About GLA

The Greater Los Angeles chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) was formed in 1983 as the Greater Los Angeles Singles chapter. It was a unique chapter providing single individuals a vital link to participate in and promote JACL mission and programs. Singles was removed from the chapter name in 2014.

Programs, open to the public, cover a variety of interesting and informative topics with guest speakers. GLA business meetings follow the programs.

GLA has a website: glajacl.org. GLA issues a near monthly newsletter.

GLA, as GLAS, was the founder and promoter of the National JACL Singles Convention. There were 11 such conventions held in various cities and states.

GLA participates in community and other JACL activities throughout the year.

The Young Adult Group was formed in 2020.

Guests and prospective members are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings/programs.

GLA annually awards the Hana Uno Shepard Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior with a high achievement record, from a single-parent family, of Japanese descent, and a resident of Los Angeles or Orange County.

The scholarship may be applied to any college, university, community college, fine arts, or vocational school.
GLA provides the scholarship recipient with 4 years of JACL student membership.

In February, the application process may be started. The high school counseling office may have the GLA
forms. The scholarship application form is, also, available on the GLA website glajacl.org.

For questions and additional information:

Louise Sakamoto, Vice President, Membership LSakamoto@sbcglobal.net

Mitchell Matsumura, President mmatsumura@sbcglobal.net

Andrew Gruhn, Vice President, Young Adults Group gruhnandrew@gmail.com

Matthew Clingerman, Board Member (Scholarship Chair) mclingerman2@yahoo.com