Election of VJCC Officers |
By Cliff Asai
Leaders are made, not born. You learn to become a leader by doing what other excellent leaders have done before you. You become proficient in your job or skill, and then you become proficient at understanding the motivations and behaviors of other people.
Brian Tracy, Motivational Speaker
“Till death do we part,” is a phrase often associated with marriage vows or if you were elected to the VJCC Board several decades ago. However, it is safe to say that the leadership of the VJCC has evolved and developed over the years to include term limits while developing a succession of visionary leaders who have led the community towards greater growth and advancements while remaining true to our Vision of preserving our culture and heritage.
Annually, the Chairman and the President of the Board of Directors form a nominating committee to bring forward a list of qualified candidates for consideration and approval at the combined General Election - Executive Council meeting, this year scheduled for Wednesday, December 13, 2006. All members of the VJCC are encouraged to attend this meeting. The Executive Council consists of the Board of Directors, cabinet officers and delegates from organizations that all of us either belong to or support.
Elected Officers or Cabinet Members are elected for a one-year term and consists of the President, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Secretary, Facilities Vice-President, Membership Vice-President, Treasurer and Auditor. In addition, a slate of candidates is approved for a three-year term as Board of Directors. Qualifications for President are five years as a member of the VJCC and two years for other officers or Board of Director positions.
There is another group of Officers who are appointed each year that consists of Co-Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Rental, Historian, Festival Chair/Chair Assistant, Treasurer Assistant, Facilities Manager Assistant and Auditor Assistant. As you can see from the list of Officers, the smooth operation and management of the VJCC requires the efforts and sacrifice of a huge volunteer workforce.
Whether elected or appointed, the Officers or Directors consist of people much like yourself who have busy lives and/or family responsibilities yet somehow find the time to serve others in the community. Year after year, there is transition of leadership as term limits are fulfilled and new people are brought in to become part of this complex yet well run organization we call the VJCC. The greater community around the VJCC is constantly changing and the leadership of this Center must adapt, change and plan to meet the ever increasing demands and challenges facing us. Hopefully, we can face our challenges with a confident smile, knowing that we have either elected or appointed the most capable people to meet whatever comes our way.
A leader leads by example not by force. -- Sun Tzu
Visions for the VJCC
By Gail Sharp
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Boy Scout Troop 764 is one of the VJCC’s growing organizations. The youth organizations are consistently drawing new members to the Center. Tom Yamaguchi, who represents Troop 764 at VJCC Executive Council meetings, grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, married local girl, Judy Kita, and came to us through participating in VYC and Boy Scouts with daughter, Alyson and son, Greg.
About Troop 764 and the VJCC, Tom says: |
“We have many activities that help the boys develop into young men. Having the VJCC allows a meeting place for the troop as well as many other organizations. I appreciate what our founders have done to provide a place where we can go to enjoy friendships and where we can share the Japanese culture.
“What do I see for the future? I would like to see the VJCC flourish and grow. But, it can only grow with each member’s participation and efforts. I plan to keep active in the VJCC and I am hoping that every member will do the same.”