Social Justice

Selah is accepting applications - and nominations!

by: Erica Brody

Fri Aug 06, 2010 at 09:00:00 AM EDT

Know a great social change leader? Why not nominate him or her for the Selah Executive Cohort! It just takes a second.

96% of participants would strongly recommend Selah to colleagues.

Selah: It doesn't have to be lonely at the top. In fact, it shouldn't be.

Like social change, leadership is about engaging others: sustaining and cultivating communities and movements, inspiring others to give their best, and fulfilling your vision and your organization's mission.

Jewish Funds for Justice is proud to announce Selah's newest cohort: the Executive Cohort, exclusively designed for experienced Jewish social change leaders. The Executive Cohort provides unparalleled training for senior leaders, new tools to enhance your vision and facilitate organizational change, and the opportunity to learn among some of the nation's most innovative and inspiring Jewish social change leaders. After all, no social justice leader works alone.

Applications are now online for Selah's Executive Cohort. The highly competitive application process is open to Jews interested in exploring the connections between social justice and Judaism who have at least 10 to 15 years of experience. Learn more about Selah, complete an application, or nominate someone you know.

Applications are due September 27, 2010.

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'Positive change in the face of skepticism and doubt'

by: Erica Brody

Fri Jul 02, 2010 at 15:33:02 PM EDT

Even as the New York state legislature offends those it represents by heading off into the holiday weekend without passing a budget -- now three months overdue -- they've done something fairly amazing this week, as noted yesterday on Jspot, something that sets just the kind of precedent that makes us happy.

Here's how New York's Governor Patterson descirbed it in a statement issued last night:

Today, both houses of the Legislature passed legislation that truly  deserves to be called historic. It would make New York the first State in the nation to enshrine in law the basic rights of a class of  workers that has historically and wrongfully been excluded from such  protections: the domestic workers who care for our children, clean our  homes, and provide the elderly with companionship. Their work is of  incalculable value, yet our laws have failed to recognize it. This  bill would change that, and serve as a model for such change on a national scale....
Most of all, I must express my  gratitude to the thousands of individual domestic workers who  organized and fought for this legislation. They provide all of us with  an example of how individuals can, through struggle and dedication,  bring about positive change in the face of skepticism and doubt. This  achievement belongs to them, and I will be pleased to sign it into law  on their behalf.

And while we're sad to see that a few of the bill's original provisions didn't make it into the final law, we're thrilled that 200,000 domestic workers will enjoy more rights, along with more of the same benefits and protections enjoyed by other workers, like worker compensation, anti-discrimination law, and access to unemployment insurance.

A huge congratulations to Domestic Workers United, a JFSJ grantee without which this victory might not be New York's to celebrate.

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Introducing the Selah Executive Cohort

by: Erica Brody

Wed Jun 23, 2010 at 12:41:34 PM EDT

Taking Jewish social justice leaders from strength to strength.

It doesn't have to be lonely at the top. In fact, it shouldn't be.

That's why Jewish Funds for Justice is launching the
Selah Executive Cohort, designed for Jewish professionals dedicated to social change who have at least 10 to 15 years of experience.

The Executive Cohort provides unparalleled training for senior leaders, new tools to enhance your vision and facilitate organizational change, and the opportunity to learn among some of the nation's most innovative and inspiring Jewish social change leaders. After all, no social justice leader works alone.

The Selah Approach
The Selah Leadership Program is rooted in the belief that by transforming leaders, we are better able to transform society. Selah’s Executive Cohort will bring 22 to 26 social change leaders together for eight days of intensive leadership and management training over six months. Selah approaches this learning process on three levels: the person, the organization, and the field, integrating individual development, organizational effectiveness, and collaboration skills.

The application proces is highly competitive and open to Jews interested in exploring the connections between social justice and Judaism.

Are you a senior leader in a Jewish or secular organization? Then the Seleah Executive Cohort might be for you! Learn more or apply today.

Know a great social change leader? If so, please spread the word about the Selah Executive Cohort!

96% of participants would strongly recommend Selah to colleagues!

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PJA's Jeremiah Fellowship 2010-11

by: pjalliance

Tue Jun 15, 2010 at 14:59:49 PM EDT

Jeremiah Fellowship

www.JeremiahFellowship.com; www.pjalliance.org

The Jeremiah Fellowship of the Progressive Jewish Alliance educates and trains a select group of emerging Jewish leaders to become the next generation of Jewish social justice change-makers.

Participate in the Jeremiah Fellowship:

Access a dynamic network of organizers, advocates, rabbis, visionaries and renowned scholars.

Empower yourself through in-depth training in professional and leadership skills.

Expand your knowledge of Jewish tradition, text and history to put ethics into action.

Develop tangible organizing and activism skills within a Jewish context.

Explore your city through the intersection of social justice, Jewish values, and leadership.

Build a lasting community of vibrant and engaged leaders. 

The Jeremiah Fellowship is a 9 month program that runs from September through June.  Fellows come together for two weekday evenings per month and several weekend experiences in the field, and participate in two weekend-long retreats. The program culminates with the Jeremiah Challenge, a self-directed and community-based action project.  After the Fellowship, participants are invited to join the Alumni Network to stay engaged, informed and connected.

Apply Today.  PJA is now accepting applications for the 2010-11 Los Angeles Jeremiah Fellowship and are due Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by 3pm. 

For more information about the Jeremiah Fellowship go to www.JeremiahFellowship.org

Jeremiah Quote
 

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Are Jews the New Wasps?

by: Mae Singerman

Tue May 11, 2010 at 14:38:11 PM EDT

If you're a social justice-minded Jew, are you concerned that although Jews make up only about 2% of the US population, with Elena Kagan's appointment, Jews will make up 1/3 of the Supreme Court?

If you're cool with that fact, is it because:
she's Jewish and you're Jewish or because you think Jews are smarter/more fair than the general population or because you think Jews are morally superior to other white people?

 

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PJA Summer Internships, 2010

by: pjalliance

Thu Apr 15, 2010 at 13:21:02 PM EDT

Summer Internship
Los Angeles

The Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA), a dynamic and growing statewide organization dedicated to the Jewish traditions of pursuing peace, promoting equality and diversity and working for social and economic justice, seeks summer interns for its Los Angeles office.  

PJA summer interns work with the PJA staff on a variety of campaigns and development projects, depending on interest and need.  Possible areas of focus may include (but are not limited to):

Economic and Worker Justice
Muslim-Jewish Community-Building
Young Professional Leadership Development and Engagement
Development and Fundraising
Membership Recruitment and Engagement
General Office Support

This unpaid internship is a great opportunity for anyone interested in social justice, Jewish tradition, and the nexus of the two.  We seek creative, organized, and energetic self-starters with a passion for social justice. Writing and verbal communication skills highly desired.  In exchange for your contribution of time and energy, we offer a unique and vibrant learning environment with a knowledgeable and friendly staff.  Tasks may include organizing and attending community meetings, event planning and implementation, program research, marketing, and data-entry.   And while some tasks can be administrative, we hope to create a balance of our current projects and your interests.  

School credit may be available (depending on your school’s requirements).

For more information about our programs, please go to our website at www.pjalliance.org.

Our office is located in the Olympic and Fairfax area.  As some work takes place outside of the office (meetings, events, etc.), access to a car is preferable.

Please email cover letter, resume, and your availability to jfeldman@pjalliance.org or fax to: (323) 761-8355 attn: Josh Feldman.

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Glenn Beck's Attack on Social Justice

by: Erica Brody

Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 13:55:02 PM EDT

The Tea Party, Glenn Beck, and social justice have been generating a lot of headlines and conversation of late in response to comments Beck made earlier this month. And now JFSJ's making our own!

From the Daily Beast:

Outrage is building over the Fox News host’s claim that churches advocating “social justice” are using code words for Nazism and communism. Now a Jewish group is fighting back—through haiku......

On Wednesday, JFSJ launched HaikuGlennBeck.com, a site where readers can submit haiku responses to Beck’s “social justice” quote. Chief Strategy Officer Mik Moore said his site will feature a parallel campaign on Twitter using the hashtag #becku, and celebrities are expected to contribute as well. Comedian Nick Kroll has already offered a poem to accompany the launch.

Read the whole article.

From JFSJ President and CEO Simon Greer, right here on Jspot, in case you missed it.

Meet Pam and Carol. Two women facing similar problems. Pam's son lost his job, then his house. Carol faced foreclosure on her home. They both went looking for help. That's where their stories diverge.

Worried about her family, Pam went looking for answers. She found the Tea Party.

Scared to lose her home, Carol also went looking for answers. She found Hope Community Credit Union.

Read the whole post.

While paradies and protests abound, here are some highlights.

Jon Stewart's Response to Beck, replete with blackboard and swastikas. 

Stephen Colbert's take-down.

Bob Herbert, in the New York Times, on Tea Party "lowlife" behavior -- spitting, epithets, and the like.

Color of Change has a campaign addressing over-the-top Tea Party racism.

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Happy Friday!

by: Mae Singerman

Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 15:12:02 PM EDT

It's Friday and I have good news to share:

1. Yesterday I went to a large demonstration  at Trader Joes in Union Square for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), demanding Trader Joes to pay a penny more per pound of tomatoes picked in their fields. So inspiring to go to a demo when you know there's precedent and power to actually make it happen.Trader Joes should agree now and move on, cause it's in the bag.

2. The first five people who showed up- Jews! Timely and concerned...two awesome qualitiies. Go Jews!

3.There were awesome musicians playing Son Jarocho...definitely a crowd pleaser. Son Jarocho is a traditional musical style of Veracruz, a Mexican state along the Gulf of Mexico. Lots of Son Jarocho players seem to love the CIW and social justice. Here's a video of some CIW loving musicians based in Santa Ana that I've come to know through the CIW. 

 

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Passover: A Season for Social Justice

by: racrj

Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 18:38:03 PM EDT

Kate Bigam is the Press Secretary of the Religious Action Center of reform Judaism. This post first appeared at RJ.org.

Passover is rich in social justice themes. It is impossible to study the story of our redemption and not feel compelled to eradicate injustice in the world today. If your family or congregation is looking for a way to engage in social justice advocacy and awareness while remembering the story of our slavery in Egypt, we've got a few suggestions for you.

Is your synagogue already planning something creative and social justice-themed? Leave a comment a let us know!
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Putting your money where your heart is

by: Philip Bump

Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 11:28:58 AM EST

A piece in the Forward provides a good introduction to Tav HaYosher, an ethical seal given to kosher establishments that commit to treat their employees with respect.

The program has lofty ambitions, but is starting at an attainable tier. As the founder of Uri L'Tzedek (the organization that issues the seals) says:
When I went into this, I wanted a living wage, health care, all kinds of benefits, but came to realize that even the most basic things were not being respected.

Three of the 36 establishments granted the seal spoke with the paper, and indicated that the seal has "been a draw" for those committed to ethical standards of employment.

The Tav HaYosher website includes a complete list of certified establishments.
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