National AJET

National AJET is excited to announce its new program "JET Effect."

Each month we will spotlight a JET like you who has gone above and beyond their work duties to contribute something to their communities.

JETs aren't just English teachers. We are also in a unique position to impact our communities and become envoys of grassroots internationalization! This is the "JET Effect."

Once a month, we will choose one of these JET-organized community involvement projects to spotlight on our website and e-bulletin. The article will include the who, what, when, where, and most importantly HOW! As well as what kind of impact it had on the JETs involved and their community.

These are all projects that JETs can do. Use them as a springboard for your own ideas!

We hope that they will inspire you to get involved with your communities! You can also get in touch with the spotlighted JETs to ask them questions about their projects. Just e-mail JETeffect@ajet.net with your questions.

This month's spotlight: Jeff Morice's Kamicho Town Brochure..

Sincerely,
Your National AJET Council

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2008 AJET Awards! Thank you to everyone who sent in nominations for this year's awards. We are proud to honor the following people and groups for their outstanding contributions to the JET community:

Most Active Chapter: Hokkaido AJET
Most Improved Chapter: Nagano AJET
Best Newsletter: Nagano AJET’s “Yama Gomi”
Best Website/Web Community: Aichi AJET
Best Charity Event: Kumamoto AJET’s Valentine’s Day Date Auction/Bowling for PEPY
Best Sports Event: Tokushima AJET’s Touch Rugby Tournament
Best Local Community Event: Miyagi AJET’s Art and Culture Show
Best Inter-Prefectural Event: Nagano AJET’s Soccer Tournament

AJET Service Awards:
Darren Biggs, Hugh Bloor, Kelly Bolen, Richard Hanson, Travis Harper, Martyn Jones, Suzy Lee, Sarah Lineker, Alison MacDonald, William MacDonald, Martha MacKinnon, Tsekere Maponya, Brenda McKinney, Desirae Mercer, Daniel Mick, Kent Morien, April Morley, Tori Pinto, Benjamin Raven, Alaina Riley, Sarah Ryer, Cheryl Sharland, Mike Shu, Audrey Tavares, Luke Weavers

Staying with friends is nothing new, but with AJET Tatami Timeshare (TTS) it gets a lot easier. Established in 1998, the TTS has evolved into a directory of JETs who allow fellow TTS members to stay at their homes for free while travelling all over Japan. That's right, a directory of potentially thousands of instant friends from Okinawa to Hokkaido!

Tatami Timeshare is now online. Tatami Timeshare is an optional service and costs 1000 yen for the entirety of your JET contract. To sign up please visit http://www.ajet.net/profile/register.php and enter your details. If you have already signed up, please enter your preferences at the same site. Accommodation can be expensive so don't miss this fantastic opportunity to reduce your travel costs and meet interesting people from all over Japan and the world!

When JETs choose to join TTS for 1000 yen, they select several options to accommodate their preferences. These choices help both the host and the guest to have a successful experience.

Save money whilst travelling around Japan with AJET Tatami Timeshare.