JOIN US.
THE JEWISH ORGANIZING INITIATIVE
Celebrating 10 years of training excellent organizers and developing young Jewish leaders.

JOIN our fellowship program, a vibrant community of young Jewish organizers learning the skills they need to make a lasting impact in social change organizations.

JOIN our growing network of emerging Jewish leaders, community organizers, trainers, mentors, and supporters.

JOIN the movement to act on our Jewish values of dignity and justice for all people.

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The Fellowship Program

JOI recruits young Jewish adults from all over the world for a year of leadership training that includes: working for social and economic justice, Jewish learning, training in grass roots community organizing skills, and Jewish community building. The fellowship year involves work in social justice community or labor organizations, generally in low-income community organizations, (sometimes in the Jewish community) and weekly learning and reflection about organizing for justice, Judaism and community buidling. Since 1998 we have operated a program in Boston, MA, USA that can be a model for other cities.

How does JOI foster social justice?
JOI focuses on community organizing as a strategy for social change. Community organizing helps build community groups and develop grass roots leaders. It creates ongoing relationships among people and encourages community members to develop skills and a sense of public responsibility. They are then empowered to shape their own future.

What makes JOI's program JEWISH?
JOI's emphasis on community organizing is based on our Jewish heritage: working together as a Jewish community in the larger community. JOI draws deeply from the wisdom and historical traditions of Judaism. Fellows study Jewish texts on a weekly basis and make the connection between Jewish identity and the social change. In addition, many Jewish community leaders and organizers in Boston volunteer in JOI to lead text studies, provide training and mentoring.