Volunteer Summer
Serve. Learn. Build. Connect.
AJWS Volunteer Summer is a program of service, study and personal growth for Jewish young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Participants pursue justice in solidarity with AJWS partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the developing world, promote social change in their home communities and explore the relationship between social justice, volunteer service and Judaism.
The program begins with a seven-week summer volunteer experience abroad in a rural area of Africa, Asia or the Americas. In collaboration with local grassroots NGOs, participants work side-by-side with community members on projects that help build infrastructure and sustainability, like laying irrigation systems, building schools and community centers and planting trees or crops. As part of this service-learning experience, the group gathers each day to study social justice and international development-related topics through a Jewish lens. At the end of each week, the group plans and celebrates a pluralistic Shabbat together, creating additional time for growth and reflection.
After the summer overseas, participants return to their communities inspired by what they have seen and accomplished, and prepared to advocate for social change at home. The program continues throughout the year with retreats and opportunities for public speaking, writing, advocacy and volunteer service to keep activism alive at home and on campus.
Volunteer Testimonial
Rebecca Parad volunteered abroad in India and shares how her experience influenced her career aspirations and changed her perspective on health care.
How to Apply
Volunteer Summer 2012: Summer 2012 Application
Application Deadline: The deadline for Volunteer Summer 2012 applications is March 14, 2012.
Program Dates: The program runs from June 17 to August 10. Orientation will be in New York City from June 17 to June 19, with participants leaving for their country of service on June 19. Participants will return to the United States August 7 for a three day training that runs through August 10. The second training will take place in February/March 2013.
Program Locations: Volunteer Summer high school students will travel to Ghana. Volunteer Summer college students will travel to Uganda, India, or Peru. The first training will take place in Connecticut. The second training will take place in Washington, DC.
Information Sessions
The information session will be available in mid-February 2012.
For more information about volunteering through AJWS, please contact us at volunteer@ajws.org or 212.792.2888.
AJWS Volunteer Summer is generously supported by Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, Dorot Foundation, Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation, Gottesman Fund, Morningstar Foundation, Repair the World, and Sarlo Foundation.
