Here is a flyer with FAQs on PSG. It answers common questions on what PSG is and how it works. Make sure all your JETs know about it and how to use it! You can download it as a Word Document (327KB) here.

Shane Krumeich

Programme Coordinator
JET Programme Management Department
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

Last night we sent an email to all non-recontracting JET participants regarding the "Non-recontracting JET Participant Contact Information Survey." This survey allows JETs to update their contact info for after they finish their contracts, apply to join a JETAA chapter and receive the JET Streams newsletter. JETs that complete the survey will also be informed about welcome-back receptions, etc. held by embassies/consulates back home should there be plans to hold such events.

Some JETs may not have received our email if their email address has changed, so we would appreciate it if you could inform non-recontracting JETs in your prefecture about this survey, and encourage them to complete it. The survey can be accessed from this page on the JET Programme website.

Sacha Battrick

It seems that the tax scam about which we sent out some information last year, is still going on. Check this link to the forums below for some background, but please make sure you are aware of it.

http://www.jetprogramme.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=440

Thanks as always.

Kevin Meek

Programme Coordinator
JET Programme Management Department
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

Originally advertised in the April edition of CLAIR News, 2010 JET Programme Calendar Photo submissions are currently being accepted. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 19th. For details, check out the JET Programme homepage at:

http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/news/photo%20submissions.html

ALSO:   As you may have noticed in the June edition of CLAIR News, we are in the process of changing CLAIR News over to e-mail. You will need to complete a form through the JET Programme homepage to register your email address for CLAIR News. You may complete this process between June 3rd and June 30th. Details about the process can be found among the colorful banners on the right-hand-side of the JET Programme homepage. I have also attached the form included with the June edition of CLAIR News, for your reference.

Mary Ring

Programme Coordinator
JET Programme Management Department
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

There has recently been numerous complaints from the public about videos being posted on youtube by various ALTs around the country. Many videos contain footage of students, which is in itself is grounds for complaint, and a handful of the videos contain much more questionable content. Given the nature of many of the videos, we are not able to ascertain with accuracy whether or not the posters are JET participants or not, but the JET Programme is the first organization to be targeted, since JETs are employed by local governments and are paid with taxpayers' money.

I would very much like it if you could pass on this message to the JETs in your prefectures or cities. We understand that many of the videos were filmed and posted with good intentions, and that many give a good depiction of what life in Japan is like, but videos that can be seen as breaching other peoples' (especially minors') right to privacy, or regarded unacceptable use of working hours, are subject to public scrutiny. Moreover, even if the content was taken during one's private time, JET participants should use their discretion when considering what may be deemed unacceptable behavior for a public servant.

Thank you all for your consideration and understanding.

Best Regards,

Shane Krumeich

Programme Coordinator
JET Programme Management Department
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)