Spring 2021 Elections

Place your vote here!

Online Voting Instructions and Rules:

1. Each NEJETAA member is entitled to cast one ballot only.

2. You have the option to vote for a single candidate or abstain for each position

3. This poll will be open from its posting on June 15th, 2021, until 11:59PM EST on July 1st, 2021.

To be an eligible NEJETAA member (required to vote), you must:

1. Be an alumnus/alumna of the JET Program

2. Currently reside in the New England region (CT, RI, VT, NH, ME, or MA)

3. Be in good standing with NEJETAA

Platforms:

Giuliana Alfinito for Vice-President:

Hi everyone, my name is Giuliana—I’m currently your Vice President of the New England JET Alumni Association (NEJETAA) and I am running for re-election. I lived in Shingu-shi, Wakayama-ken from 2017 to 2018.This last year has been one unlike any other. As we move forward into summer, many of us look forward to reuniting with our fellow JET alumni for in-person events. However, as we’ve learned over the course of the pandemic, hosting virtual get-togethers can help create a more accessible and inclusive member base, especially for those of us who lead busy lives, live far from our hub in Boston, or who have families. As your Vice President, I will work to ensure that we maintain a balance between both types of events, so that we continue to connect with the broader NEJETAA community. As your representative, I welcome any feedback, ideas, or thoughts you may have about NEJETAA can best serve you. Feel free to email me at giuliana.for.vice.pres@gmail.com.May we seen one another again soon, but on-screen and off! よろしくお願いします! -Giuliana Alfinito

Matt Castle for Social Chair:

Hi all, I’m Matt Castle and I’m running for re-election as Social Chair! I was an ALT in Yamanashi-ken from 2011-2013. Prior to my current stint as social chair, I previously served on NEJETAA’s executive board from 2013 to 2018, including 3 terms as Vice President. During this past year on the board, I’ve helped in planning numerous events, from our Shinnenkai, Virtual Tea Tasting, to the meet the Author events, and game nights.

As Social Chair, I plan to continue to prioritize events that allow NEJETAA to reach out to members throughout all of New England. In the short term, I intend on continuing Zoom/online video social events that we started during the pandemic. These digital events have been great in allowing us to engage our membership without regards to geography. As we move into the summer, I’m also planning to find ways for us to safely gather in person, particularly through things like hiking and other forms of outdoor gatherings. I’m also looking to resume our annual ski trip this winter, though the form it will take will be dependent on the course the pandemic takes in the fall and after. I look forward to continuing to serve you all as your Social Chair for another year.

Jesse Kerstetter for Treasurer:

I've been the NEJETAA Treasurer for three years. I would like to continue my work as Treasurer and continue my involvement and support of our chapter. I hope to continue to build upon the institutional knowledge I have for this position working with our local NEJETAA leaders and community, as well as the larger JETAA community and CLAIR. Having relocated to Providence in the past year, I'm interested in seeing how the JETAA community will continue to grow and form across New England. I served as an ALT in Odate-shi, Akita-ken from 2006-2010. Thank you for your consideration ~ よろしくおねがいします!