|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For whom do I work? JOI fellows work for social change organizations that engage in a wide range of organizing models – interfaith or broad-based organizations, labor unions, neighborhood organizations, community development corporations, issue-based organizations, and others. These organizations address a wide range of social justice issues – housing, children’s rights, anti-discrimination, immigrant rights, health care, to name just a few – but their work includes a common goal: to build power for people who are directly affected by the issues they address. JOI fellows find placement organizations through the JOI Matching process (see “Applying”), by finding organizing jobs on their own, and by coming to JOI with their current organizing job. . How does JOI choose placement organizations? This happens in a number of ways. In some cases JOI approaches organizations we think would make good places to work for justice. In other cases, organizations approach us and ask for a JOI fellow. In some cases we help develop a job and seek funding to allow a new organization to hire a full-time fellow. We try to develop more positions in social justice organizing but funding is difficult. We look for supervisors who can provide a good learning environment for the JOI Fellow, and who can help train the fellow to be an excellent organizer. We look for jobs that are appropriate for people with the experience that the Fellows come with. We look for organizations that do the work of organizing for justice--broadly defined. We look for diversity among the organizations where the fellows will work, since we believe that the Fellows will learn about working for social justice by hearing about a wide variety of methods and approaches to this work. We also encourage applicants to find their own opportunities working for justice.
What do you mean by "community organizing" and "social justice?" 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 salary varies. Some people have or find their own organizing jobs, and if accepted, join the program. In these cases, their salary is completely determined by them. For organizations that want referrals of applicants and hope to hire a JOI fellow, we will require that they pay a minimum of $24,000 per year plus individual health insurance. However, the actual terms of employment will be negotiated solely between the fellow and the organization. We will provide help and coaching on how to do this for anyone who requests it. What are the learning sessions like? We start with a week of residential community building, orientation to JOI and Judaism. We then meet for regular, intensive training, reflection, and community building sessions. There are also other projects during the year and long weekend retreats for additional training and reflection. Group members on their own initiative establish other educational experiences and are welcomed into a wide variety of other community events.
How do I find a social justice job or volunteer opportunity? JOI will be able to refer you to some jobs. We also encourage you to apply to jobs on your own or join the fellowship with a job you already have. Will JOI help me pay off student loans? JOI is committed to making the fellowship accessible to people from all class and economic backgrounds. Fellows have generally been able to defer loans since they are part of an educational program. Can I find my own job? What if I already have a job? You can find your own job or come into the program -- if you are accepted and if the job meets our requirements of "organizing for social justice" - which we define flexibly. The organization must also allow you to join the JOI Fellows weekly for our learning and community building sessions. Where do the JOI fellows work? In the past JOI fellows have worked at places like the following:
JOI connects every fellow to an alumnus of the program who serves as a peer mentor, or JOI Buddy, to the fellow. JOI also works to find other volunteer advisers, resource people and potential mentors for fellows. These are generally older community organizers, activists, non profit leaders, Jewish educators and others. JOI fellows also have to raise $500 for JOI during their JOI year as part of their learning experience. Fund raising is an essential organizing skill and we believe in learning by doing. Although not required, the fellows are also asked to represent JOI at various other functions, including fund raising house parties or meeting with donors to JOI. Others have spoken at synagogues or provided training in community organizing to teens in the area. This provides other leadership development opportunities for the fellows. Many JOI graduates still live in the Boston area and help orient current fellows to JOI, to the world and work of organizing and to the Boston community. In 2004-2005, JOI also started an alumni mentor program, where we pair Boston-based alumni with current fellows. We have an active alumni association and many of them are available to tell you about the program before you apply, or to help you decide if JOI is right for you. Call the office for more information about how to contact them. JOI also networks to help our graduates find jobs in the world of social justice. What if I am looking to make a longer than one year commitment to a job? Some organizations are especially interested in fellows who are interested in making more than a one year commitment to the organization. This should be noted on their referral form. You are welcome to bring this up at the interview if the supervisor does not. Several JOI fellows have stayed on in their jobs for another year or more, generally at a salary commensurate with other staff, and some organizations may be looking for this longer commitment. Generally not. A few organizations over the years have required a car and this also should be noted on their referral form. They reimburse for mileage. What if I'm not a U.S. citizen? It is difficult, but not impossible, to join JOI if you are not a US citizen. In the past, JOI fellows have come from Bulgaria, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Israel. But it has been hard, and often expensive. For example, two former fellows had to pay a special US organization to work through the immigration bureaucracy to get a valid work visa. For more information, please contact the JOI office. How "Jewish" do you have to be in JOI?
(This answer from someone who was in the program)
About
JOI | Fellowship | Programs
| Alumni | Partners
| Resources | Contact
Us |
|
|
||
