Twenty Reasons to Join the Downtown Los Angeles JACL

Reason number one: The Japanese American Citizens League has long been an advocate in protecting wthe civil rights of Japanese Americans and others. The JACL is a powerful grass roots involvement with 112 chapters across the United States with 5 regional offices. They fought for redress for Japanese Americans and have been at the forefront in issues dealing with Hate Crimes against Asian Americans and others.

Reason number two: The Downtown LA Chapter JACL is one of the oldest chapters in the United States and have been active in promoting and preserving the cultures and values of the Japanese American community.

Reason number three: The Downtown LA Chapter JACL has helped provide scholarships to students who have attended 9th Street Elementary School. In addition to this scholarship, the National JACL also provides Scholarships and awards with a total of $60,000.00 in scholarships to qualified students nationwide.

Reason number four: The Downtown LA Chapter JACL is very active with community involvement. The Chapter participated in community rally's such as the Kamehameha Schools rally in Pasadena, Califonrnia before the U.S.9th Circuit Court of Appeals.The Downtown LA Chapter JACL has pushed for diverse representation before the judiciary. The Downtown LA Chapter JACL annually helps spearhead the Holiday Cheer program which helps raise money for the elderly in senior assisted living facilities. The Chapter is also insrumental in helping organize annual trips to LA Dodger games for the Japanese American Senior citizens at the Little Tokyo Towers. The Downtown LA Chapter JACL is also active with other numerous community functions in the Los Angeles.

Reason number five: Membership with the Downtown JACL includes a newspaper subscription to the Pacific Citizen: A subscription to our national newspaper covering current activities and issues affecting the greater Asian American and Pacific Islander American community. The newspaper is published twice-a-month except for January and December. Visit www.pacificcitizen.org for more information.

Reason number six: Membership with the JACL includes benefits thru a JACL Credit Union: Membership, financial/banking services of a national credit union. Visit www.jaclcu.com for information on the JACL Credit Union's services.

Reason number seven: Membership with the JACL includes the JACL Affinity Credit Card Program: Members can apply for this Visa card through California Bank & Trust.

Reason number eight: Membership with the JACL includes Hertz Rental Car Discount: Upgrade or discount on weekly rentals.

Reason number nine: Membership with the JACL includes possible membership with the JACL Health Benefits Trust*: (Health insurance for California members only). Two comprehensive medical insurance programs through Blue Shield of California: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Also included are dental and vision care coverage. Call (800) 400-6633 or visit www.jaclhealth.org for more information.

Reason number ten: Members can apply for Customized Major Medical*: (Now available to non-California members). Choosing the right medical plan can be quite challenging. That's why we offer you the flexibility to design a medical package which truly meets your needs. Visit JACL.HealthInsurance.com for the best comparison shopping online, making it easy for you to customize your coverage. Also, members who own their own company/firm can also apply for coverage for their employees. You can also call Marsh Affinity Group Services' customer service department at (877) 886-0110.

Reason number eleven: JACL members can apply for Long Term Care Plan*: This plan helps to provide coverage for the care you or a loved one may need. Underwritten by General Electric Capital Assurance Company and GE Capital Life Assurance Company of New York.

Reason number twelve: JACL member can apply for Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance Plan*: This plan provides coverage for you and your family against the extraordinary medical expenses that occur when a catastrophic illness or accident strikes. It helps to supplement your current HMO, PPO, major medical plan or Medicare, providing up to 100% coverage of reasonable and customary eligible expenses after your deductible is satisfied. It also provides a convalescent home benefit. Underwritten by The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York.

Reason number thirteen: JACL members can apply for Short-Term Medical Plan*: This plan was designed for temporary medical needs, and provides up to $1,000,000 in short-term medical insurance. This plan is perfect for recent college graduates, people between jobs or those who have just begun a new position, but are not yet eligible for employee benefits. This plan can help satisfy your medical needs for up to 12 months at a time, and billed monthly, so it's easy on your budget. You are eligible to enroll for up to 3 consecutive 12-month coverage periods. Underwritten by Clarendon National Insurance Company.

Reason number fourteen: JACL members can apply for Term Life Insurance*: This Plan helps you obtain life insurance protection for you and/or your spouse with up to $500,000 in term life coverage at economical group rates. Your unmarried dependent children ages 6 months to 23 years are eligible for a $10,000 benefit ($1,000 for ages 15 days to 6 months). An Accelerated Benefit provision allows you to receive up to one-quarter of your benefit before death if you are diagnosed as terminally ill. Plus, a Double Benefit for Accidental Death feature provides your chosen beneficiary with twice the amount of your benefit at the time of your death if it’s the result of an accident. Underwritten by Hartford Life Insurance Company.

Reason number fifteen: JACL members can apply for Personal Accident Insurance*: Coverage under this Plan protects you for a loss caused by a covered accident 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, anywhere in the world. Covered losses include your life, hands, feet and/or sight. Any benefits you may receive from this Plan are paid directly to you or your beneficiary to help cover expenses, medical costs or to invest in long-range income replacement…regardless of Worker’s Compensation, Social Security or other insurance benefits. Underwritten by the United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York.

Reason number sixteen: JACL members can apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans*: Right now, Medicare does not pay your total bill for medical care. As the costs of hospital, medical and surgical expenses continue to escalate, your deductible and your share of the bill will grow larger and larger. These supplemental plans are designed to help pay those expenses that Medicare does not cover. Underwritten by Monumental Life Insurance Company, Baltimore, MD.

Reason number seventeen: JACL members can apply for Cancer Care Protection Plan*: Cancer can require highly specialized treatment and enormous costs. For this reason, a special Group Insurance Cancer Plan is available for you and your family. This Plan helps to provide protection for the extreme medical costs that can arise from cancer treatment. Underwritten by Monumental Life Insurance Company, Baltimore, MD.

*Membership does not guarantee acceptance into the above insurance programs. The insurers have developed their own acceptance criteria and recommend contacting these respective carriers with specific situations.

Reason number eighteen: JACL members can apply for Group Personal Property & Casualty Program: Comprehensive coverage on auto and home insurance at competitive rates and with a significant group discount in most states. Underwritten by Liberty Mutual, program features include 24-hour claims service; 24-hour emergency roadside assistance; 24-hour homeowner emergency repair service; personal property replacement service and more. Other coverage program include Valuable Possessions Protection; motorboat, seasonal dwelling, RVs, rental property, customized vehicles, electronic equipment, etc.

Reason number nineteen: Developing long lasting friendships with chapter members as well as members from other chapters.

Reason number twenty: Helping to build a better tomorrow for our community.