JOI

Are you up for a challenge? JOIN us.

Community organizing means developing leaders and bringing people together to form powerful organizations that allow people to act on their own behalf to make systemic changes in their lives. Community organizers are people who want to stir things up to motivate people to act for change, who embrace challenge, and who think strategically about power.

The Jewish Organizing Initiative (JOI) builds a vibrant, pluralistic community of Jewish young adults who learn grassroots community organizing, explore their Jewish identity together, and become leaders in the pursuit of social justice.
Our year-long paid community organizing fellowship is a year of field experience and professional development for young Jewish adults (21-30) who are interested in systemic change and community building.

Applicants: We are looking for passion, commitment, and a drive to work for social justice. We want people who are interested in co-creating a pluralistic Jewish community and who want to know more about their roots and what Judaism teaches about social justice. JOI Fellows are critical thinkers who see problems in the world and have some track record of working to address these issues.

Placement: Fellows work as full-time paid grassroots organizers with organizations in the Boston region that are working for social change. Past placements include the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, UNITE HERE Local 26, Chelsea Neighborhood Housing Services, Jewish Community Relations Council, North Shore Labor Council, Boston Youth Organizing Project, Keshet, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and Stand for Children.

Training: Our JOI training program consists of regular, intensive workshops and reflection on campaign building, power analysis, and building leadership. We focus on topics such as relationship building and developing the leadership of volunteers, and we study Jewish texts and history to give context to the work we do. JOI trainers include veteran organizers, seasoned activists, politicians, rabbis and Jewish professionals. Building a pluralistic Jewish community is also an important component of our program, and once a month Fellows come together to celebrate Shabbat.