Remember back when you were a teen, feeling invincible and looking to make the world a better place? That passion to make a real difference, beyond just passing a test or learning a new language? (For some of us, that was a long, long time ago). But for our GMW teen community, it’s real, and it’s happening right now.
Which is why I’m excited to share that this Sunday, September 15, Federation is kicking off its teen initiatives by bringing together 120 teens beginning year-long cohorts focused on leadership, Jewish peoplehood, Israel, combatting antisemitism, philanthropic skills, building interfaith dialogue, and inclusion training.
All our programs rest on the core values of tikkun olam (improving our world), tzedakah (righteous giving), and manhigut (leadership), helping them make a real impact on our world, both today and far into the future.
Here’s how our teens will be supporting our community in powerful ways:
Iris Teen Tzedakah: This year-long program for high schoolers in grades 9-10 focuses on philanthropy, Jewish education, and leadership. Our Iris advisors spend their year wrestling with the question how we can make a change in our community. Dedicating their time and personal funds to an allocation that directly supports our partner organization with monetary resources for new projects. In addition to the giving of their treasure, they give of their time and talent in hands on volunteer projects. Together they are building a better GMW.
Diller Teen Fellows: Diller teen fellows explore their Jewish identity, hone their leadership skills, and serve as a living bridge to our partners in Rishon LeZion and across the globe. Their time as hosts for Israeli allows them to show the vibrant Jewish community of GMW. Their time as guests in Israel allows for them to see the beauty and strength of our friends in Israel. Serving as the emissaries for GMW presents our teens with the opportunity to show the world what makes us special.
ABLE: As Madrichim with ABLE, teens receive specialized training to become effective mentors, supporting children with diverse learning needs and creating a more inclusive environment at our congregational schools. The teens dedicate themselves to recognizing the gifts that every learner brings and helping them thrive. The time they spend 1-1 with supporting learners with disabilities is a model we set for all our community to be welcoming and dedicated to all.
Teen Israel Leadership Council (TILC): TILC is crafting the next generation of thought leaders and advocates for the Jewish people and the state of Israel. Their abilities are reflected and tested as they stand in the front lines of the antisemitism that lives in our world. It is by their words and actions that our support and strength in the face of hate is steadfast.
Student2Student: Our STS ambassadors serve as the connection point to Jews for the non-Jewish communities in our midst. Through forging bonds and presenting authentic pictures of Judaism, they are bringing allies and understanding to our spaces. They are tearing down the walls of ignorance and intolerance to create a better shared society.
We are excited to support our teens as they begin their year of impact and leadership together with Federation. Their participation not only shapes the people they are growing to become but also strengthens our entire community.
Our teens are ready to lead, and this event is their launchpad.
Joining us?
Keep in mind, each program has a slightly different start and end time, so please be in touch with your coordinator for final logistics.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Looking forward to uniting all our cohorts as one powerful Jewish GMW teen community!