Families Give Back
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Submitted by: Felice Category: Engaging in Our Community
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From the moment our kids are born, we guide them to be good, kind Jews, who care for the world and those around them. One of the most powerful ways to give them that connection is through volunteering and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).
Families Connect: Currently, it can be very difficult to find volunteer opportunities for families and youth. We can change that. "Families Give Back" will be a resource for the entire Jewish community, especially young families looking to give back to those around them. We will research all of the Jewish organizations and many other important non-profits throughout Los Angeles to find specific volunteer opportunities appropriate for ages 2-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-18, and their families.
Making a Difference: For a toddler and her parents, that may mean coloring pictures and making cards to distribute at a local Jewish retirement home. For a high school student, that may mean gathering friends to serve food at a homeless shelter on Christmas. Everyone can do something! We will help individuals and groups find opportunities that resonate with them and are ideal for their needs, whether a one-time visit or an ongoing commitment.
Mitzvah Projects & Community Service Hours: Also, we will be a resource for Bar/Bat Mitzvah students looking to be involved in meaningful Mitzvah Projects. While now many kids (and their parents) scramble to choose Mitzvah Projects and fulfill volunteer hours for their school requirements, we will help these young adults find opportunities that are meaningful to THEM, ensuring a positive experience. We will meet with the kids in-person, via phone, or have them fill-out an online questionnaire to learn about their specific interests, strengths, and goals. Then personalized, significant projects/opportunities will be suggested and arranged.
Quarterly Group Events: In addition to helping families and youth find opportunities, we will create them. We will plan quarterly group events for families, exposing them to vital Jewish and other nonprofits that need them. These Mitzvah Days be a chance to learn about a specific cause/charity and incorporate hands-on volunteering at age-appropriate levels in an impactful way. These events will be held in various parts of Los Angeles County from Agoura Hills to Downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach.
This project has many goals and is expected to have a profound impact on the Los Angeles Jewish Community and beyond.
ENSURING THE JEWISH FUTURE Build Jewish Identity: By allowing Jewish children to learn about Tikkun Olam and Mitzvot from an early age, there is a higher probability they will continue with a life of giving and a connection to Judaism. Also, providing parents and teens with more opportunities to get involved will strengthen their commitment to being Jewish and ensure that they continue these traditions of giving with their own families and future generations.
ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY Provide a Vital Resource to Parents & Young Adults: The collective resources to be available at "Families Give Back" are not available anywhere else. Parents and students will be more inclined to look for interesting and accessible opportunities if they know there is a "one-stop shop" where they can get all of their questions answered and multiple opportunities presented.
Reach Unaffiliated Jewish Families: The quarterly Mitzvah Days and other services will be marketed to all Jews, with a special emphasis put on those who are unaffiliated. While they may not be inclined to attend Shabbat services or participate in more religious activities, volunteering is an outstanding way for them to learn more about the vital services provided by the Jewish community and connect with other Jewish families.
Build Friendships Among Jewish Families of All Sects: Jews of all backgrounds and denominations will come together to make a difference and make friends in the process.
Mitzvah Havurahs: Circles of friends will be inspired to create Mitzvah Havurahs, planning ongoing volunteer opportunities within their schools and communities.
CARING FOR JEWS IN NEED More Jews Volunteering in the Jewish Community: Right now, many Jews are looking for ways to volunteer and connect in the Jewish community, but don't know where to find the resources to do so. We will let them know about opportunities that directly help Jews in need from visiting the elderly to delivering meals to the hungry. From sending Hanukkah care packages to soldiers to celebrating birthdays with kids in homeless shelters. There is so much to be done. We just need to get the word out!
We Are ALL Jews In Need: While there are many Jews that are in desperate need of basics like food, clothing, and shelter, we all are in need of one thing... purpose. Volunteering and bettering the lives of others gives us that purpose. It makes our lives more fulfilling, lifts our spirits, and makes us better people personally, professionally, and as Jews.
This project is new and innovative in many ways:
An Unparalleled Resource: "Families Give Back" will develop an expansive database of volunteer opportunities available to Jews of all ages, from toddler and beyond. It can be utilized by everyone from parents, teachers, and rabbis to students seeking community service hours.
Access: The nonprofit information and volunteer opportunities will be accessible in a variety of ways, from face-to-face meetings to online access highlighting upcoming events and opportunities and giving users the ability to sign up from their computers.
A Service to Local Jewish Nonprofits: We will encourage nonprofits to evaluate their volunteer needs and designate which opportunities are ideal for which age groups. That information will be passed along to Jews looking to volunteer, and will, in turn, bring these nonprofits more awareness, volunteers and philanthropic support.
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What can we do as a community to improve the world?
Tikkun olam, a Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world", asks that very question.
Submissions in this category should consider ideas that promote social justice and volunteerism within the community.
1. ProjectMOT, sending holiday care packages to our deployed American Jewish troops
2. Amir
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