core Committee Members. The morning session on March 16th catered to the U.S.-based RRs and CCs, while the afternoon session welcomed Japan-based RRs and CCs. A subsequent session on March 30th brought together RRs from both countries. Thirteen RRs and fourteen CCs engaged in these Orientation sessions to foster familiarity, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for their regional initiatives.

During the separate sessions for U.S. and Japan-based participants, Regional Representatives (RRs) and Core Committee Members (CCs) deepened their understanding of USJC, TOMODACHI, and of the TOMODACHI Regional Framework (TRF) itself and their roles within the community.

Two weeks following the country-specific Orientation sessions, all RRs reconvened for a joint session to discuss action plans for the upcoming year, familiarize themselves with pertinent information and procedures, and strategize on how to maximize their impact within their respective communities.

“My main takeaway was to have regional representatives see each other and have some sort of community with each other. It was interesting to see the difference and similarities of what each region focuses on to create their events. It is also great for myself as a ‘veteran’ to see the new changes as we get bigger.” – Fatoumata Bah, the Regional Representative of the New York Vicinity Region