New Online Platform TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT Launches New Online Platform TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT Launches
April 25, 2019
Press Release
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)
TOMODACHI Initiative
New Online Platform TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT Launches
to Better Bridge the Alumni Community to Lead the New Era
TOKYO, April 25, 2019－The U.S. Japan Council’s TOMODACHI Initiative announced the launch of a new online platform, TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT, on May 1, 2019.
TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT will strengthen the network of the TOMODACHI Alumni (past program participants) by bringing together alumni from across different regions, age groups, industries, sectors, and interests. It is an exclusive platform serving TOMODACHI Alumni, supported by staff members of the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy, who administer the TOMODACHI Initiative. The interactive platform will help to build upon the transformative experiences that the participants have had on their programs and sustain the close relationships established among alumni during their initial TOMODACHI experience. It will also provide opportunities for advancement, allow access to exclusive events, create connections with potential mentors, and provide access to the larger network of the TOMODACHI Generation so that they may change the world together.
Since the establishment of the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program in 2014, over 7,800 TOMODACHI Alumni have participated in over 290 TOMODACHI programs (as of December 2018). It is crucial to sustain and strengthen this ever-growing alumni network by creating an opportunity for alumni from different regions, backgrounds, and interests to connect readily.
Through TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT, the TOMODACHI Initiative aims to create a community not only to provide a way for alumni to share fond memories through a variety of opportunities and updates, but also to connect alumni of all age groups, including high school and college students who are preparing to enter society, as well as young professionals from different regions, to stimulate and help one another continue to grow by utilizing and sharing their skills and experiences.
Irene Hirano Inouye, Representative Director and President of U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), commented, “We are pleased to announce this new platform, as we enter the new ‘Reiwa’ era in Japan. TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT provides a platform for alumni to inspire one another beyond their various programs, regions, and ages, and continue to thrive as a united TOMODACHI Generation, the next generation of leaders. We hope that, through the platform, our alumni community will bring positive change to the world.”
About TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT
TOMODACHI ALUMNI CONNECT is an interactive online communication platform where TOMODACHI Alumni can share messages and opportunities to build their networks and empower one another. It is a closed community for alumni, as well as staff members of the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
Main categories in the platform:
-Feed: populated by the latest posts in chronological order
-Directory: search for members in the network by location and industry
-Opportunities: search for companies and organizations in the network
-Groups: find and join the conversation with regional groups and thematic groups
-Events: find events of interest and post new event information
Other:
-Social media content: official accounts for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube managed by the TOMODACHI Initiative are updated on the platform in real time
About the TOMODACHI Initiative
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Visit us at www.tomodachi.org
About TOMODACHI Generation Alumni Leadership Program
The TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program fosters the next generation of Japanese and American leaders and builds upon the initial TOMODACHI experience to inspire and empower the young people of Japan and the United States. The Program provides alumni with opportunities to acquire further experiences, skills, and confidence to achieve their dreams, inspire fellow alumni, and contribute to a better world. Visit us at http://tomoalumni.org/en/index.html
Media Contact Information:
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) TOMODACHI Initiative
Tel: 03-4510-3400 Email: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org
