The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that depends on a wide range of volunteers to achieve its mission of educating the public of the ever-changing Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i.

Volunteers at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH) enjoy the following benefits for sharing their time, skills and experiences with us.

· Opportunities to share personal knowledge, skills and experiences.

· Educational and cultural enrichment programs for volunteers.

· Legacies newsletters that includes a special volunteer section.

· Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon.

· Free admission to gallery exhibits.

· Invitations to special walk through of new exhibits.

· Participation in the Oahu Museum Volunteer Leaders (OMVL).

· Borrowing privileges from the Resource Center (some limitations).

· Free validated parking.

· Most importantly, the satisfaction that comes from helping others supporters the JCCH mission of sharing the history, heritage and culture of the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i.

There are many interesting and rewarding volunteer opportunities available here at the JCCH. There is a commitment of a minimum three-hour shift per week. The following are brief descriptions of each volunteer area.

 

Preserving original documents and photos is the responsibility of the archival collection assistant. These skilled volunteers carefully preserve these artifacts in our Resource Center and work with other volunteers to gather and research the materials given to the JCCH.

 

To help keep the JCCH’s mailings to a minimal cost, on-call bulk mail volunteers fold, stuff, seal and stamp outgoing mail to its members, donors and to the general public. They are also at times asked to assist with transporting the completed pieces of mail to the nearest post office.

 

Volunteers assist the Collections Department in preserving and researching various artifacts for the JCCH’s Gallery. Duties include examining, evaluating, cataloging, documenting, organizing and maintenance of the artifacts.

 

Detail orientated individuals with computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel maintain and update data records for the JCCH main office and Resource Center to ensure accurate information. Training will be provided.

 

Digitization of old records and tapes to CD and DVD formats are the main responsibility of the digitizing assistant. They also assist with scanning original photos into the computer for easy access.

 

Volunteers assist with preparation and presentations of Discovery Boxes to enrich gallery tours with hands-on experience as well as provide an educational outreach program for school children. Discovery Boxes includes themes on festivals, food, games, immigrations/plantation life and more. Training will be provided.

 

Gallery assistants give support to the Gallery Director by assisting with set up and take down of exhibits in the Community Gallery. Duties include data entry, painting, picking up items, inventory, staffing opening receptions and general manpower.

 

Docents provide guided tours and presentations in either English or Japanese of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i’s Historical Gallery exhibit to school groups, adults and special interest groups. Docents will have training and will shadow other docents to increase knowledge of our Gallery and the Japanese culture in Hawai‘i. A commitment of two to three tours a month is needed, depending on the season.

 

Greeters are responsible for welcoming visitors, collecting admissions and donations, answering general questions about the exhibit and of the JCCH and providing security of the Historical and Community Galleries.

 

Volunteers in the JCCH Gift Shop assist in sales, pricing, cashiering, assisting customers, restocking and inventory.

 

Trained and skilled arrangers display beautiful works of art in the JCCH lobby area on a rotating schedule. Arrangers are also asked to assist with various events when flower arrangements or demonstrations are needed.

 

Membership assistants work directly with the Membership Director on membership related duties such as mailing out renewal notices, membership cards and filing to name a few. Clerical experience preferred.

 

Photos and video capture the lives here at the JCCH from day-to-day functions to special events for future reference and publicity. Volunteers may need to provide their own cameras to take pictures and video equipment of JCCH related events. Experience preferred.

 

Volunteers provide general and clerical support to the JCCH staff. Duties include data entry, filing, typing, mailing and other general clerical work.

 

Oral history volunteers are responsible for either interviewing, or taping and transcribing oral histories. Volunteers should possess the skills of using recording equipment, Microsoft Word, good social skills and have the ability to carry out an interview.

 

Outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers go out into the community to promote the JCCH at functions that the JCCH is asked to co-sponsor or participate. Duties include transporting items to and from the event site, answering questions about the JCCH, signing up new members and assisting with make-n-take activities for children, amongst other duties.

 

Outgoing and social individuals make up our publicity crew. These volunteers help distribute flyers to neighboring business and to the general community about JCCH’s events and programs. They also are called upon to assist with events and programs as outreach and special events volunteers.

 

Dependable and personable receptionists answer the phone and transfer calls, assist in greeting and directing office visitors and performing miscellaneous clerical duties.

 

Our Resource Center volunteers perform basic library duties. Overall duties include providing reference services to the public. Computer skills, bilingual ability and library backgrounds are helpful.

 

Volunteers on an on-call basis assist with our special events and cultural projects and programs, such as our New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival every January. Duties include set up and break down, staffing of information booths, assisting in areas such as food, keiki make-n-take, games, traffic control and others.

 

Knowledgeable volunteers assist with the design, upkeep and maintenance of the JCCH website. Website experience preferred.

Simply complete the Volunteer Registration From and mail to:

 

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i

2454 South Beretania Street

Honolulu, HI 96826

ATTN: Volunteer Programs Director

Or fax form to (808) 944-1123. You may also call the JCCH at (808) 945-7633 Ext. 25 or email iwata@jcch.com and request a Volunteer Registration Form. The form is also accessible on line. Please see link to Volunteer Registration Form.