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Nikkei | Constitution | Officers' Roles and Responsibilities
FAQ
1. What is Nikkei, and what does the organization do?
Nikkei is a student-run organization on campus that focuses on the exploration of Japanese American culture. We explore culture and create community through programming for cultural activities, social events, leadership building, and volunteer opportunities. For more information on our events, visit the Events page.
2. What is Nikkei's purpose?
Nikkei's main purpose is to explore Japanese American culture, but Nikkei also serves as a connection between the Japanese American community and as a friendly environment in which you can cultivate a better understanding of what it means to be Japanese American.
3. What does "Nikkei" mean?
"Nikkei" or "nikkei-jin" refers to being of Japanese descent.
4. If I'm not Japanese or if I don't know any Japanese, can I join?
Yes! We encourage anyone who is interested in Japanese American culture to join Nikkei. Many of our members aren't Japanese.
5. Will I make friends?
No.
Just kidding. Us Nikkei members are (generally) nice people and we'd love to meet you!
6. Is this a "do nothing" organization?
Nikkei provides several events throughout the year such as general meetings, Culture Night, Day of Remembrance, and Car Rally that many members usually attend. Your level of involvement is entirely up to you.
7. Do you guys hang out with Japanese American clubs from other schools?
Yes! USC Nikkei is a member of the Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC), which is an association of Japanese American student organizations from UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCR, UCSB, CSULB, Cal Poly Pomona, and other schools from all over the Southern California area. INC puts on several events throughout the year, such as Meltdown, our famous clubbing event, held every November. INC events are a great way to make new friends and even reconnect with old ones (so remember to tell your friends at other SoCal schools to join the Japanese American organization on their campuses too).
8. What is Culture Night?
Culture Night is our opportunity to bring Japanese American culture to USC and the greater community through a night of story, music, and dance. Traditionally held at Bovard Auditorium every April, Culture Night features a student written and produced play, traditional and modern dance performances, and musical performances by USC's own Kazan Taiko. Last year's Culture Night was our first ever, and for many of those who took part in it, it was one of the highlights of their year. Please join us (whether on stage, off stage, or in the audience) for this year's Culture Night on April 11, 2009!
9. What is Day of Remembrance (DOR)?
Day of Remembrance is our time to observe and reflect upon the internment of over 110,000 west-coast Japanese Americans and the exploits of the 442nd/100th Regimental Combat Team and MIS during World War 2. Held every February, past Day of Remembrance commemorations have included trips to the Manzanar internment camp, guest speakers, film screenings, and workshops as well as other historical and cultural events. Day of Remembrance strives to create awareness and educate others about this period of US history, as well as bring its lessons and ramifications into a modern-day context.
10. I'm a student from Japan. Is USC Nikkei right for me?
We would love to have you at USC Nikkei and invite you to come join us! Several of our members are Japanese nationals and fluent Japanese speakers. USC also has a Japanese Student Association (JSA) that is more predominantly Japanese speaking and focuses on international students from Japan. Many students are members of both organizations though, so don't hesitate to check both out!
11. Would USC Nikkei be a good place to learn and practice my Japanese?
Though many of our members do speak Japanese or are learning it, our meetings are conducted in English.
12. How do I join?
Download the application here and send it to usc.nikkei@gmail.com or stop by during one of our general meetings to turn it to any one of our board members. Membership fees are $15 for 1 semester or $25 for the whole year.
13. When and where are the meetings?
General meetings are every other Tuesday. (Location TBA) |
