We are the Portland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. A membership-driven national organization whose mission is to promote and uphold human and civil rights, and to promote and preserve the cultural heritage and values of Japanese Americans.
Latest with PDX JACL
The Nisei Paradox: Japanese American Draft Resisters During World War II
A theatrical, multi-media stage reading that tells the story of 42 young Japanese Americans who chose to resist the draft and fight injustice through civil disobedience.
Event event details and registration can be found at jamo.org/nisei-paradox.
When: Sunday, October 4th
Doors at 1:30 pm, Program at 2:00 pm
Where: Mission Theater
1624 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209
$15 general admission, $10 senior/student rate
This program is sponsored by the Portland JACL, Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and Oregon Law Foundation.
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
From Our Feed
- JACL’s Statement on Supreme Court RulingsThe words engraved on the Statue of Liberty state, “… Read more: JACL’s Statement on Supreme Court Rulings
- The JACL Supports the Southern Poverty Law CenterThe Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) categorically denounces the Department… Read more: The JACL Supports the Southern Poverty Law Center
- JACL Condemns Executive Ordersby Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org Matthew Weisbly, Education… Read more: JACL Condemns Executive Orders
Looking for Volunteers
Portland JACL is an entirely volunteer run organization and we could always use more help. Just a couple of hours a month could support our mission of community, culture and civil rights. We are looking for help with:
- Web & Social Media
- Newsletter
- Development
- Membership
- Event tabling
- Print calendar
Additionally, members are always welcome to join committees for advocacy and finance. Meetings take place roughly once a month on Zoom.
Volunteering with Portland JACL is a great way to give back or get engaged with the local Nikkei community. Email us at contact@pdxjacl.org or fill out our volunteer interest form.
ありがとうThank you!
Portland Day of Remembrance 2026
This year we commemorated the Day of Remembrance with a number of events including a Farewell to Manzanar Film Screening and Panel, Farewell to Manzanar book club, Minidoka on Our Minds exhibition at JAMO, and Rally to Resist ICE.
Our Sponsors:
