Annual General Meeting 2019: Highlights and Report

The 2019 JETAA UK Annual General Meeting took place in Liverpool in January, presenting committee members with the chance to meet up, take stock, and discuss JETAA's calendar of events and future direction in this historic and beautiful city. Delegates from the Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR London) and the Embassy of Japan in the UK also attended, giving us an excellent opportunity to coordinate, exchange ideas and receive advice.

In the course of the two-day meeting, we heard updates from current active chapters in London, the Midlands, the North West, Scotland and from the more recently established North East chapter, as well as from JETAA International country heads. Wider discussions looked closely at the role of JETAA UK going forward, its interaction with the Embassy and CLAIR, the annual Careers Forum, and how to get more members involved from those just back from JET to those more settled in the UK. 

Elections to the Committee also took place. With Sarah Parson stepping down after several years, Rob Gorton was elected as Chair. Rob has formerly been head of JETAA Midlands. Other national committee positions stayed unchaged, other than in Scotland where James Gamgee becomes JETAA Scotland Chair. In terms of JETAA International, Kattrean Webber continues as England and Wales Representative while Matt Sanders continues as Scotland and Northern Ireland Representative.

With many attendees travelling a long way to the AGM, a delicious dinner was organised at a Japanese restaurant in Liverpool, Etsu, on the Saturday evening. 

We would like to thank JETAA NW Chair Corrina Ellis and other JETAA NW members for organising the AGM and the Japan Local Government Centre, the Embassy of Japan in the UK and the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh for the continuous support they show JETAA UK and our members.

If you have any ideas, would like to get more involved with JETAA UK or for more information on how to organise meet-ups or Japan-related events in your area, please email chair@jetaa.org.uk or contact your local chapter directly.