Join the JACL in Our Mission for Civil Rights!
Founded in 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is the nation’s first and largest Asian American civil rights organization.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, the JACL champions and advocates for the Japanese American, Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA), and civil rights communities through advocacy, education, and leadership development.
Become a Member
Renew Your Membership
Gift a Membership
New Membership Categories!
Join one of our new Premium or Life membership categories today! We will officially transition beginning in January 2025. Please check out our resources below or reach out to mbr@jacl.org or (415) 921-5225 ext. 3 with any questions.
Why Become a JACL Member?
Your membership matters! As a member, you’ll join a community of thousands of JACL members who believe in social justice, cultural and historical preservation, and empowering communities.
Your membership allows you to:
Continue to Make Civil Rights History
Protect civil and human rights through grassroots activism
Support access to quality education on Japanese American and Asian American history for students and politicians
Aid the work of our D.C. advocacy office with the Stop Hate Crimes Program, Civil Rights Coalitions, and more
Connect with the Japanese American Community
Join one of your 100+ local chapters in the U.S. & Japan
Advocate for key Japanese American, AAPI, and minority-centered issues and policies
Access networking events, Japanese cultural activities, and digital and in-person programs (including leadership conferences in Washington, D.C. and our annual National Convention and Gala)
Invest in Our Youth and Students
Educate and empower the next generation of leaders through our youth programs
JACL Scholarships up to $5,000
Kakehashi Project - delegation trip to Japan
Internships & fellowships
Leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
National Youth/Student Council
Unlock JACL Membership Perks
Stay up to date on community happenings with your copy of our newspaper, the Pacific Citizen
Visit the Japanese American National Museum for free
Enjoy discounted tickets to our annual Convention
Benefit from discounted AARP Membership
Gain access to the JACL Credit Union
Join, Renew, or Gift JACL Membership!
Choose the membership type that best fits you. Please select a category below to get started:
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Regular sustaining member - $65-85
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Spouses, partners, children, and/or family members usually in the same household - $110-155
Please note: National scholarship applicants must hold an Individual or Student/Youth Membership. A Couple/Family membership by a parent will not meet this requirement.
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Currently attending an institution of higher learning as a full-time student or is 25 years or younger. Includes graduate students - $30-40
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Thousand Club - $200-215
Exclusive category of members who make a large annual contribution. Includes entry to the Premium Member Reception at our annual Convention. Add your spouse/family for an additional $32-50
Century Club - $350-365
Exclusive category of members who make a larger annual contribution. Includes entry to the Premium Member Reception at our annual Convention. Add your spouse/family for an additional $32-50
Millennium Club - $1,000
Designed for individuals who wish to significantly contribute to better assure that JACL continues to promote, sponsor, and encourage our programs, projects, and activities. Add your spouse/family for an additional $36. Includes:
A subscription to the Pacific Citizen - Print Edition
Entry to the VIP Reception and Sayonara Banquet at our annual Convention
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You can now make monthly or annual automatic payments for the memberships listed above
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Special category of members whose lifetime membership principal is placed in an endowment fund to generate ongoing income
Special category of members whose lifetime membership principal is placed in an endowment fund to generate ongoing income
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You can now make monthly or annual automatic payments for the memberships listed above
If you have questions about how our dues are structured, visit our membership dues page here
Join or Renew by Mail
Print out our membership form. For the correct total, please check membership dues for your chapter and membership category. Send to: JACL Membership, PO Box 45397, San Francisco, CA 94145-0397
Join or Renew by Phone
Please try our office on Tuesday and Fridays between 8:00AM and 4:00PM PT at (415) 921-5225 ext. 2, or leave a voicemail at (415) 921-5225 ext. 3 any time.
Membership Includes a FREE Digital Subscription to the Pacific Citizen, JACL’s National Newspaper!
Members can also enjoy a discounted rate of $17 for the Print Edition! Please make a $17 payment with your membership when you join or renew (option is available in the links above). You can also receive the Print Edition by completing this form. The annual retail rate for non-members is $50
Donate
JACL depends on the generosity of supporters like you to continue preserving the legacy of the Japanese American community and fighting for the civil rights of all people. Please note: when signing up or renewing your membership, you have the option to make an additional donation
Questions?
Check out our FAQ page, email mbr@jacl.org, or call (415) 921-5225 ext. 2 or 3.
Photo Credits:
Japanese for Black lives with strings of tsuru: photo by Ty Yamamoto
Congressional Gold Medal with President Barack Obama: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
JACL joins NCAPA members at the U.S. Supreme Court in support of DOMA in March 2013: photo by Priscilla Ouchida
Okaeri event: photo by Okaeri Los Angeles
2017 JACL National Convention: photo by Shibumi Photos