The Heart of America Japan-America Society was founded in May of 1962. Its mission is to promote the exchange and understanding of social, cultural and educational issues between the peoples of Japan and the United States. It is a non-profit, non-political 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. This JAS has no paid staff. All of the work of the Society is done through volunteers.
2010 Executive Officers
President........Jim Kanki
lst. Vice........Darlene Jones
2nd. Vice........Patty Woods
Secretary........Ann Estrada
Treasurer........Jane Drury
Directors:
Mickey Coalwell
Richard Coleman
Mindy Looney
Natsuko Nishimune
Meetings
Monthly General meetings of JAS are normally held at the Loose Park Garden Center on the fourth Tuesday of the month; however, other activities may take place from time to time. The time, date, and the location of each meeting or event are published in the Nichibei-News.
Board Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. There are nine officers and board membrers -- President, First Vice-President (Membership Chairperson, Second vice-President (Programs Chairperson), Secretary, Treasurer, and three board members. The immediate past President is also optionally an active board member. Any member is welcome to attend Board meetings and provide input and answer questions. Some votes are made by the Board, others are put to the entire Society at General Meetings.
At the end of 2007, JAS had 191 individual memberships representing approximately 300 individuals including 29 Life Members. Various categories of membership are listed on the Membership page.
Our organization "serves" the counties of Wyandotte, Douglas and Leavenworth in Kansas, and the counties of Jackson, Cass, Clay, and Platte in Missouri. But we also encourage friends from anywhere to be apart of our events and mission. We often send newsletters to members out of town including residents in Japan and former Kansas Citians.
The Heart of America Japan-America Society is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies. NAJAS
