APPLY NOW! TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework 2024-2025

With just over 10,000 alumni who have come out of over 350 TOMODACHI programs since inception, it can be a challenge to reach everyone. Still, the power of the TOMODACHI Generation is the network and the high engagement of youth and young professionals who are inspired to stay connected and become active leaders in their respective communities and regions, and of society as a whole.
The TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework is a big part of this structure as it aims to ensure that we are reaching our alumni by having representatives across Japan and in the United States. Japan will be split into regions that coincide with the U.S. Consulate jurisdictions across Japan and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. We expanded to the United States for the first time in 2022, which provided opportunities for alumni in the United States to stay engaged in the TOMODACHI Generation.
In order to support this framework, we have developed roles and responsibilities for Regional Representatives and Core Committee members to lead, engage, and connect alumni in their respective regions and to be active leaders in their regions for a more vibrant future for their communities and countries.

Program Overview

The TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework builds and bolsters the TOMODACHI community in regions across the United States and Japan through Regional Representatives who will work with the TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs Team and, as appropriate, with the American and Japanese Embassy and Consulates to cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni in the region.
Under this framework, the Regional Representative will bring together alumni for networking and skills-building events, and share opportunities that are available only to TOMODACHI alumni. They will also work closely with other volunteers in the region to increase outreach in key areas and provide information about TOMODACHI.

Relationships:

Other TOMODACHI Alumni in the region
TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs Team
Japanese and/or American government representatives in their region as appropriate
Core Committee Members

Key Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs Team to plan and implement strategic plan for alumni engagement, including:

Building a stronger TOMODACHI presence in Japan and the United States
Identifying key alumni in region and building relationships
Increasing the number of alumni registered in TOMODACHI Alumni Connect

2. Represent TOMODACHI Alumni as the Regional Representative in the region in Japan or the United States by:

Hosting networking events to bolster alumni engagement
Recruiting volunteers who will support TOMODACHI activities
Engaging alumni at various TOMODACHI events and programs
Harnessing TOMODACHI key messages and branding in all communication such as the TOMODACHI Alumni Connect regional group and posting on social media

3. Coordinate activities among alumni and encourage engagement in TOMODACHI and U.S.-Japan Council activities that include, but are not limited to:

TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit
U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference
U.S.-Japan Council Business Advisory Board
TOMO-KIN Career Talks
TOMODACHI Critical Conversations
Various Skills-building Workshops (TBD)
TOMODACHI Career Fair (TBD)

4. Maintain a list of alumni in region and actively recognize them and cultivate relationships as important members of the alumni community

5. Work with the Core Committee Members in your region to successfully carry out your responsibilities listed above. Guide and mentor your Core Committee Members as necessary as they could be the candidate for the next Regional Representative.

Requirement:

Participated in a TOMODACHI Program
Professional or Graduate Student with work experience
Commit to role for minimum two years with opportunity to extend
Join monthly meetings with representatives in country
Attend all required sessions (Orientation in March, Summit in December, monthly meetings)
Currently residing in the region
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Ties to the region and with strong drive to support communities in that region.
Passion to give back to TOMODACHI alumni community & support youth in the region.
Interested & excited to stay engaged in U.S.-Japan relations

Time Commitment:

Regional Representatives are encouraged to participate for a 2-year term, at which time they can decide if they want to continue on to serve a full 3+ year term. There are no term limits. This is not an elected position, but is assigned by TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs following application. Regional Representatives who wish to step down prior to finishing a term may do so in writing by contacting the alumni office.

On average, we estimate each representative will invest 24 – 40 total hours throughout the year (February – January). For representatives attending the USJC Annual Conference, we estimate an additional 4 – 5 days (without international travel).

Contacting regional alumni: 2 – 6 hours (varies)
Organizing regional events (ie: gatherings / reunions): 2 – 6 hours
Gathering and sharing information (updating alumni contact lists, gathering newsletter content, etc.): 2 – 4 hours
Preparing and submitting feedback and updates: 2 – 4 hours
Participating in trainings, orientation, monthly meetings, and year-end planning sessions: 16-20 hours

REGIONS

Japan Regions

Hokkaido Region
Tohoku Region
Kanto Region
Chubu-Hokuriku Region
Kansai Region
Kyushu Region
Okinawa Region

U.S. Regions*

New York Vicinity
New England Vicinity
Washington D.C. Vicinity
Southern California Vicinity
Hawaii Vicinity

*We are working with these regions, but may expand to other regions in later years.

To apply, click here. TOMODACHIRegionalFramework2024-2025

Deadline:

January 31st 2024 (JT)

Questions?

Reach out to TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs at alumni@usjapancouncil.org

Dec 21, 2023