Upcoming Events
Bay Area
Tikkun Olam, Tikkun HaNefesh Retreat for Social Justice Leaders:
Join the Institute for Jewish Spirituality's annual silent meditation and yoga retreat to focus on the critical work of
weaving together our spiritual and social justice lives in order to become more
balanced, healthy and durable activists and leaders. With Rabbi Dorothy Richman and Norman Fischer. This retreat is made possible with the generous support of the
Walter and Elise Haas Sr. Fund. It is cosponsored by AJWS-AVODAH, JFSJ, and
PJA.
When: March 22-25, 2010
Where: Green Gulch Farm, Sausalito,
California
Cost: $450/pp
single, $300/pp double (limited financial assistance available)
Registration deadline: February 1st, 2010- space is limited.
Questions about the retreat: Contact Rabbi Margie Jacobs.
Boston
Save the Date: MA Alumni Retreat
The Massachusetts Alumni Retreat is Sunday, February 7th. The planners envision a day long gathering
with a multiple workshops and sessions capped off with a communal dinner. There are still lots of
things to be planned, and many ways for people to be involved. Please take a moment to fill out this very quick Google form, to express your interest in attending and share your thoughts on session topics.
When: Sunday, February 7th 2010
Where: Boston area, location TBA
More information: Contact Darya Mattes (DC 05-06) or Ayala Livny (NY 98-99)
Social Justice Book Club
The next gathering of the Boston-area readers will delve into Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. Norwegian Wood is a nostalgic story of love and loss set in Tokyo in the 1960s amidst radical student protests.
When: Sunday, January 10th at 6:00pm
Where: Ari Shapiro's (NY 02-03) home; address upon RSVP
RSVP: Email Ari Shapiro
DC
Inside the Activists Studio
The 2nd Annual Inside the Activists' Studio features an impressive roster of local Jewish activists, networking opportunities, and workshops aplenty. Join us to learn from and be energized by local change-makers: Avi Kaplan, Tweetsgiving Global Events Organizer at Epic Change; Elissa Froman, Legislative Associate at National
Council of Jewish Women; Eli Winkelman, Founder of Challah for
Hunger; Janelle Treibitz, Puppetista & Organizer at Puppet
Underground and ONEDC.
When: Sunday, January 17th 2010 at 4:00-8:00pm.
Where: 6th & I Synagogue
Register: Click here.
Cost: FREE.
DC Area Alumni Retreat
Laura Menyuk (DC 05-06) is gathering interest in planning a DC Area Alumni Retreat. Laura currently works at the Echo Hill Outdoor School which could offer a great setting for a weekend-long retreat. If you are interested in attending or planning, email Laura.
New York
People of the Book Club
Please join us to discuss Here
Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without
Organizations by
Clay Shirky. Amazon.com calls it: "A revelatory examination of how
the wildfire-like spread of new forms of social interaction enabled by
technology is changing the way humans form groups and exist within them, with
profound long-term economic and social effects-for good and for
ill." The
discussion will be facilitated by Gabriel
Blau, Internet Marketing Strategist and
Co-Founder of VisibleU.
When: Tuesday, January 19th 2010 at 6:00
p.m.
Where: 45 West 36th St
RSVP: To slipkin@ajws.org. Need to
find a copy? Try here!
Justice-oriented Community Supported Agriculture
Project!
The
AVODAH-AJWS
Partnership is excited to
announce that we'll be shepherding a new Brooklyn-based Community Supported
Agriculture (CSA) project in 2010. What's a CSA? Click here to find out. What
will make it specifically justice-oriented? Good question. To learn more about
the justice focus and also how you might be able to join the growing leadership
team on this initiative, contact Audrey with "CSA query" in the subject line.
State of the Union
Stay
tuned
for information about a State of the Union event or series of events
coming shortly! If you're interested in getting involved in some of
that
planning, feel free to be in touch with the City Team at newyorkcityteam@gmail.com.
|
What's Been Happening in the Community
Bay Area
Super 8 Hanukkah Festival
On Saturday, December 12th
over 400 people put on their nicest holiday outfits and braved the cold
rainy weather to explore and enjoy 8 different mini-programs at The
Hub's annual Hanukkah party, for the first time this year at the
Contemporary Jewish Museum. The AVODAH-AJWS Partnership was a proud
cosponsor of this elaborate and ambitious event, along with numerous
other community groups. Our good friends at the Progressive Jewish
Alliance presented their annual Festival of Rights, a moving chanukiyah
lighting ceremony honoring local activists. AVODAH alum Drew
Himmelstein (DC 03-04) produced "Global Celebrations," a photo
collection of local and international festivities by AVODAH and AJWS
alumni and friends.
On the Boardwalk
Life coach Laura Sari Geduldig (of Creating a Life Worth Living
2008 fame) energized and enlightened 18 people (what an auspicious
number!) on Monday, December 14th as the second follow-up (after In the Boardroom) to our summer program, Organizational Leadership for Social Change: A Board Service Training.
Training participants and other friends including Daniel Schaefer (DC
04-05) learned concrete ways to improve time-management, goal setting,
and planning to lead more intentional, effective lives in our quest for
social change. Look out for additional opportunities in this series
next year.
Boston
Social Justice Book Club
On December 20th, six alumni and two friends gathered to discuss The Wasted Vigil by Nadeem Aslam.
DC
Advising the Change
Robert Egger, Gabriela Schneider, Shelley Moskowitz and Eli Winkelman led an empowering discussion about project-launching at Advising the Change on December 2nd. AVODAH alumni were well represented among the 20 attendees including: Blair Cirlin (DC 05-06), Jenna Gold (DC 07-08), Dahlia Rockowitz (DC 08-09), and Miriam Savad (DC 08-09). In the midst of terrible weather, participants learned about the way these experienced social enterpreneurs advised and led changemaking projects.
New York
Inside the Activists' Studio
On
Sunday, December 6th more than 130 people gathered at Congregation
Beth Elohim in Park Slope, Brooklyn, for the AJWS-AVODAH Partnership's
annual celebration, Inside the Activists' Studio. The event included a
dynamic panel of emerging change makers (including AVODAH's
Avi Rosenthalis, NY 06-07), seven interactive workshops led by other
fabulous change-makers (including AVODAH's very own Alissa Wise, NY
01-02), and a lively reception with a scrumptious dinner and some
stirring spoken word performances. AVODAH was well represented all
around! Among the attendees were Sara Simons (DC 03-04), Rachel Levy (NY 09-10), Sasha
Feldstein (NY 08-09), Erica Santiago (NY 08-09), Michael Friedman (DC 06-07), Alana Krivo-Kaufman (NY 09-10), Josh
Ontell (NY 08-09), Brianna Carp (NY 08-09), Mollie Spevack (NY 08-09), Diana Levy (NY 07-08), Matt Carl (NY 00-01), Lisa Ochs (NY 00-01),
and Sarra Alpert (NY 02-03)! Pictures of the day are available for viewing here.
Justice and Jewish Thought
On
Monday, December 14th the Justice and Jewish Thought fourteen-week
study group came to an official close. More than 50 people across the
city participated in this program from beginning to end! Starting back
in mid-September, seven groups consisting of +/8 members each met
weekly in peoples' homes to grapple with a curriculum
that explores how various oppressions, such as race, class,
gender, sexual identity, and anti-semitism, intersect with and affect
our
identities as Jews, our Jewish practices, and our work for social
justice. A big Mazal Tov to everyone who carved out time in their busy
weekly schedules to prioritize this learning - including Miriam
Eisenberger (NY 02-03), Katie Goldstein (NY 07-08), Lauren Kranson (NY 07-08), Claire
Meredith (NY 08-09), Lisa Ochs (NY 00-01), and Elissa Vinnik (NY 08-09)! | |
AVODAH News
A New Year's Greeting from AVODAH!Whether
your wishes are for personal evolution or global revolution, may your
strong constitution enable you to enact all your New Year's resolutions. Being a 'Do-Gooder' in N'AwlinsCorps member Rachie Lewis wrote a reflective article for the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. Rachie explores the nuances of living and working for social justice in New Orleans. AVODAH in New Jersey Jewish HeadlineClick here to read an article about three current Corps members who hail from New Jersey and currently serve in Chicago and D.C. Recruitment UpdateRecruitment Coordinator Mollie Spevack (NY 08-09) is working hard to recruit for next years' Corps. We have nearly 200% more completed applications than at this time last year. How can you help? Change your Facebook status to: "Spend a year fighting
poverty with AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps. I did it and it was an
amazing experience. Apply by February 12 here." |
Alumni Highlights
Food Access in Canada
AVODAH alumn Michael Friedman (DC 06-07) works for the North York Harvest Food Bank to ensure that member agencies distribute food in an equitable way. Michael is launching a new program that will include a structured curriculum with the goals of building better community food programs in Toronto. The program, called Harvest Academy, is the first of its kind in Canada! Michael's AVODAH placement was at DC Central Kitchen.
When Did You Know?
Seth Harris (CHI 08-09) is embarking on a journey to meet 60 influential leaders working on substantial change. Seth will share the details of his journey at www.whendiduknow.org. Read more as Seth explores who is making change, and what inspires them. Seth's AVODAH Placement was i.c. stars.
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.
|
Jobs
AJWS (NYC)
AJWS is seeking a Temporary Development Officer. This
is a temporary, two-month position within AJWS's development department starting
mid-January, 2010. The Development Officer is a part of AJWS's major gifts team
and will be responsible for planning and coordinating strategies for the
cultivation and stewardship of $1,000+ gifts in the New York metropolitan area.
She/he will assist in managing a portfolio of individual donors, coordinating
special events, and soliciting gifts. For more information about this and other
AJWS jobs, please visit click here.
Border Crossers
(NYC)
Border Crossers is an emerging, grassroots organization that
provides multicultural, social action-based programming in NYC schools. Border
Crossers is looking for a part-time Development and Communications intern to
start in January 2010. This is the perfect opportunity for a graduate student
looking for professional fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector. For the
complete internship description, please click here.
For more information, contact Miriam Fogelson.
Immigration Equality (DC)
Immigration Equality pushes for comprehensive immigration reform that includes all families. Immigration Equality seeks a dynamic, motivated individual with outstanding lobbying and communications skills to build support for equal immigration rights on Capitol Hill and with key stakeholders. The Policy Associate will play a major role in campaigning for passage of pro-LGBT immigration legislation. The Policy Associate will also advocate for passage of comprehensive immigration reform and inclusion of LGBT families in comprehensive immigration reform. Submit a detailed cover letter and resume with "Policy Associate" in the subject line to jobs@immigrationequality.org
Jewish Family and Children's Services of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia)
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) is
a multi-faceted, non-profit family service agency serving Philadelphia,
Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties. JFCS has an immediate
opening for Director of Counseling and Case Management Services. The Director of Counseling and Care Management is responsible for the
planning, development and implementation of counseling and care
management for JFCS clients under the age of 65. Click here for more information.
Jewish Funds for Justice - Grant Writer (NYC)
JFSJ is looking for an energetic and motivated Associate Director of
Communications to join its communications team. The Associate
Director's primary responsibilities will be to write engaging content
for print materials, help JFSJ market its programs, and communicate its
message to the public through a variety of media, including new media
and technologies. Applicants should be self-starters, creative
thinkers, and fast learners. JFSJ has a fast-paced work environment,
but also values personal development and work-life balance. For more information about this and other opportunities at JFSJ, click here.
J Street (DC)
J Street is the political arm
of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement. J Street seeks a Deputy Political
Director who will work closely with the Executive Director, Political Director, and
Regional Political Directors to advance J Street's aggressive development and
recruitment goals which includes expanding both its National Finance Committee
and the J-NET, J Street's national network of supporters and political activists
who commit to make J Street's agenda a priority in their own political work and
giving, help to lobby, and serve as J Street's eyes and ears on the ground
evaluating key political dynamics. For the complete job description, please click here.
Progressive Jewish Alliance (Los
Angeles)
The mission of PJA is to engage Jews of diverse backgrounds
to learn, lead and act in their communities to create a more just and equal
society. PJA's vision of social transformation is based on shared Jewish values
and realized by partnerships with allies both local and national. PJA is
currently seeking a Southern California Regional Director to oversee and build
broad public support for PJA's local campaigns and programs and to create
exciting, innovative initiatives for the future. For the complete job
description, please visit click here.
Women's Earth Alliance (Bay
Area)
Women's Earth Alliance
unites women on the frontlines of environmental causes by coordinating training,
technology, and financial support for thriving communities and Earth. WEA is
seeking a talented intern to support program development for the Sacred Earth
Advocacy Network, a project of the Women and Land Initiative. Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample,
and two letters of recommendation (preferred) or references to caitlin@womensearthalliance.org.
Start and end dates, as well as work schedule, are flexible.
|
Programs
Congressional Hunger Center National
Fellows Program (National/D.C.)
The Congressional Hunger Center is a
nonprofit anti-hunger training organization founded by former Rep. Tony Hall and
located in Washington, D.C. The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program is
a year-long leadership development program that trains emerging leaders in the
fight against hunger in the U.S. Fellows are placed for half their term of service with
urban and rural community-based organizations all over the country involved in
fighting hunger at the local level and then move to Washington, DC to complete
the year with national organizations involved in the anti-hunger and poverty
movement. For more information, please click here. The application deadline is January 20, 2010.
Energy Action Coalition Fellowships
(DC)
Energy Action Coalition is looking for young leaders to play
pivotal roles in supporting the largest grassroots movement to stop global
warming. The Energy Action Coalition Fellowship Program brings together shining
stars in the youth organizing movement to gain hands-on practical experience in
their field of interest while advancing EAC's effort to create change for a
clean, efficient, just and renewable energy future.
For more information on the available fellowships and to apply, please click here.
Mechon Hadar Summer and Year-Round
Programs (NYC)
Mechon Hadar is excited to announce that it is now
accepting applications for the both the summer 2010 session and year-round
session (2010-2011) of Yeshivat Hadar. Yeshivat Hadar is animated by three
central goals: to foster a community of students who engage in intensive Torah
study, prayer and action; to offer a passionate vision of traditional Jewish
life as a spiritual path; and to empower students to build and contribute to
vibrant Jewish communities across the United States. Click here for more information.
The deadline for all applications is February 1, 2010.
Pitch for Change Competition
(Harvard)
Pitch for Change is an "elevator pitch" competition that is
open to individuals and teams with an idea for a new social enterprise venture.
Unlike traditional business plan competitions, participants do NOT need to
submit a completed business plan; entrants need only submit a short proposal for
initial consideration and be prepared to pitch their ideas to a large audience
and panel of judges during the 2010 Harvard
Social Enterprise Conference if selected as a semi-finalist. For more
information and to submit an entry, click here.
The application deadline is January 30, 2010.
State Policy Fellowship Program
(National)
State Policy Fellows tackle domestic policy challenges in
areas like health care, taxes, anti-poverty policy, education and public safety.
Working in independent, highly respected think tanks located in state capitals,
Fellows analyze the impact of state budget and tax policy choices on low-income
residents and promote positive reforms. Starting in August 2010, each State
Policy Fellow will spend two years with an influential state policy
organizations belonging to the State Fiscal Analysis Initiative or with the
state fiscal division at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in
Washington, DC. For more information or to apply, click here.
The application deadline is January 15, 2010.
Wexner Graduate Fellowship
(National)
The Wexner Graduate Fellowship/Davidson Scholars Program
was established in 1988 by The Wexner Foundation to encourage promising
candidates to successfully meet the challenges of professional Jewish leadership
in the North American Jewish community. Wexner Graduate Fellowships are awarded
to 20 outstanding individuals who seek to prepare themselves through graduate
training for careers in the cantorate, Jewish education, Jewish professional
leadership, Jewish studies, and the rabbinate. For more information, please click here.
| |
