Welcome to a new column focussing on the grassroots of JALT, that is, you and your chapter. We encourage you to send in an 850-900 word report about the workings of your Chapter (in English, Japanese, or a combination of both). Tell us about your members, venues, projects, and activities. Your challenges, solutions, and experiences can benefit all. This month, Graham Bathgate of the Tokyo Chapter describes his chapter's long uphill struggle.
As Bob Dylan said: "If you ain't got nothin,' you ain't got nothin' to lose." Actually, it wasn't quite that way. This present executive has started with a lot of fresh enthusiasm and determination, except there is no previously existing executive to join forces with, only help received from former executive members.
The revitalisation of Tokyo Chapter was started on a cold snowy January afternoon. Paul Hilderbrandt and Peter Ross helped a number of people come together to discuss the resurrection. Peter gave us lots of information on JALT activities, and other ex-executives also helped out. Serendipity and some behind-the-scene activity then played a part as a limbo-like interval followed. Suddenly, a second meeting occurred in March, partly due to the efforts of members of the National Executive Board. A new executive board quietly surfaced.
We now have a very motivated team which has survived some five months, conducted five meetings and agreed to work together on various activities, including a questionnaire, a letter to members, several educational events, in addition to compiling this report. Moreover, most of our executive attended the June CALL Conference. We are very fortunate to have the services of long-term JALT executive members, Barry Mateer and Kevin Ryan. Others are new to JALT work but no less eager to help keep us alive.
Our first solo event was held at The English Language Education Council (ELEC) in Jimbo-cho on July 11. Some twenty people participated in a fine presentation by Charles LeBeau and David Harrington on teaching presentation skills, and one by our very own Greg Selby on ways to check understanding of new language. We look forward to the next events on October 3 at ELEC (gender issues; vocabulary building) and on November 16 at The British Council (Michael McCarthy). Below are brief introductions of the new Tokyo Chapter Executive Board.
Caroline Bertorelli, Recording Secretary: I am British, although most of my childhood and education was spent in different countries. After university, I trained as an accountant in England specialising in computer auditing. Later, I did another degree in writing computer manuals as well as screen design for software applications. I have been in Japan now for nearly five years teaching business English full-time and studying for an MA in Linguistics. My personal mission is to help further international understanding between different cultures through personal exchange with students. I feel JALT helps me greatly in this goal.
Caroline Obara, Publicity: I have been in Japan about 15 years and now teach oral skills at Tokyo Metropolitan Junior College. I was in the Peace Corps in Iran and then began TESL work after a brief period of teaching elementary school in Alaska. I feel that it is important to make JALT more relevant to people's work needs and include a socializing element. We should try not to duplicate what other organizations are doing.
Barry Mateer, Membership: I have been a member of Tokyo Chapter for 15 years, but I would rather not say too much about myself. I think people would prefer to hear about the losing of our financial freedom and our revival, something like a fairy tale come true and living happily ever after, including some of our dreams for the future.
Greg Selby, Programs: I am a great believer in helping JALT by having meetings at central venues. I would like to see greater cooperation between The British Council and Tokyo JALT.
Graham Bathgate, President: As a new boy to JALT committee work, I want to listen to advice to help us stay above ground, organise useful events, and try to raise membership. Response to our recent questionnaire was excellent. Thank you everyone for helping us plan better. An experienced organiser advised me to try for something more social to help members get together. We'll certainly be hoping for improved attendance at events and a chance to attract as many members as possible. Although we now have some 10 members on the Chapter Executive Board, we still need a Facilities Chair. I am very pleased to be working with such a vital group of people.
Other members: Paul Hilderbrandt, Treasurer; and Kevin Ryan, Marilyn Gjerde, and Mark Valens, Members-at-Large. Please join us!