Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Chrysanthemum Ambassador Program

* Students must be Maui County residents and enrolled in a Maui County school to apply 

Building upon more than seventy years of tradition, the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center’s (NVMC) Chrysanthemum Ambassador Program is dedicated to continuing the Chrysanthemum Ball & Festival legacy created by the AJA Veterans and the Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans’

The Chrysanthemum Ambassador program empowers Maui youth to exemplify the values of the Nisei veterans through active community involvement. The program provides opportunities for raising funds, fostering cultural awareness, internationalism and educational growth.

Over a three-month period, candidates will participate in various exercises including essay writing, fundraising and community engagement. At the culmination, the candidate with the highest points will be named the Chrysanthemum Ambassador, earning a fully paid trip to Japan and the opportunity to represent NVMC at both Hiroshima Peace Park and the Fukuyama Rose Parade—a profound moment of cultural exchange and historical honor.

Every participant’s contribution is celebrated:

All candidates will be awarded a percentage of the funds they raise, recognizing their commitment and outreach.

Candidates who do not claim the Ambassador title will be named Chrysanthemum Liaisons, with numbered designations acknowledging their efforts: Liaison 1, Liaison 2, and so on.

Chrysanthemum Liaisons will receive a fully paid trip to Oahu where they will engage with government and local peace leaders.

 * Application Deadline: Friday November 7th, 2025

More than a title, this initiative bridges generations—carrying forward stories of valor while inspiring advocacy, leadership, and reflection. We invite our Maui ‘ohana and broader community to champion these candidates as they become stewards of legacy.

APPLICATION SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS

The word “conflict” is defined as a disagreement or argument, often involving opposing needs, ideas or goals. We see conflicts in various forms and complexities. For purposes of this application, we have categorized “conflict” into three (3) general types.

Complex/High Level Conflicts

Conflicts having deep rooted differences based on governance or community structures that are firmly in place, such as global conflicts (e.g., wars between countries), national conflicts (e.g.,debates on national policy matters), and local community level conflicts (e.g., arguments for or against a particular kind of urban development). These conflicts oftentimes have longer durations and broader implications.

Simpler Conflicts

We may encounter simpler conflicts on a daily basis. While simpler, they can nonetheless be a source of frustration or personal anger. It may be a disagreement with your parents. It may be an unfavorable opinion you may have about a school test and its outcome. With thoughtfulness and understanding, the effects of these simpler conflicts generally are resolvable and dissipate over the short term.

Simplest Conflicts

At its most fundamental level, we experience conflicts that may not draw attention, but
nonetheless presents frictional forces in daily life:

Having to stop at a red light when you are in a rush to get somewhere

Having a favorite item of clothing unintentionally soiled and rendered unwearable for
the day

After arriving at school, discovering that you’ve forgotten your mobile device at home

The simplest conflicts may result in momentary angst, but can usually be self-resolved through reflection and consideration work-around solutions.