The Japanese American Citizens League is the largest membership-based Asian American advocacy organization in the United States. Founded in 1929, JACL has over 23,000 members in 112 chapters throughout the country. JACL's strength is in its organized membership.
Members belong to local chapters, and elect their chapter, regional, and national representatives.
Together, we make a difference. The JACL National Headquarters is in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Seattle, and Fresno. These Japanese immigrants, or issei, face cuts in critical government assistance as a result of welfare reform. JACL offices and chapters work with legislators, law enforcement officials, community organizations, and others to fight the rising national trend in anti-Asian violence. D.C. Leadership Conference and the 1997 Sacramento Leadership Conference.