Join national and regional leaders on September 10 & 11, 2012  at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, for a working conferencefocused on growing Japanese culture and language in our communities and classrooms.

Keynote addresses will speak to the importance of U.S.-Japan relations, while leaders from K-12, higher education, community exchanges, and culture/the arts will report on the state of their specific fields.

Working sessions will produce content for a conference report that provides a snapshot of the current state of affairs in each sector, case studies of best practices, goals for the future, and recommendations for how the J-Center can help further the work of nearly 200 organizations dedicated to U.S.-Japan relations in 12 states of the American Midwest.

Who should attend?
The conference is designed for the J-Center's key constituencies
The J-Center serves organizations based in - or offering services to - the 12 states of the American Midwest.  This conference invites leaders from the four sectors in which those organizations operate to come together for networking and an exchange of information.

K-12
Teachers, administrators, curriculum developers, and specialists in international education will focus on classroom content at the primary and secondary level.
Higher Ed

Colleges with strong Japanese programs will outline their department operations while consortium staff members explain the power of networked schools.

Community Exchanges

Leaders from non-profit organizations and Sister City / Sister State committees will join experts in international programs to focus on ways to grow two-way exchange initiatives.

Culture & The Arts

Grant-making organizations, artist associations, and Japan-America Society state chapters will discuss ongoing efforts to foster Japanese culture across the country in local communities.

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For More Information & Registration
www.j-center.org
Space is limited for this two-day conference. The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) has provided generous grant funds that allow for FREE registration to the first 120 participants. After 120 registrations are received, the cost of attendance will be $55 per person. Register now for FREE.