2018 Homestay Program in L.A.

A photo from a different homestay program that the OAA participated in

In coordination with the Okinawa Prefectural Government, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will be hosting 10 high school and college students from Okinawa and organize activities for them to learn about and interact with the OAA, the Uchinaanchu community, and Nikkei- and Uchinaanchu-owned businesses.

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2018 OAA Members Picnic

Artwork by Richard Yamashiro

Okinawa Association of America’s Annual Members Picnic
Sunday, July 15 • 11 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. (opens @ 10) • Whittier Narrows Park
750 Santa Anita Avenue, Area E-1, South El Monte • On-site parking fee: $6

(Non-members are also encouraged to attend the event and apply for membership)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PICNIC

2018 Scholarship for Students of Japanese Culture

Photo courtesy of Michelle Akamine, a past recipient of the scholarship

The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) is currently seeking applicants for the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai) scholarship award for exceptional students of Japanese and Okinawan culture. We can recommend up to two (2) OAA members and final selection will be done by the JPASC.

DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2018

Application Requirements:

• Current member of the OAA with no outstanding dues
  • If the applicant is a dependent, then their parent/guardian must be a current OAA member
  • If the applicant or parent/guardian is a member of another kenjinkai, you may apply through them
• Between 17 – 27 years of age
• Currently a dedicated practitioner of a Japanese or Okinawan cultural tradition (e.g., art, entertainment, martial arts*)
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience
  • * For martial arts, the applicant must have a minimum of ni-dan or equivalent

The applicant will need a recommendation letter from his/her instructor and the OAA president, school transcripts, and passport photos.

Please contact the OAA for the application:
310-532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com

2018 Onna Village Kenshuu Program

Cape Manzamō, located near Onna Village in Okinawa (Wikipedia)

Applications are now available for the 2018 Onna Village Kenshuu Program. This is an all-expenses-paid scholarship for young Uchinaanchu to study in Okinawa for six months.

DEADLINE:
Please contact the OAA by May 7, 2018 to begin the application process: oaamensore@gmail.com, (310) 532-1929. The application is very intensive, so please do not wait until the last minute.

PROGRAM PERIOD:
September 2018 to February 2019

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be a current OAA member
• Must have ancestral/familial roots in Onna Village, Okinawa
• Must have a relative/friend in Okinawa to sponsor you (preferably somebody living in Onna Village)
• Must be between 18 – 35 years of age
• Must be in relatively good health
• Some Japanese language skills required

(Note: If you are not an OAA member, please contact your local Okinawa kenjinkai/association to apply. Applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program.)

OAA Annual Scholarship for Graduating High School Students (Deadline: May 31, 2018)

DEADLINE: Application materials must be postmarked or delivered to the OAA office by May 31, 2018 (Thursday), 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must be of full or partial Okinawan descent
• Parents or guardians must be OAA members
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Applicant must be graduating high school in 2018

The awards will be based primarily on academic accomplishments with due consideration given to extracurricular, community activities, and financial needs. The scholarship awards will be presented at the OAA’s Annual Members’ Picnic at Whittier Narrows Recreation Park on Sunday, July 15, 2018 (date subject to change).

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• OAA HS scholarship application checklist (PDF)
• 2018 OAA Scholarship App (PDF)
• 2018 OAA Scholarship App (Microsoft Word)

Please contact the OAA for more information at (310) 532-1929 or oaamensore@gmail.com

2018 Rummage FUNdrive and E-Waste Collection

In observance of Earth Day, the OAA is teaming up with recycling company, Savers, to recycle, reuse, and reduce unwanted items in your home. For every donation made, Savers will purchase 20 cents per pound for soft goods, 5 cents per pound for miscellaneous, and 5 cents per pound for books and media. (Damaged or incomplete items will NOT be accepted)

Our goal is to raise $1,000 which is a equivalent of 400 13-gallon bags!

We are also teaming up with All Green Recycling to collect and recycle electronic waste. (Various electronics will be accepted, but specifically TVs, monitors, laptops and tablets will earn OAA 12 cents per pound!)

Volunteers needed in the first two weeks of April to organize and bag items, and on April 14 to help with loading the truck. Service hours are available for students. Please click here to sign up: https://goo.gl/forms/vEqznleNK0msXYVR2

Dates | Acceptable Items | Unacceptable Items

2018 Uchinaa Junior Study Program

ATTENTION OAA MEMBERS!

The Uchinaa Junior Study Program (formerly the Junior Study Tour) is an annual immersion program that brings middle and high school students to the islands of Okinawa.

Sponsored by the Okinawa Prefectural Government, elected students are given an all-expense-paid trip to study Okinawan history, culture, society, and diaspora, with an emphasis on nature, peace, and identity. Students will also be given the opportunity to interact with Uchinaanchu from around the world as well as students from Okinawa, with the hope that bonds and understandings will develop between overseas Uchinaanchu and their mother island.

Please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply!

TOUR DATES: July 29 ~ August 4, 2018

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 23, 2018 (FRIDAY)
It may be delivered in person, mailed, or emailed, but it MUST be in the OAA office by 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time). The application process is extensive, so please do not wait until the last minute.

If you are an OAA member, please continue reading for eligibility, documents, and more information ⤵️