JACL Looks to the Future as it Concludes its 2026 National Convention
June 28, 2026
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Carol Kawase, VP of Public Affairs, ckawase@jacl.org
Matthew Weisbly, JACL National Education Programs Manager - LA Office, mweisbly@jacl.org
From July 29 through August 2, JACL hosted its 56th National Convention, titled “Reigniting Our Purpose and Mission,” in sunny Las Vegas. This year’s Convention was a resounding success, as over 250 members, friends, and supporters, new and old, came together to conduct business, share best practices, and plan for the organization’s future.
The week opened with the annual welcome reception at the Paris Las Vegas, where members had the chance to hear from the new Executive Director, Lilly Simmering. They also engaged with the local Japanese American community, including a performance by Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko.
The National Council, JACL’s governing body, adopted three resolutions, passed an exciting updated budget, and elected a new board for the next biennium. Resolution One, adopted by the National Council, focused on continuing and codifying JACL’s support for immigrant communities and supporters of immigrant communities amidst the ongoing threat of ICE and immigration enforcement. Resolution Two looks ahead, calling upon the National Board and staff to craft a new strategic plan to take JACL into its 100th anniversary and beyond. The final resolution was an emergency resolution to combat the announced closures of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) sites in California and Illinois, which hold documents that are related to the broader histories of immigrant communities and documents related to the Japanese American wartime experience.
While there were no changes to the JACL Constitution and Bylaws, the National Council adopted a new budget for the next biennium. While budget approvals are normal for the governing body, this budget was a departure from previous ones. The National Council voted to approve the endowment funds withdrawal rate from 4% to 5% and empowered the board to increase the withdrawal by an additional percentage point if needed. This additional increase will support hiring additional staff positions, helping the organization expand its fundraising efforts, membership services, and policy capabilities.
Something new this year was a special breakfast presentation from our new Executive Director, Lilly Simmering, on her vision for the organization during her tenure. Especially looking at ways to boost staff morale, fill key staff positions, reinforce staff and board relations, and create a new structure to carry JACL into the future. A few of Lilly’s recommendations are already in action, such as a newly ratified policy platform to help the policy team, membership, and elected officials better understand JACL’s position on key issues. (More on Lilly’s Priorities for JACL from the Pacific Citizen)
This year’s Chapter Awards Luncheon was held on Friday, July 31st, and was hosted by SELANOCO JACL co-president Robbie Yoshikawa and PSW District Youth Representative Sebastian Carbajal. Sayonara Gala took place on the evening of Saturday, August 1, and was emceed by activist and actress Tamlyn Tomita. Both events provide JACL with the opportunity to honor individuals for their achievements and contributions to the Asian American Community. (See the Pacific Citizen’s Coverage of Sayonara Gala)
This year’s awardees included:
Calvin Kobayashi - JACLer of the Biennium
JACL Washington, D.C. Chapter - George Inagaki Chapter Citizenship Award
Deborah Ikeda - Ruby Pin
Sheldon Arakaki - Ruby Pin
Mark Kobayashi - Ruby Pin
Ryan Kawamoto - Japanese American of the Biennium
Dr. Debra Kawahara - Japanese American of the Biennium
Nevada Assemblymember Duy Nguyen closed our Sayonara Gala by administering the oath of office to our incoming national board members, including incoming President Sheldon Arakaki, VP of Public Affairs Carol Kawase, VP of Membership Seia Watanabe, NY/SC Chair Alex Tokita, and NY/SC Representative Simon Kutz, as well as several returning members and district governors. (Read more about Sheldon’s first day as National President from the Pacific Citizen)
JACL is grateful for the support of all of our convention sponsors: State Farm Insurance, AARP, Comcast, Verizon, US Bank, the JACL Credit Union, and Caesars Entertainment.
The adopted versions of all resolutions, this year’s in memoriam video, and convention photos are available on the JACL website. We also invite convention attendees to complete our post-convention survey. You can also find more convention coverage from the Pacific Citizen. All links below!
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The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.
