Upcoming Events
Bay Area
Rags to Righteousness
Rags to
Righteousness will offer a clothing bazaar with sweatshop-free and fair trade
products, modeled by local community activists in a live fashion
show. Enjoy eclectic entertainment and
delectable delicacies for a fantastically fun afternoon! The stylish threads
exhibited on the runway will be available for purchase at the event. Go home
with some sweatshop-free fabulousness of your own, and learn real ways to end
the use of sweatshop labor locally and around the world at this second annual event.
WHEN: Sunday, November 8th, 2-5pm
WHERE: Women's Building, 3543 18th St between
Guerrero and Valencia
COST: Sliding scale tickets $10-20, discounted
if you buy in advance online:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/86295
In the Boardroom
Successful non-profits are driven by their
hard-working staff as well as their boards of directors. You'll find out, among
other things, what nonprofit organizations generally look for in prospective
board members (such as yourself, potentially!). You'll hear, straight from the
proverbial horse's mouth, about some of the nitty-gritty decision-making
processes that ultimately inform how non-profit organizations function. And
you'll have an opportunity to get your many questions about those elusive boards
of directors answered by experts in the field.
Featuring Abby Snay, ED of Jewish Vocational
Services; Naomi Tucker, ED of Shalom Bayit; and Matt
Flannery, co-founder and CEO of Kiva.org.
When: Thursday, November 12th, 6:30-9:00
pm
Where: TBA
RSVP: Email Jocelyn.
City Team Shabbat
AVODAH-AJWS City Team Social Change Shabbat returns on November 20th! Look for details and registration in your weekly email.
When: Friday November 20th
Where: TBA
AJWS Screening of REPORTER
Join us for a screening of the film REPORTER, which documents Nicholas Kristof's efforts to write about the
world's most wrenching conflicts, which he brings alive for readers in
The New York Times. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kristof seeks
personal stories of women and children in the midst of the decade-long
conflict to illuminate the violence, hardship and injustice that AJWS
addresses through grassroots work. AJWS President Ruth Messinger will speak after the screening about AJWS' work in the region.
When: Monday, November 30th, 5:30 reception, 7:00 film
Where: JCCSF, 3200 California St, San Francisco
RSVP: stholand@ajws.org
Boston
Planners for a Boston Alumni Retreat Need Your InputA brainstorming session occurred recently about a Boston AVODAH
Alumni Retreat. Now the planners need your help! Email Mimi Garcia (DC 04-05) if you are interested in attending all or part of an alumni retreat in the
Boston area (possibly Somerville). Please share the following:
your date preference between the last two weekends in January and the
first in February; your preferred structure (all weekend, one day/one
night, just dinner or all weekend/drop-in-style) and your interest in
helping to plan the event!
Social Justice Book Club
We are eagerly anticipating turning our attention next to Darfur, by reading The
Translator: A Memoir, by Daoud Hari and watching a short video from
savedarfur.org. We will meet at Ghinwa's house near Central Square.
When: Sunday, November 8th at 6:00pm
Where: Home near Central Square, RSVP for details.
RSVP: to Ghinwa ghinwa@mit.edu
DC
Mussar: A chance to learn more!
Did you miss
our introduction to Mussar? Participants from our two introductory sessions are
hoping to launch 13 weeks of study together, examining what it means to live
"the good life" rooted in Jewish values.
For more information: Email Jessie.
New York
What's on Your Plate? Unpacking
Local, Organic, and Fair Trade
Come celebrate the harvest with Jewish activists
and food lovers as we explore key questions about where our food comes from.
During this
interactive gathering we will have the opportunity to learn with and from:Ana Joanes, Producer and Director of the recently
released documentary, Fresh, Nati Passow, Co-Founder and Director of the Jewish
Farm School
Pesach Stadlin, Director of Sustainable Design at Eden
Village Camp and a representative from the New
York City Fair Trade Coalition.
Date: Monday, November 2nd
Time: 7pm-9:30pm
Place: Sixth Street
Community Center
Address: 638 East Sixth Street (between
Avenue B & C)
Cost: Free! Bring friends!
To register: Click here.
For more information:
Contact the AVODAH-AJWS NY City Team. Love, Hate and the Jewish State 2.0
Conflicting
historical narratives lie at the core of the Jewish-Arab divide in Israeli
society. These divergent versions of history lead to a fundamental
misunderstanding of each others' experience. For the Jewish community, in
particular, the narrative of Arab citizens of Israel
raises questions about loyalty, security, democracy, and ultimately the future
of Israel
as a Jewish state.
Join other
young social justice and Israel
activists for an exciting evening of short films and an open, facilitated
dialogue, which will grapple with the Arab experience in Israel.
Date: November 5th
Time: 7:00pm
Place: The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th Street
Cost: $5 To register: Visit www.nif.org/lovehate.
People of the Book Club: Sleeping With The Mayor
New year, new name! Please join the People of the Book Club for a discussion on Sleeping With The Mayor
by John Jiler. We will be joined by the author, John Jiler, and AJWS
President Ruth Messinger, who is referenced in the book in her role as
New York City Councilwoman at the time of the book's events.
When: Wednesday, November 18th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: AJWS-AVODAH office, 45 West 36th St.
RSVP: To slipkin@ajws.org.
Inside
the Activists' Studio
Save the Date for this
year's Inside the Activists' Studio. On December 6th, the AJWS-AVODAH
Partnership will host its second annual Inside the Activists' Studio in
New York City,
featuring an impressive roster of local Jewish activists, socially conscious
spoken word performances, networking opportunities and workshops a plenty! This
year we'll be gathering at Congregation Beth Elohim in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Stay tuned for more details in the coming
weeks.
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What's Been Happening in the Community
Bay Area
PJA Community Dinner
Local alum Daniel Rabkin (NY 04-05) joined many other friends of
the Partnership and local Jewish social justice activists for the first
ever PJA Community Dinner, honoring former founding executive director
Daniel Sokatch, on October 15th. A sold-out crowd celebrated the
achievements of PJA and enjoyed hearing Daniel Sokatch in conversation
with AJWS President Ruth Messinger. Lots of young people in the room,
between the AVODAH-AJWS contingent and Jeremiah Fellows proved that the
future of the Jewish social justice movement is safe in our hands.
Boston
Social Justice Book Club
Four alumni and four friends gathered in the home of Riva Pearson on Sunday,
October 18th to enjoy her delicious carrot-sweet potato soup and various apple
desserts, and to discuss The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. The discussion was
well-augmented by making a collaborative family tree of the characters and
peppering our special guest Sai with questions about his native Burma, the
setting of the book.
DC
Climate Change Lunch & Learn
Alumni and friends met at Rachel Hutt's lovely Adams Morgan apartment for a casual potluck meal on Saturday, October 24th. Local superstar Jessica Gordon spoke about how her experiences in the Peace Corps influenced her.
New York
WOCMAC
See here for pictures (finally!) from this past July's WOCMAC event (Welcoming
Outgoing Corps Members into the Alumni Community). Many thanks to Sarah Novick (NY 05-06) who lent us her camera that night and shared the pictures with us.
AVODAH-AJWS-Hazon Book Club
On Tuesday, October 6th, the book club met to discuss The Tenants of Moonbloom by Edward Lewis Wallant. This neglected classic of 1960s New York (suggested by AVODAH staff member Annie Schiff) turned out to be quite relevant to the themes of Sukkot, which was happening that week. Facilitator Elissa Vinnik (NY 08-09) led a conversation that addressed these issues of
housing, vulnerability, and tenant/landlord struggles. The group went deep into the book, from
the writing style and depictions of New
York to evaluating the myriad of characters
portrayed.
AVODAH program associate Rachel Ann Gross also attended.
Simchat Torah
On October 10th, 36 past and present Corps members and friends gathered at the home of Leia Grossman (NY 02-03) and Peter Svarzbein for a raucous celebration of Simchat Torah. After warming up, the group took over the Upper West Side, shul hopping and dancing with the Torah--even closing down some streets. The following years were represented at the event: DC 02-03, NY 02-03, DC 05-06, DC 06-07, NY 06-07, NY 08-09, NY 09-10.
Meet the Change Launch: The Yes Men Fix The World
On
Wednesday, October 14, more than 100 people came out to the launch
event for the AVODAH-AJWS Partnership's new series, Meet the Change.
The launch included a screening of the award winning documentary, "The Yes Men Fix The World",
followed by a private reception with Mike and Andy (The Yes Men
themselves). Among the many participants in the night's festivities
were Brianna Carp (NY 08-09), Miriam Eisenberger (NY 02-03), Flora Endelman / Margolis (NY 03-04), Sasha Feldstein (NY 08-09), Leia Grossman (NY 02-03), Cara Herbitter (NY 03-04), Jessica Karp (DC 07-08), Yael Kornfeld (DC 07-08), Lauren Kranson (NY 07-08), Diana Levy (NY 07-08), Ariel Schneider (NY 08-09), and Elissa Vinnik (NY 08-09). Several current Corps members also attended, including Alison Reingold and Hannah Rosenblum. Check out some great pictures of the event here and look out for future Meet the Change events in 2010!
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Alumni Highlights
Mazal
tov
AVODAH Alum Stacey Simon (NY 02-03) and husband Matt Solomon welcomed a beautiful baby boy March 13th. Their first child, he's now 6 1/2
month old and doing great. Stacey, Matt and Eli live in Kansas City where Stacey is a full time Mom and doing health counseling.
Insert YOUR news here!
Do you have news
that you want to share with the AVODAH alumni community? Do you want to see your
name in e-print? Please tell us about all the great stuff you are up to so we
can feature you in our alumni highlights. Email Rachel Ann with your news.
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AVODAH News
AVODAH's Own fill HEEB 100
Heeb magazine recently published its list of 100 Jews you need to know. Of the ten most
important activists listed three are associated with AVODAH! On the list are Rachel Chertok (AVODAH's National Director for Alumni and
Leadership Development), Alissa Wise (NY 01-02) and Rebecca
Shaloff (NY 03-04). It gives us great pride to
have such a strong showing. Congrats to all those listed.
Welcome our New Staff
Mk Davis
joins AVODAH as an Administrative Coordinator in Chicago. MKworked for three years as the Administrative Assistant of the Housing Preservation Project, a nonprofit
organization promoting affordable housing. As a volunteer,
they helped to found a social-justice focused, all-volunteer run community
center in Minneapolis, and have worked as a union
organizer, web designer, and library intern. Mk has a bachelor's degree in
History from Macalester College.
Jenna Pollock (NOLA 08-09) joins AVODAH as the Chicago Program Director, fresh from her front line experiences as an AVODAH New Orleans Corps member. Her time spent in New Orleans and the work that she did at Tulane Community Health Center informed her decision to pursue a position in the realms of both social justice and Judaism. Over the next year Jenna hopes to inspire Corps members to recognize the possibilities for change within themselves and their communities, communities which will motivate and support them throughout their lives.
Corps Members in the Blogosphere
A cadre of Corps members have created their own blogs to share their insights and experiences on work, life, justice and Judaism. Click here to follow Corps members nationally and here for a blog created by the New York City Corps Members.
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Jobs
AJWS
(NYC)
AJWS is
currently seeking applicants for the position of Director of Education and
Community Engagement. The successful candidate will head a newly formed
department and will have responsibility for leading the expansion and deepening
of AJWS's leadership in the Jewish community. Applications will be reviewed on a
rolling basis and must be received no later than Friday, November 6, 2009 for
consideration. For information about this and other AJWS jobs, please click here.
AVODAH (NYC)
AVODAH seeks a creative and
motivated intern. The intern will report to the Associate
Executive Director and gain experience in communications/marketing and
development work. Internships will be somewhat tailored to
an individual's specific skills and interests. This is an excellent opportunity
for individuals interested in social justice, communications, writing, and/or
philanthropy. Click here for more information.
American Sustainable Business
Council (NATIONAL)
The American Sustainable Business Council (www.asbcouncil.org)
is a collaboration of business networks and associations dedicated to
accelerating the transformation to a more sustainable and equitable economy. The
Council has openings for three interns; these positions offer a chance to help
an organization at the center of sustainability efforts and to gain access to
leaders of sustainability focused businesses and major NGO's operating in the
area. Internships topics include: web site development, recruiting sustainable business, and policy. For more information or to
apply, please contact David Brodwin.
Bay Localize (Bay
Area)
Bay Localize is building a more self-reliant, sustainable, and
socially just Bay Area. Bay Localize works to catalyze the emergence of a
regional, self-reliant economy that strengthens all Bay Area communities. Bay
Localize is seeking interns for two of its projects: Bay Area 2020, which offers
a clear-eyed view of the key challenges the region faces in response to rising
energy costs and the effects of climate change, and an action plan to address
them; and the Local Clean Energy Alliance of the East Bay, which is developing a
broad campaign to promote the cleanest, most efficient energy system possible in
the region. For the complete internship descriptions, please click here.
Bema'aglei
Tzedek (Israel)
Bema'aglei Tzedek is an Israeli NGO that uses cutting-edge educational tools and social
action campaigns to create a more just Israeli society inspired by Jewish
values. They are currently seeking a Program Director to carry out a variety of respomsibilities at this critical stage in their growth. Click here for more information.
Birthright Israel NEXT (Los
Angeles)
Birthright Israel NEXT offers tailored volunteer,
educational, social and cultural opportunities to inspire the next generation of
Jewish leaders, grow grassroots Jewish communities, and connect
Taglit-Birthright Israel participants to the broader Jewish world. Birthright
Israel NEXT seeks a Director for the Los Angeles region who will be responsible
for developing a local young adult community engagement strategy in consultation
with the Regional Director. For the complete job description, please click here.
Center for Health, Environment & Justice (DC)
The Center for
Health, Environment & Justice seeks a Campaign Coordinator for its
Childproofing Our Communities Campaign. The campaign works to protect children
from exposure to environmental health hazards where they live, learn, play and
pray. CHEJ is looking for a strong campaigner with community organizing skills
to continue this work by leading a national working group, assisting state and
local leaders in their effort to pass policy, and pressuring governmental
agencies through innovative tactics and communication. For the complete
job description, please click here.
Californians for Justice (California)
Californians
for Justice (CFJ) is a statewide grassroots organization working for
racial justice by building the power of communities that have been
pushed to the margins of the political process. Since 1995 CFJ has organized youth, immigrants, low-income people and communities of color
in order to improve their social, economic and political conditions. A variety of positions are open, click here for more information.
Change.org
(National)
Change.org is an online media network for social change that
raises awareness about major issues and empowers people to take action.
Change.org is seeking five full-time Editors to help lead Change.org's network
of cause-based blogs. Most of
the existing Change.org team resides in San Francisco, New York, and Washington,
DC, but the Editor positions can be held anywhere. For the complete job
description here
Corporate Accountability
International (Boston)
Corporate Accountability
International is seeking experienced organizers to build its nationwide network
of trained and committed activists taking on corporate power. For the complete job
description, please click here.
Fenton Communications (Bay
Area)
Fenton Communications is searching for an
Account Coordinator with strong research and writing skills to join one of the
leading public interest communications firms in the country with offices in New
York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. Fenton develops and executes strategic
communications campaigns on a variety of domestic and international social justice issues. The Account Coordinator assists in the
execution of a range of accounts. For the complete job description, please click here.
The Jewish Communal Fund (NYC)
The Jewish Communal Fund was incorporated in 1972 as an independent, public charity serving the
philanthropic community of Greater New York. Through donor-advised funds, the
Jewish Communal Fund offers individuals and families a way to simplify their
charitable giving and to plan their philanthropy over time. The Jewish Communal
Fund is currently seeking a Grants Processing Coordinator. For the complete job description, please click here.
Jewish Funders Network (Los
Angeles)
The Jewish Funders Network is an international organization of individual funders and family foundations
dedicated to maximizing the quality and impact of Jewish Philanthropy. JFN's
members include independent philanthropists, foundation trustees and foundation
professionals. The Program Associate will work with JFN's Philanthropic Services
and Membership teams to expand membership and philanthropic services to the Los
Angeles region. For more information or to apply, please contact search@jfunders.org.
Jewish Voice for Peace (Bay Area/NYC)
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is
a diverse, democratic organization inspired by Jewish tradition to work for a
just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on human rights and
international law. JVP seeks an Organizer who will be responsible for the
overall development of the membership of JVP. This position will be based in
either Oakland,
CA or
New York, NY. For the complete
job description, please click here.
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Programs
Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel
Each year, a diverse group of 26 North American students in their
junior year of high school for an all expenses paid, 5-week Fellowship to
Israel. Together, they encounter the
land and people of Israel,
study major issues in contemporary Jewish life, meet with some of Israel's most influential figures,
and learn about themselves and each other. Bronfman encourages applications from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds; prior Jewish
education is not required. All meals are kosher and group activities on the
Sabbath are in keeping with the sanctity of the
day.The application deadline is January 20, 2010. Please spread the word and encourage qualified candidates to apply.
Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program (Brandeis University)
The Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University prepares visionary leaders
for the Jewish community through intensive academics, field-based experiences
and international travel. All students in the Hornstein
Program receive an M.A. in Jewish Professional Leadership plus, either an MBA
or MPP from our Heller School of Social Policy and Management, or an MA in Near
Eastern and Judaic Studies from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students
in the Hornstein Program also participate in seminars in Israel, Boston
and New York City
with top and emerging Jewish leaders and organizations. The Hornstein Program
considers all applicants for generous scholarships; click here to learn more.
JDC Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship
(Int'l)
The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship is awarded to one person
annually and is a one-of a-kind, paid, professional development opportunity to
live and work in overseas locations where the American Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC) is active, and engage with the inner workings of the world's
largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization. The Fellowship is unique from year
to year, as each fellow works with JDC staff to identify and design their
placements. JDC is looking for the best young Jewish thinkers and doers in their
field who have the promise to influence the future of Jewish life and the world.
For complete details, please click here.
NYU Programs in Nonprofit Management, Education & Jewish Studies
(NYC)
Change Yourself. Change the Jewish Community. Change the World.
Make a change at NYU. At NYU Steinhardt, become a leader in the field of Jewish
Education through a MA in Education and Jewish Studies, a Dual MA in Education
and Jewish Studies and Hebrew and Judaic Studies, or a PhD in Education and
Jewish Studies. At NYU Wagner, develop your leadership style and skills to make
an impact on the Jewish community and the world. Apply to the Wagner/Skirball
Dual-Degree program: MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy and MA in
Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Generous fellowships are available. For more
information, please click here.
PresenTense Social Entrepreneur Fellowship (Boston)
Got
a social venture idea that will engage, leverage, and inspire Boston's community?
If you've seen
challenges you're itching to meet, and a social venture idea that you've been
waiting to start, you've come to the right place. The CJP/PresenTense Boston
Social Entrepreneur Fellowship is a five-month program based in Boston that enables young,
Jewish, socially-minded entrepreneurs to turn their envisioned projects into
reality. Applications are due in November and the Fellowship will begin in
January. For more information, click here or contact
Elana Boehm at elanaboehm@presentense.org.
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