by Leah Koenig | February 21, 2012 | 2 comments
We’re a little bit (okay, a lot) excited about the Academy Awards this year – the red carpet glamour, the little gold statuettes, and yes, the fantastic lineup of films. When this Sunday February 26th rolls around, we’ll be ready to geek out movie-style with our popcorn and personalized Oscar ballots.
Meanwhile, Repair the World decided to do something special in honor of Oscar season. The best films have a way of not only touching our hearts, but inspiring our consciences as well. Many of this year’s Best Picture nominees touch on social issues – from domestic worker rights to healthcare to taking care of the world’s children. We took a closer look at the nine nominees and paired each one with a non-profit organization that is doing world-changing work related to the films’ themes. Think of it as Hollywood-inspired service. As you enjoy the Oscars this year, take a minute to learn more about or get involved with one (or several!) of the organizations featured below.
And the 2012 Best Picture Nominees are…
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by Leah Koenig | February 20, 2012 | 0 comments
Happy Monday, and happy President’s Day! This week’s round up of service-related posts from around the web is dedicated in honor of the birthday of our country’s first President, George Washington, and to the commitment to service that America’s presidents give to this country.
- The Huffington Post, speaking of presidents, published an article about the history of the Teddy Bear (hint, think Teddy Roosevelt!) and an organization called Teddy Share that empowers kids to support children’s causes.
- Have Fun Do Good produced podcasts with nearly 70 amazing change makers. Listen up and get inspired!
- GOOD’s 30 Days of Good challenge encourages readers to write a letter to the editor about an issue that matters to them. (We think that’s an awesome idea!)
- The New York Times reported about a new museum in Atlanta that shines the spotlight on the Civil Rights era.
- ServiceNation published an infographic that shows the huge spike in interest and applications to AmeriCorps over the last few years. In other words: people really heart service!
by Leah Koenig | February 17, 2012 | 0 comments
Shabbat Service is a weekly bit of Torah-inspired do-gooding, brought to you by Repair the World and our grantee-partner American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Read on to see how these ancient stories can apply today. Seem far fetched? Check it out:
The story: This week’s parsha (Torah portion), Mishpatim, is a biggie on the social justice and service front. The Israelites have just received the ten commandments at Mt. Sinai (kind of a big deal) – and in this parsha, they hear more including the first two appearances of the commandment not to oppress the stranger: “You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 22:20) and similarly, “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt.” (23:9)
The takeaway: When you think about it, it’s pretty incredible that the Jewish commandments would include the mandate not to oppress others – and stress it here not once, but twice. And the reason? Because we ourselves know, in our souls, what it feels like to be oppressed.
Throughout recent history, these verses have been at the root of Jewish participation in local, national and global efforts to support marginalized populations – from the Civil Rights movement, to the crisis in Darfur. And yet for those of us who live in relative privilege and safety, far away from any sense of real-life oppression, it can be a challenge to continue to identify with the heart and soul of the stranger.
The “to-do”: This parsha begs the question: how do we continue to remember the soul of the stranger? How do we tap into that sense of obligation to others that’s born of connection and empathy? One way (though certainly not the only way!) is to get to know the communities around us better. To meet people face to face, and listen to their stories and needs. Try volunteering with an organization like 826 – a national literacy, tutoring and writing organization that engages young students in story telling. Or get involved with Just Congregations, an organization that works within synagogues and communities to identify community organizing strategies that truly reflect the needs of the community.
Read the full Torah commentary, on which this excerpt is based, over at AJWS’ website.
by Leah Koenig | February 16, 2012 | 1 comment
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Slatkin.
This is the first in a series of interviews featuring a handful of the nearly 10,000 awesome teens who are involved with J-Serve – the International Day of Jewish Youth Service coming up on April 22. First up: Rebecca Slatkin of Fairfax, Virginia.
Have you always been passionate about service?
Yes, it has always been important to me – particularly issues around drinking or texting while driving. I started the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club at my high school, and we have been advocating within our high school about the issue. We focused our activities around dances like homecoming and prom, and worked to demonstrate the potentially horrible effects related to making bad decisions. It’s an issue that everyone can relate to, and I have been really passionate about spreading the word.
How did you first learn about J-SERVE?
I first heard about it through my synagogue, when our youth group did a J-Serve project. We went to a shelter and put together necessities kits with food and medicine for refugees from other countries who had recently moved to America. Many refugees first arrive in Washington DC, where I live, before settling in other places, so it was a very local issue. Many of them were escaping awful experiences in their home countries and had to leave everything behind.
Once I joined BBYO, I began to get more involved with J-Serve and started to understand it from a global perspective. I saw how J-Serve gets teens from all over the world to serve together. Although we live far apart, we all have the common goals of tikkun olam, tzedakah and helping others.
How are you involved with J-Serve today?
I head the international J-Serve committee. Our committee works together throughout the year to help communities around the world plan their projects. The projects are youth led and planned, and we assist them with all aspects. We connect them to people around the world doing similar projects, so they can build greater connections. Another thing our committee has done is hold a monthly call that anyone can listen into that all focus on different topics. The first month was about how to start a J-Serve project. The second month went into greater detail about project ideas. This month is focused on the global perspective and how it connects to Jewish heritage. We have people from all over the country and Canada on the call – and we reach out to the overseas community as well, though it is hard for them to participate on calls because of the time difference.
Which J-Serve event do you personally plan to participate in this year?
I’ll participate in an event in my community in Virginia. BBYO is partnering with the JCC to host a carnival for the whole community. On the one hand it will just be a fun carnival with games, ring toss, darts, and different activities that anyone can do. But we will also have a priority to educate people who come to the event about people with disabilities. We are partnering with a home for people with mental and physical disabilities for the event, and have invited their residents to attend.
What inspires you most about J-Serve?
J-Serve is one of the few opportunities for a ton of Jewish teens to connect with one another and make change. It’s not just about one youth group, synagogue or day school. It’s about everyone together, serving and having fun. There will be thousands of participates doing service at the same time – I don’t know of anywhere else that you get the same experience.
Read more about J-Serve’s mission and impact on Repair the World here. Then find out how you can get involved with J-Serve on April 22 and beyond here!
by Leah Koenig | February 15, 2012 | 1 comment
HIAS Young Leader, Alexis Ortiz, at a HIAS event at the Central American Resource Center in DC. Photo courtesy of Alexis Ortiz.
For the last 130 years, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) has provided rescue and refuge for persecuted and oppressed peoples – both Jews and, more recently, refugees and immigrants from all backgrounds – around the world.
On February 23rd, HIAS is throwing a benefit concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in honor of their 130th anniversary. Headlining the concert is Regina Spektor, one of America’s most beloved young singer songwriters – and also an immigrant who, with HIAS’ help, moved from Russia to the United States in the late 1980s.
In the lead up to the concert HIAS Young Leader representative, Alexis Ortiz, talked with Repair the World about how she got inspired by HIAS, how their work around immigration has remained vital throughout the organization’s history, and what it’s like to work with Regina.
How did you get involved with HIAS?
I first got involved in Washington DC about two years ago. I had led some trips for AJWS in Central America, and wanted to stay involved with that community. HIAS in DC has a partnership with the Central American Resource Center, which is a one-stop center for Latin American immigrants in DC. I volunteered through HIAS teaching ESL and citizenship classes. We would hold big celebrations for Christmas and Hanukkah where we’d make papusas and latkes. I also got involved on Capitol Hill, lobbying for refugee policy. I recently moved to New York City, and have continued my work with HIAS here.
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by Leah Koenig | February 14, 2012 | 0 comments
Whitney Houston singing in Central Park. Photo by asterix611 via CC
This past week, the entertainment industry said goodbye to one of it’s legends: Whitney Houston. The pop icon and many-time Grammy Awards winner was known for her phenomenal singing, as well as for starring in movies like The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale. She was only 48.
The cause of Houston’s death is still unknown. What is known is that Houston struggled for many years with substance abuse and alcohol addiction. It is also known that her relationship with husband Bobby Brown was, as her New York Times obituary put it, “marred by drug use and by his professional jealousy, psychological abuse and physical confrontations.”
While Houston’s talent was a rarity, domestic violence is unfortunately all too common. Physical, mental and sexual abuse within a domestic context are societal problems that impact both the famous and not, adults and children, men – and primarily women. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.” Meanwhile, the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse reports that, “abuse occurs in Jewish families at about the same rate as in the general community – about 15% – and the abuse takes place among all branches of Judaism and at all socio-economic levels.”
In honor of Houston’s legacy – and especially today on Valentine’s Day, when thoughts of love and partnership are in the air – make a commitment to helping people facing domestic abuse and domestic violence. Here are some organizations that are doing great work:
- Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance: Check out JOFA’s comprehensive list of domestic violence-related resources, books and websites.
- Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse: This organization supports and empowers victims of domestic abuse. Sign up to be a part of their Volunteer Corps.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Volunteer to answer calls and provide support to abuse victims through this national hotline.
- Safe Horizon: Volunteer as a childcare assistant, tutor, program assistant – or in many other ways – for this organization, which is dedicated to providing services and support to victims of abuse and violence.
by Leah Koenig | February 14, 2012 | 0 comments
Valentine’s may be a sappy (and sometimes stressful!) Hallmark holiday – but we think it’s pretty great to have a day entirely devoted to spreading the love. Unfortunately, the business of showing and sharing our love isn’t always so peachy. Nearly 80% of the cut flowers sold in America are grown in South America and Africa – often by exploited workers. Meanwhile conventional cocoa bean production, which helps to produce those iconic heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, shares a similarly sketchy reputation.
So this year – whether you’re blissfully in love, or fixin’ to head out on the town (or stay in and watch a romcom) with friends – rock Valentine’s Day by sharing sustainable and fairly traded tokens of your affection. Here are some easy, last-minute ideas:
- One World Flowers: Surprise your sweetie with a bouquet of beautiful fair trade certified flowers.
- Organic Bouquet: The flowers from this eco-friendly company come with an added bonus – each bouquet you order helps support a non-profit like the Global Fund for Women, The American Lung Association and The National Wildlife Foundation.
- Equal Exchange chocolate: Show how much you really care with a bar of chocolate caramel crunch from this fair trade company.
- Green Restaurant Association: Make a reservation at a restaurant that’s as ethical as it is delicious. Check out the Green Restaurant Association or the Tav HaYosher (founded by Repair the World grantee partner Uri L’Tzedek!) for ideas.
How are you sharing the love this Valentine’s Day? Let us know by tweeting us at @repairtheworld.
by Leah Koenig | February 13, 2012 | 0 comments
Happy Monday! Hopefully you’re recovering from your Grammy Award-watching party. To get your week going, here’s your weekly roundup of service-related stories from around the web:
- NBC featured a heartwarming video about a 105-year old woman in Miami named Dorrie Aber Noyek, who continues to make volunteering a priority in her life.
- HandsOn Blog reminds us that February is “national canned food month” – an opportunity to make hummus from those canned chickpeas in your pantry, and also to donate food to your local pantry.
- The Forward reported about ZAKA, an Israeli medical and rescue organization that recently launched an interfaith emergency rescue program with Muslim and Christian counterparts.
- Sustainablog posted a fascinating infographic about water: specifically where we get it, and how we use this crucial resource.
- The Jewish Week published an article about the Magen Tzedek, a new “Seal of Justice” that assures customers that the food and other products they buy are made with good ethics in mind.
by Leah Koenig | February 10, 2012 | 0 comments
Ears: the most powerful tool for effective service. Photo by Alberto.. via CC
Shabbat Service is a weekly bit of Torah-inspired do-gooding, brought to you by Repair the World and our grantee-partner American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Read on to see how these ancient stories can apply today. Seem far fetched? Check it out:
The story: In this week’s parsha (Torah portion), Yitro, Moses receives an unexpected visitor. Yitro, a priest of Midian (and Moses’ father-in-law) visits him to check out Moses’ leadership of the newly freed Israelites. After surveying for a bit, he ultimately delivers the following critique: “The thing which you are doing is not good.” Considering Yitro does not live amongst the Israelites, it’s a pretty bold statement for him to make. And yet, as an elder and Moses’ father-in-law, he also offers his viewpoint from a place of authority.
The takeaway: According to this week’s AJWS author, Adina Roth, Yitro’s status as an insider/outsider offers “a powerful model for global justice work.” When working with people outside of our own community, especially on justice issues, it can be all too easy to make sweeping assertions about how to fix things based on limited observation. Instead, Roth writes, “we need to visit [people's] communities and listen to their stories” before we can truly help. In other words, as volunteers and as advocates for change, it is imperative to keep a sense of humbleness and a pair of open ears.
The “to-do”: More and more, justice and human rights organizations are beginning to understand that, in order to make effective change they must listen carefully to and work directly with the people they are helping. No organization understands this better than American Jewish World Service, which collaborates closely with on-the-ground partner organizations in all of the countries they assist – from Ethiopia to El Salvador. Get involved with AJWS through one of their service learning programs, or make a donation to support their global service work.
Read the full Torah commentary, on which this excerpt is based, over at AJWS’ website.
by Leah Koenig | February 9, 2012 | 0 comments
Teens at last year's Jewish Multiracial Network retreat.
February is Black History Month – a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements of black Americans, and recognizing the central role they have played in U.S. history. The month honors leaders and heroes in every field from civil rights activists like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr. and politicians like Barbara Jordan, to scientists like George Washington Carver and beloved writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.
More recently, the month has taken on additional meaning by becoming a time to celebrate today’s young black leaders who continue to make history every day. Take, for example, The Root’s Young Futurists contest, which each year highlights the achievements of 25 young black innovators from around the country – from a 17-year old pilot to a teen media mogul and an clean air activist.
Celebrate Black History Month by partaking in some of the following activities:
- Museum hopping: Take yourself, friends, and/or your family to a science, art, history, sports, or fill-in-the-blank museum to learn about all the tremendous contributions of African-Americans.
- Educate yourself through a Bio-Doc: In honor of Black History Month, Biography TV is dedicating their line-up to honor some of the great African Americans of our time. Don’t have a tv? No worries! Watch full episodes on their site, like this one of Barack Obama.
- Attend a storytelling: Storytelling, the oral tradition of passing down tales from generation to generation, has kept cultural heritage alive for centuries. In honor of this tradition, many African-American storytellers are performing during the month of February. Check out your local library or community center to find an event near you.
