Mission
As a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization the JACL DC Chapter champions and advocates for the Japanese American Asian Pacific Islander American APIA and civil rights communities through advocacy education and leadership development. It is based within the Washington DC area and includes Maryland and Virginia residents. JACL-DC is a chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. It is the nations oldest and largest Asian American Pacific Islander civil rights organization. Its mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community. JACL is composed of over 100 chapters across the nation and one in Japan divided into seven district councils.