In a new study, sent to me by Stefanie Zelkind from the Jewish Teen Funders Network, we can learn some key findings from a study conducted on 15 year olds about their interests. More important, what we can see is that teens are more engaged and able to polish leadership skills with a strong adult mentor in their lives. The study can be found here:
https://www.at15.com/sites/all/themes/at15_v3/_assets/pdf/TeenVoice2010.pdf
Take a look and let me know what you think... especially you teens!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Welcome to Gail Herson!
Please welcome Gail Herson to the Jewish Youth Tzedakah Foundation as the new program director. Gail has been involved in Jewish education in Dallas for many years and is very pleased to be working on the Foundation. She brings great ideas and enthusiasm to her work and is looking forward to being at the helm.
Please welcome Gail!
Please welcome Gail!
2010-2011 Foundation Members Accepted
We are proud to announce the incoming members of the Foundation for the 2010-2011 year, the Foundation's third year. Take a look at the right side of the blog homepage and you will see their names listed. We have 23 eager young people signed up to create the Foundation for the coming year. These teens come from all over the Dallas area, from many different schools and perspectives. This year promises to be fun, interesting, thought-provoking, and of course, good for the Jewish community!
We cannot wait to meet you and get started on the year!
We cannot wait to meet you and get started on the year!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Grants ceremony 2010
If you were able to join us on Tuesday evening, then you know how wonderful this Foundation is and you were certainly impressed by their presentations and the decisions they made together. If you were not able to join us, we had a wonderful program that highlighted the accomplishments of these teens and the impact their decisions will make on our Jewish community. You are likely wondering, 'where did they make their donations?!' I am pleased to announce the following decisions:
Jewish Family Service Food Pantry: $3,000
Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association (College loan program): $6,000
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) (Asylum cases support): $1,000
All of these donations represent the the time and consideration of the teens, who together reviewed 12 grant requests totalling over $100,000! They made these decisions with great care, and special concern for the people who would be impacted by the funds.
I think that you will agree that with these teens as the rising leaders in our community, we are in for a bright future.
Jewish Family Service Food Pantry: $3,000
Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association (College loan program): $6,000
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) (Asylum cases support): $1,000
All of these donations represent the the time and consideration of the teens, who together reviewed 12 grant requests totalling over $100,000! They made these decisions with great care, and special concern for the people who would be impacted by the funds.
I think that you will agree that with these teens as the rising leaders in our community, we are in for a bright future.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May update
It's been pretty quiet on the blog recently... the Foundation has been hard at work to determine where to allocate their funds. May's meeting was our last for this Foundation group, and it was an interesting process! We started reviewing all of the grant applications just to make sure that we all were clear about the organizations and the grant requests. We then moved on to each person casting an anonymous vote for each grant request. Once we tallied up the first round, the discussions began. Interesting views came to light and each person was given opportunities to weigh in as the process moved forward. The group selected three of the organizations rather early on in the process. I personally thought, 'that did not take as long as i thought it would...' but the group was far from done! As they discussed how to allocate the $10,000 to these three organizations, I was very impressed by their reasoning, the respect they had for each other, and the careful considerations of the individuals who would be impacted by their dollars. It was a genuine display of teens with heart and mind focused on the greater good.
I know you are wondering, 'o.k., so where did they donate the money??' My lips are sealed (as it were) until the answers are revealed at tonight's grants ceremony. If you are planning to attend, I know that you will be impressed and inspired by the work the teens have done this year. I know that you will learn something about giving, the Jewish world, and why we should feel good about these teens assuming positions of leadership in our community.
Stay tuned to learn about where the funds were donated!
I know you are wondering, 'o.k., so where did they donate the money??' My lips are sealed (as it were) until the answers are revealed at tonight's grants ceremony. If you are planning to attend, I know that you will be impressed and inspired by the work the teens have done this year. I know that you will learn something about giving, the Jewish world, and why we should feel good about these teens assuming positions of leadership in our community.
Stay tuned to learn about where the funds were donated!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Kenny blogs on our April meeting
As we approach the conclusion of this year’s Jewish Youth Tzedakah Organization, we must seriously consider how we plan on benefiting the Jewish community. We could devote all $10,000 in support of one cause, or we could divide the funds in order of each grant requests' importance. This decision is not to be made hastily; because of that, we listened as several organizations presented their pitch on why they deserve this money more than others and how they plan to effectively use it.
First, we heard from Marc Jacobson of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) promoting their anti-poverty campaign. Due to the economic recession, Jews need to come together and focus on helping the poor. Jacobson stated that this we need to give special attention to poverty because of our Jewish ethics and values. The next candidate was Dorothy Wolchansky from the Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association (DHFLA). This organization funds students in need of money for under-graduate through professional level schooling. The funds are paid back without interest and circulate to the next student in need of a loan. The third representative was Amy Walton from Jewish Family Services (JFS). They promoted their direct interaction with clients. Their contributions are, as they stated, “life-changing” with programs such as their food bank for hungry Jewish families. The final presentation was from Doug Edelson and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). This relief organization aids in the asylum of refugees seeking a better life here in America. Their primary focus is on Yemenite Jews and they are very capable as they have an operating budget of $26 million annually.
First, we heard from Marc Jacobson of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) promoting their anti-poverty campaign. Due to the economic recession, Jews need to come together and focus on helping the poor. Jacobson stated that this we need to give special attention to poverty because of our Jewish ethics and values. The next candidate was Dorothy Wolchansky from the Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association (DHFLA). This organization funds students in need of money for under-graduate through professional level schooling. The funds are paid back without interest and circulate to the next student in need of a loan. The third representative was Amy Walton from Jewish Family Services (JFS). They promoted their direct interaction with clients. Their contributions are, as they stated, “life-changing” with programs such as their food bank for hungry Jewish families. The final presentation was from Doug Edelson and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). This relief organization aids in the asylum of refugees seeking a better life here in America. Their primary focus is on Yemenite Jews and they are very capable as they have an operating budget of $26 million annually.
Monday, March 22, 2010
What would you do with $10?
O.k., around here we think a lot about $10,000... so let's step back a bit and consider what we might do with $10. Or, we could ask someone who has been giving away $10 a day since December... did i mention he is unemployed? Why is he doing this, what has he learned, and what do the recipients do with the 10 bucks he gives to them?
Check it out: http://yearofgiving.wordpress.com/
Check it out: http://yearofgiving.wordpress.com/
From Facebook to.....
One of the founders of Facebook is on to a new venture, one that is sure to earn him even more notoriety. The next time you hear someone say that young people are up to no good, tell them to check this out:
Chronicle of Philanthropy
March 18, 2010
Facebook Co-Founder Starts Philanthropic Social-Networking Site
By Nicole Wallace
One of the whiz kids behind Facebook is turning his attention to the nonprofit world.
Chris Hughes co-founded the social-networking giant with two roommates as a Harvard undergraduate, and later served as director of online organizing for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Today Mr. Hughes, now 26, announced that his next project will be Jumo, a new social network set to start in the fall that will help people find causes and nonprofit organizations that they care about.
“People have a genuine desire to engage with the world around them in a meaningful way, but the Internet just hasn’t yet caught up with that desire yet,” he said in an interview.
Jumo—which means "together in concert” in Yoruba, a West African language—will be designed to take advantage of content that has already been created elsewhere and offer robust tools for sharing content, says Mr. Hughes.
“The last thing I want to do is add yet another site to a nonprofit’s plate,” he says. “I don’t want them to have to go to yet another destination to share who they are and the work that they’re doing.”
Jumo incorporated as a nonprofit organization this year, and has applied for tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.
The organization hopes to raise a little more than $2-million to start the site. Mr. Hughes says the group has raised more than $500,000 from individuals so far and has had early talks with several grant makers, including the Ford, John S. and James L. Knight, and Rockefeller Foundations.
Wide-Ranging Questions
Jumo seeks in the coming months to attract visitors who will help the site make it easier for people to find opportunities to give, volunteer, and advocate in ways that best suit their interests.
People who visit the site now and express interest in finding out more are asked a series of wide-ranging questions that gauges their personal interests, likes and dislikes, and political beliefs.
Among the questions:
• “Would you say the world is getting better or worse?”
• “Which of these places would you most like to visit? Argentina, France, India, or Kenya?”
• “On Sunday, are you most likely to be: at brunch, at church, at a museum, or watching the big game?”
The site will analyze how people who had similar answers respond to different causes and different giving and volunteering opportunities, and then use the information to determine what is most likely to appeal to them.
The main objective, says Mr. Hughes, is to connect people to the issues and organizations that are likely to interest them as quickly as possible.
“What I want to do is reach a point where people can’t say, 'I want to help. I don’t know any good, meaningful opportunities to do so. What can I do?’” he says. “I want to create a world where that statement is no longer possible.”
Chronicle of Philanthropy
March 18, 2010
Facebook Co-Founder Starts Philanthropic Social-Networking Site
By Nicole Wallace
One of the whiz kids behind Facebook is turning his attention to the nonprofit world.
Chris Hughes co-founded the social-networking giant with two roommates as a Harvard undergraduate, and later served as director of online organizing for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Today Mr. Hughes, now 26, announced that his next project will be Jumo, a new social network set to start in the fall that will help people find causes and nonprofit organizations that they care about.
“People have a genuine desire to engage with the world around them in a meaningful way, but the Internet just hasn’t yet caught up with that desire yet,” he said in an interview.
Jumo—which means "together in concert” in Yoruba, a West African language—will be designed to take advantage of content that has already been created elsewhere and offer robust tools for sharing content, says Mr. Hughes.
“The last thing I want to do is add yet another site to a nonprofit’s plate,” he says. “I don’t want them to have to go to yet another destination to share who they are and the work that they’re doing.”
Jumo incorporated as a nonprofit organization this year, and has applied for tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.
The organization hopes to raise a little more than $2-million to start the site. Mr. Hughes says the group has raised more than $500,000 from individuals so far and has had early talks with several grant makers, including the Ford, John S. and James L. Knight, and Rockefeller Foundations.
Wide-Ranging Questions
Jumo seeks in the coming months to attract visitors who will help the site make it easier for people to find opportunities to give, volunteer, and advocate in ways that best suit their interests.
People who visit the site now and express interest in finding out more are asked a series of wide-ranging questions that gauges their personal interests, likes and dislikes, and political beliefs.
Among the questions:
• “Would you say the world is getting better or worse?”
• “Which of these places would you most like to visit? Argentina, France, India, or Kenya?”
• “On Sunday, are you most likely to be: at brunch, at church, at a museum, or watching the big game?”
The site will analyze how people who had similar answers respond to different causes and different giving and volunteering opportunities, and then use the information to determine what is most likely to appeal to them.
The main objective, says Mr. Hughes, is to connect people to the issues and organizations that are likely to interest them as quickly as possible.
“What I want to do is reach a point where people can’t say, 'I want to help. I don’t know any good, meaningful opportunities to do so. What can I do?’” he says. “I want to create a world where that statement is no longer possible.”
Friday, March 12, 2010
Jacob blogs on our March meeting
During our March meeting we started to research and consider the agencies that have requested grants. The focus for most of the meetings prior to this one has been learning about tzedakah and learning about what we are going to do. At this meeting we started doing it. One or two people were assigned to each of the agencies that had requested grants. We all researched our agencies online, and answered several short, but informative questions about each agency. Then a short presentation was given for each agency, and the members of the foundation could ask any questions to the other member/s who researched the agency.
At this meeting we really started to get to know the agencies. We were asked not to judge the agencies or form any opinions yet, the meeting was solely based on gaining information about each agency so that we can make informed decisions about where we want to donate our money. Next meeting we will start to hear from representatives from the agencies themselves.
At this meeting we really started to get to know the agencies. We were asked not to judge the agencies or form any opinions yet, the meeting was solely based on gaining information about each agency so that we can make informed decisions about where we want to donate our money. Next meeting we will start to hear from representatives from the agencies themselves.
Ilana blogs on our March meeting
Last Sunday’s meeting was the first meeting where we began reviewing the grant requests. There were many requests, including some that were unfamiliar to most of us before the meeting. Miranda felt that it was necessary for our foundation to understand the background of each organization. In order for us to be more knowledgeable about these organizations, we split up to research the organizations and see if they are worth our money, and if they fit our mission statements.
My group researched an organization called H.I.A.S. (short for Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). H.I.A.S. provides service to Jewish immigrants, refugees, and others in need. There are H.I.A.S organizations around the world, including one in the United States. The H.I.A.S. in the United States helps resettle refugees, assists to reunite those that have been separated, and provides scholarships for refugees.
After everyone researched a different organization, each member took turns explaining the organization that he or she researched. Following each presentation, numerous members asked questions to gain a better understanding of the organizations. Many of us have already begun to think about which organization we think deserves our tzedaka. However, there are still a few months for that process and we plan on taking it step by step.
My group researched an organization called H.I.A.S. (short for Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). H.I.A.S. provides service to Jewish immigrants, refugees, and others in need. There are H.I.A.S organizations around the world, including one in the United States. The H.I.A.S. in the United States helps resettle refugees, assists to reunite those that have been separated, and provides scholarships for refugees.
After everyone researched a different organization, each member took turns explaining the organization that he or she researched. Following each presentation, numerous members asked questions to gain a better understanding of the organizations. Many of us have already begun to think about which organization we think deserves our tzedaka. However, there are still a few months for that process and we plan on taking it step by step.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Jayme blogs on our February meeting
This past Sunday, February 21, our foundation came together to continue our learning process. The session started off with a guest speaker from Israel named Noam Zion. He spoke to us about Maimonides levels of tzedakah and explained to us some of the difficulties that people face when giving tzedakah. He made us realize that giving tzedakah is not always easy for many reasons. First of all, it is hard for some people to receive tzedakah because they may feel inferior and they don’t like having to rely on others. Also, the biggest question for the giver is whether or not to give anonymously. We learned about the different sides of this argument through a story about Mar Ukba. If you give anonymously then you do not attract attention to yourself and you don’t have to receive praise from anyone, while if you are not anonymous then the person might continue asking for more help than you are wanting to give or ask you to help others.
After Noam left, each of us listed three things that we think are problems in the world. Some common responses were poverty, education, Darfur, and environmental concerns. Next we split into groups and each group assessed the importance of different aspects of where we want to give our money. We talked about location, if we want to give specifically to Jews, and what we are looking for in a charity. We decided that we would like to give to a very close location to a charity that is either for Jews or non-Jews. We also want our charity to have been successful in previous tasks and it is preferable that it has been around for a while. That sums up our meeting! We are looking forward to getting our proposals back the next time we get together!
After Noam left, each of us listed three things that we think are problems in the world. Some common responses were poverty, education, Darfur, and environmental concerns. Next we split into groups and each group assessed the importance of different aspects of where we want to give our money. We talked about location, if we want to give specifically to Jews, and what we are looking for in a charity. We decided that we would like to give to a very close location to a charity that is either for Jews or non-Jews. We also want our charity to have been successful in previous tasks and it is preferable that it has been around for a while. That sums up our meeting! We are looking forward to getting our proposals back the next time we get together!
Elan blogs on our February meeting
On February 21, we had a Jewish Youth Tzedaka meeting, bare with me as I try to relay everything we did during this meeting. We had the privilege of the scholar in residence for Shearith Israel, Noam Zion come and speak to us. He is very knowledgeable in the ways of philanthropy and Tzedaka, and was a pleasure talking to him. He started out by giving us examples of what got him into tzedaka and spoke of his father’s model for giving Tzedaka. We then discussed Maimonides levels of Tzedaka as we went through the significance of each. This topic brought us to a discussion of the difficulties and beauty of giving and receiving Tzedaka. Noam (which he specifically told us to call him) handed out packets, and in these were stories of giving Tzedaka. One example was a story about Mar Ukva who was a wealthy man living in a not very wealthy town. He wanted to give Tzedaka, but for reasons we later discussed wouldn’t allow the recipient to ever know who was granting them the money. This prompted a discussion on pride vs. charity. After a long discussion and many things left on our mind, Noam left us.
Each of us then had to think of three things we would want to change in the world. The answers varied greatly from plastic waste to events in Darfur. We then discussed reasons why people wouldn’t help out, because most of these things could easily be prevented. We decided the reasons were: People are busy, they don’t want to put in the effort, relevance to their own lives, helpless, lazy, decide someone else will do it, and don’t see the personal enjoyment in it. After this activity we talked about how the proposals are coming in, and what needs to happen as they come in. This is a basic summary of our meeting, tune in next month to see how the proposal process is working out for us!
Each of us then had to think of three things we would want to change in the world. The answers varied greatly from plastic waste to events in Darfur. We then discussed reasons why people wouldn’t help out, because most of these things could easily be prevented. We decided the reasons were: People are busy, they don’t want to put in the effort, relevance to their own lives, helpless, lazy, decide someone else will do it, and don’t see the personal enjoyment in it. After this activity we talked about how the proposals are coming in, and what needs to happen as they come in. This is a basic summary of our meeting, tune in next month to see how the proposal process is working out for us!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ali blogs on our January meeting
On January 10th, at the Jewish Tzedaka foundation meeting, we had a speaker from the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation named Marna Edenson. She spoke to us about how the Federation and the Foundation work together, and how their donors decide where to give money to.
After she left, we split up into groups and discussed different topics. The topic my group discussed was Pidyon Shvuyim, which means freeing captured Jews. Most of us felt that it was extremely necessary for the Israelis to do anything they can to get back their captured Jewish soldiers. One of the other groups had the topic of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured on 25 June 2006 by Palestinian militants in a cross-border raid. Most of us also said that the Israelis should do anything they can to get him back, although in order to do that, we in turn have to give back 1,000 Palestinian soldiers. I personally think it is imperative that we get him back, because if it was me I would be hoping and praying that my family, and country would do anything in their power to get me home.
After this we split into new groups and looked up organizations, and places we can donate our money. My group looked up a soup kitchen in Israel, that helps unprivileged families. We concluded the meeting by discussing the organizations every group looked up, and found many great places that we will consider giving our money to.
After she left, we split up into groups and discussed different topics. The topic my group discussed was Pidyon Shvuyim, which means freeing captured Jews. Most of us felt that it was extremely necessary for the Israelis to do anything they can to get back their captured Jewish soldiers. One of the other groups had the topic of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured on 25 June 2006 by Palestinian militants in a cross-border raid. Most of us also said that the Israelis should do anything they can to get him back, although in order to do that, we in turn have to give back 1,000 Palestinian soldiers. I personally think it is imperative that we get him back, because if it was me I would be hoping and praying that my family, and country would do anything in their power to get me home.
After this we split into new groups and looked up organizations, and places we can donate our money. My group looked up a soup kitchen in Israel, that helps unprivileged families. We concluded the meeting by discussing the organizations every group looked up, and found many great places that we will consider giving our money to.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jillian blogs on our January meeting
To kickoff our meeting, we welcomed guest speaker Marna Edenson from the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation.
Next, we split up into three groups to learn about Chesed, Pidyon Shvuyim, and Gilad Shalit. Although the three topics are seemingly unrelated, they are actually interconnected with one another. The value of Chesed teaches us to be selfless, and the commandment of Pidyon Shvuyim instructs us to free any captured Jews, no matter the cost. Gilad Shalit is an abducted Israeli Sergeant, kept in Hamas’ clutches for over three years. According to the two principles we discussed, Israel should do everything within its power to have Shalit freed. However, there’s a catch: in order for him to be brought home, Hamas is demanding the release of 1,000 Palestinian terrorists from Israel’s prisons. As a group, we had a heated debate over whether Israel should refuse the negotiation and protect its civilians from future attacks, or listen to our morals and free Shalit. Personally, I feel Israel should accept the swap, despite the threat it might pose and the country’s vow to not negotiate with terrorists. How would you feel in Gilad Shalit’s position? His faith in all of us to fight for his freedom his what keeps him alive day to day. Do we want his blood on our hands?
Finally, we had an opportunity to research various charities to donate our funds to later this year. Everyone was reminded to keep the organizations within the boundaries of our mission statement. Aside from beneficiaries based in the United States, we looked at those aiding the impoverished of Israel and Jews worldwide. I am certain we will continue to search for the deserving charities.
Next, we split up into three groups to learn about Chesed, Pidyon Shvuyim, and Gilad Shalit. Although the three topics are seemingly unrelated, they are actually interconnected with one another. The value of Chesed teaches us to be selfless, and the commandment of Pidyon Shvuyim instructs us to free any captured Jews, no matter the cost. Gilad Shalit is an abducted Israeli Sergeant, kept in Hamas’ clutches for over three years. According to the two principles we discussed, Israel should do everything within its power to have Shalit freed. However, there’s a catch: in order for him to be brought home, Hamas is demanding the release of 1,000 Palestinian terrorists from Israel’s prisons. As a group, we had a heated debate over whether Israel should refuse the negotiation and protect its civilians from future attacks, or listen to our morals and free Shalit. Personally, I feel Israel should accept the swap, despite the threat it might pose and the country’s vow to not negotiate with terrorists. How would you feel in Gilad Shalit’s position? His faith in all of us to fight for his freedom his what keeps him alive day to day. Do we want his blood on our hands?
Finally, we had an opportunity to research various charities to donate our funds to later this year. Everyone was reminded to keep the organizations within the boundaries of our mission statement. Aside from beneficiaries based in the United States, we looked at those aiding the impoverished of Israel and Jews worldwide. I am certain we will continue to search for the deserving charities.
New Year, New Knowledge
January's meeting was packed with interesting ideas, debates, and new perspectives. We welcomed Marna Edenson from the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation to our group to help us understand the critical work they do to support our growing community. We tossed around some moral and spiritual ideas, as well. We ended our meeting beginning the exploration of non-profit organizations that benefit our community. Jillian's post will clue you in!
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