NCI Training & Activities

Since NCI coordinates activities involving different individuals, organizations and even other internship programs, there are often changes in the details of the schedule. Flexibility is a must when doing community work!

The NCI program opens with a retreat in Little Tokyo during a weekend in the end of the month of June. Northern California interns will fly to Los Angeles for the retreat which includes team building activities, an overview of non-profit organizations, the topography of the California Japanese American community, and a luncheon with Nikkei community leaders.

Once the internship begins, interns will meet in their groups on their designated days, usually Tuesdays for Bay Area interns and Fridays for Los Angeles interns.

Activities may include visits to various Nikkei community organizations, some of which are hosting interns, and lunch with various Nikkei community leaders. These activities are geared toward exposing interns to various needs and responses in the Japanese American community.

Other activities may include:

• workshops on issues relevant to the API community
• fieldtrips and tours of places with historic and cultural significance to the Japanese American community
• visits with Nikkei political leaders and API elected officials
• exposure to Japanese cultural arts to develop appreciation of rich traditions

The NCI program concludes with a debriefing session and an appreciation luncheon in San Francisco. Nikkei community leaders and program sponsors are invited to hear interns share about their summer experiences.