Clarification: Niigata Prefecture and Niigata City have their own separate JET systems. Niigata City is what is called a “designated city,” which means that it has more autonomy in certain areas, so while Niigata City is a part of Niigata Prefecture, it runs its own JET system with its own, separate support network. This means that JETs placed in Niigata City need to know whether they’re in the Prefecture Network or the City Network. Support network information is divided here for this reason.
Niigata Prefecture Prefectural Advisor
JET ALT PA
Rusty Dotson
JET CIR PA
Dan Luo
Consulation availability:
Tues/Thurs: 8:40-17:00
Fri: 8:40-12:00
Consulation availability:
Mon-Fri: 9:00-17:00
Niigata City Prefectural Advisor
Niigata City JET ALT PA
Hunter Grin
Consultation availability:
Mon-Fri: 8:15-16:00
City PA email: niigata.city.PA@gmail.com
Please bear in mind that we may be unavailable for days at a time (rare, but it does happen). Business trips and jobs that require us to be away from the office do happen. We will respond to you as soon as we are able.
How to Consult With Us
- E-mail: For anything that is not an emergency. We use e-mails as records so that we can quickly and reliably track down information.
- Phone: For emergencies. Alternatively, if you have something to discuss that you feel would be better discussed over the phone, e-mail us and let us know that you would like to set up a time to speak over the phone.
How NOT to Consult With Us
- Facebook, MySpace, Tinder, etc.
- Text, Line (the messaging app), etc.
- At JET gatherings: Exceptions can be made for information that we need to know right then and there. It is very likely that whatever someone might ask of us would require confirmation, which would require official documents that we won’t have with us. This is also our time off, and we try to keep work from creeping into our personal time.
Prefectural Advisors (PAs) bear the important role of providing support for JET participants and local authorities which serve as contracting organizations. To ensure that JET participants can lead comfortable daily lives and concentrate on their work duties, PAs shall collaborate with contracting organizations and engage in the provision of information, planning and execution of a variety of training seminars for JET participants as well as supervisors.
In addition to encouraging the further deepening of mutual understanding between contracting organizations and JET participants, in an emergency situation such as a natural disaster or accident, PAs shall provide support for contracting organization by assisting with communication and liaising with affiliated parties upon request.
Charged with such a role and having high expectations from both contracting organizations and JET participants, the PA position is vital to the smooth operation of the JET Program.
(PA duties)
PAs, unrelated to their placement or place of employment, shall perform duties as set forth in the following items for the benefit of all JET participants and/or contracting organizations within the Host/Prefecture/Designated City.
- Consultation from JET participants and contracting organizations
- Provision of information necessary for JET participants’ daily lives
- Planning and execution of training seminars and orientation(s) for JET participants and contracting organizations supervisors.
- Promotion of mutual understanding between JET participants and contracting organizations and promotion of the formation of a self-help network by JET participants.
- Keeping and handling of records in relation to 1-4 above.
– Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)
Niigata Regional Advisors
Clarification: Due to Niigata City’s “designated city” status, this section is only valid for Niigata JET Programme Participants. The Niigata City JET Programme does not have Regional Advisors.
What are Regional Advisors (RAs) and what makes them so important?
Niigata Prefecture is the 5th largest prefecture in Japan, and our JETs are spread out across the prefecture, making consistent contact with JETs a significant hurdle for Prefectural Advisors (PAs). RAs provide localized support and in-depth knowledge about their respective regions/blocks to JETs living in said regions, making them a vital part of our support network. Niigata is divided into 10 distinct regions/blocks, each with a designated RA. Let’s meet your RAs!
Kaetsu Juno Valerio | Niigata City Rusty Dotson | Aga / Gosen Paul Turnbull | Tsubame-Sanjo /Kamo Joseph Whibley |
Uonuma Alyssa Yomes-Takushi | Joetsu Rayven Aledo | Itoigawa Iris Mann | Myoko Kiley Short |
Nagaoka / Kashiwazaki Joanne Spiegelman
| Sado Island Ingrid Alisa Holm
|
Here are some responsibilities of an RA:
Confirming safety after an Emergency Event and or Natural Disaster
RAs will have the contact information of all JETs in their region and will act as a liaison between their region and the PAs. In the event of a disaster, RAs will be asked to contact JETs in their area and confirm their safety.
Creating a sense of local community and support
RAs are a reliable friendly face for all JETs and are there to answer questions and assist when possible. RAs also act in a social capacity and plan events, most notably the welcome party for new arrivals in their region. This is a chance for new JETs to meet current JETs in their community, with the goal of limiting feelings of isolation and building a sense of community.
Provide localized information
RAs are your go-to person for region-specific questions and issues such as transportation, trash separation, car rentals, festivals, and events, etc. RAs are able to provide local information based on first-hand experience.
Assist at Orientation & Skills Development Conference
RAs are senior figures in the JET community and may be asked to assist with these events. RAs will also accompany new JETs to their respective orientations. RAs can hold workshops and participate in panel discussions at SDC, but that does not mean non-RAs cannot!