AJC ACCESS has been by far one of the greatest experiences I have had with a non-profit organization. From diplomatic trips to countries around the world, volunteering in the local community and their amazing local programming in Energy through their J-REC (Jewish Response to the Energy Challenge), Young Diplomats Program where they train future leaders to hold diplomatic meetings at Embassies and Consulates, and the Jewish Identity in the World. In the last year I have had the opportunity to meet and hear Shai Agassi talk about the future of the electric grid, meet with diplomats from Germany, Israel, and Mexico. I first got started with ACCESS a few years back via their amazing Leadership Institute. I have participated in many leadership programs and this was by far the most engaging and educational. It addressed the state of Jews throughout the world, current issues affecting Jews in different parts of the world, how to address the media about these issues, and how AJC as a whole has developed strong relationships with foreign governments and local cultural and religious organizations in order to help build stronger diplomatic and civil rights partnerships. I could go on and on and on. I will leave it at this and hope that others will check out AJC ACCESS and discover all that I have and more.
the conference was quite superb. the organisation,quality of participants,the food, everything was first rate . i felt privilkeged to be there and learn such a great deal. full credit to all who put together this outstanding conference.
Amazing organization. I go to many ACCESS events, have travelled to several international cities and attended conferences. Attended the J-REC conferecen in San Francisco this past weekend - and was blown away by people they had present and ideas for what I can do to make a difference. I met so many of the right people, thank you ACCESS!
Love this group. They are helping the Jewish communty tackle the issues of our day. Highly recommend folks getting involved.
Since December, I have attended a variety of AJC ACCESS events and have found the topics and the participants to be intelligent, open-minded and curious about our world. Moreover, I have been amazed by the incredible access to significant figures, events and places that this organization has provided its young group.
ACCESS offers something unique to young Jewish people in that it caters for people interested a wide range of stimulating diverse and topical issues. I personally find its programs intellectually stimulating and really appreciate the way they deal with such a diverse array of issues. I also appreciate the way access deals with issues that may be slighly controversial or beyond the scope of normal Jewish organisations as this is what engages and interests toidays young people
This was an incredible experience with wonderfully talented and motivated individuals. My specific roles entailed writing briefing papers on social, political, religions and international affairs, attending conferences, planning meetings and conducting research. The access that I gained to leading academics, politicians, government officials and activists is unparalleled for a young person. The program is enriching, and it is well organized. The mentors are hands on and the other individuals in the program are top-notch. The experience is memorable and invaluable!
I joined the Russian Yound Leadership Program at the AJC in the Spring 2009 and had an amzingly enriching and inspiring experience. Each week, we have been exposed to the key challenges faced by the Jewish world and Israel today by top-high experts and much engaging speakers. It changed me views on many issues and provided me with a network of equally involved young leaders. Congratulations to the AJC for having designed and made this program possible!
Lately I haven't been so involved with AJC ACCESS because of my school schedule, but ACCESS is a great group. Unlike other nonprofits I've worked with, ACCESS is open to ideas, is forward-looking, and is proactive. For example, if a member has an idea that would further the organization or its mission, unlike other nonprofits, ACCESS is open to explore the feasibility of this member's idea and support the member in executing it.
AJC not only does great work through its international organization, but also empowers individuals to promote ideas of understanding in a variety of ways.
Fantastic organization, open minded people, great reach. It has been very rewarding organizing intercultural activities and outreach to embassies and international communities, as AJC is very recognized as the main Jewish organization with a tolerant mindset and a unifying message.
A great group of smart, young, Jewish professionals who care about current events and policies impacting our country, religious freedom, Israel and the Jewish community. Well attended events, seminars and for those willing to get more engaged an opportunity to get to know about the great work AJC is doing nationally and internationally.
ACCESS is a fabulous organization that combines substantive programming about the issues I care most about-- foreign affairs, energy independence and strengthening interfaith relations-- with a strong commitment to a secure Israel and Jewish role in international relations.
I have been volunteering with AJC Access for over 2 years and it is an incredible organization. I have had hands on experience dealing with issues ranging from energy security to national security to equal justice. As one example, I was able to meet and talk with the ambassadors of over 20 countries about issues affecting the Jewish community at a luncheon sponsored by the AJC. I can't think of another organization that has such an important impact on so many issues.
My experience with AJC professionals and volunteers has been wonderful. The content has been very accessible, relevant, and meaningful. I enjoy our partnership and look forward to future collaborations.
Had an amazing experience at Durban II. The planning and communication, coordination, and support was all first rate. ACCESS opened my eyes to a whole new world of international multilateral diplomacy and put trust in me as a delegate. This is how to build long term relationships with an organization, and how to truly build a community.
This summer, I had a Goldman Fellowship with the AJC and learned about AJC's energy agenda. I helped to plan an event to teach people about the importance of reducing our oil-dependence and using alternative energy sources. Also, I had the opportunity to meet with dedicated and passionate AJC employees and lay leaders, politicians and diplomats, and understand the inner-workings of one of the most amazing and essential Jewish organizations in America. My work with the AJC this summer made it pretty clear to me that I want to work in the Jewish non-profit sector for a future career.
As high school ended, I was looking for an opportunity to experience working with an organization committed to Jewish communal service/advocacy. I was warmly welcomed by Rebecca Neuwirth and her ACCESS staff when I joined them for a month, working on reviewing AJC's high school Israel information and awareness curriculum, helping organize events, and coordinating other office-related efforts. It was wonderful and inspiring to be in an environment where so many people are accomplishing great things for the Jewish community of today and of tomorrow.
I have had an amazing experience as an Access Board Member. I have had the opportunity to engage the community of Miami and also attend some amazing events with international representation. There have also been many opportunities that I have been unable to take advantage of, including some missions to other countries regarding several different issues such as energy and immigration, that I heard were amazing. I did get to go to New Orleans for a great ACCESS conference that was very worthwhile.
I have had two very positive experiences with Access. The first was an information event I attended at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The second was a conference held in New Orleans in January 2009. On both occasions I have found the events to be well organized, informative and empowering.
ACCESS has provided me with many unique opportunities--I even traveled to the UAE for the Women as Global Leaders Conference with an ACCESS delegation where we participated in education sessions on leadership, women, interreligious efforts, etc. I've met all kinds of experts and diplomats from all over the world through ACCESS and have learned of very interesting and eye-opening perspectives from conversations with these speakers.
Recently this organization had event targeting a cross section of young professionals and diplomats relatively early on in their careers. The event was so successful that several embassies contacted AJC to continue and grow the relationship. The professional staff that aides the lay leaders in putting on such events is so sophisticated that the events are incredibly professional
I recently attended an ACCESS DC ifthar with a group of young Jews and Muslims. We each learned about the other's religious customs and found that we had many commonalities. The program was thoughtful, informative, and warm.
very user-friendly, information is readily available and laid out in a way that makes sense. I like the images and the overall design, which fits really well with the AJC website. I also like the breakdown of the national and local chapters- very useful!
I have had an amazing experience with AJC ACCESS, and I feel privileged to be involved with such a meaningful and notable organization. The work is valuable, and all of us who participate are passionate about what we do. I was immediately drawn to the mission of AJC and felt a personal desire to join and help build a new chapter of ACCESS in Denver. I am a new co-chair for ACCESS Colorado and look forward to this role. Many exciting programs are underway thanks to the wonderful resources of AJC ACCESS. This year I had the honor of participating in the AJC ACCESS UN Durban Review delegation where we had a front row seat in diplomacy, attending the UN conference and key meetings with world leaders. This experience will forever influence who I am and the causes I get involved with. I am a huge advocate and supporter of AJC ACCESS and cannot say enough wonderful things about this organization!!
The organization has been a wonderful resource for conencting to the Jewish community and finding opportunities to support others. Thank you.
I am a French student from Sciences Po University in Paris. I spent one year at ACCESS AJC in New York as an intern. It was an extremely meaningful experience. I was able to help ACCESS in the essential work it does in diplomatic outreach, intergroup relations, and on campus.
AJC has provided Colgate University's students with a window into the important work the AJC is doing all over the world. AJC has provided our campus with expert speakers as well as assisting students in developing their own programs. Perhaps most exciting is that many of our students have traveled with the AJC to participate in high level meetings. AJC has been a wonderful addition to the offerings at Colgate.
Over the last 3 years I have been active with AJC Access. I have founded and participated in several organizations since my university years. AJC by far has been the most intellectually satisfying and impactful experience for me. Their staff are phenomenally informed and remarkable organized. However, it is the general feeling of compassion and understanding that attracted me and keeps me interested in their (my) endeavors. I believe unequivicolly in their creed of buidling bridges.
ACCESS is extremely successful at providing opportunities for engagement for young Jewish professionals -- facilitating fun, productive exchanges with diplomats, experts in the green energy field, and civil society in the US and overseas. It's also great at providing a forum for discussion and debate about key issues -- the nature of a Jewish state, the future of U.S. energy policy, the role of intermarriage in the Jewish community. Occasionally, as a consequence, its primary objectives are a bit muddled, but the opportunities to think, learn, and come together more than make up for it.
I am the chairperson of the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS). Our Jewish community is much smaller than the one in America. Through AJC Access we are able to connect to a much wider Jewish world and find ways for leadership in our organisation to grow. AJC Access offers us material resources for our work,strategic thinking insights, valuable information, visits us in South Africa and contributes funds so that we are able visit their offices in the United States of America.
The AJC ACCESS program is an excellent opportunity for young Jewish leaders to channel their interests in political activism through an intellectual channel. The AJC ACCESS program connects young Jews with highly influential thinkers in American and international political society. The opportunities to engage these important leaders is an incredibly valuable experience. I am proud of my association with AJC ACCESS, and I look forward to continuing my involvement.
I wored with a Jewish/pro-Israel think tank in Melbourne, Australia. I assisted in editing, translations and writing articles. It was a very rewarding experience and introduced me to the Jewish community of Melbourne.
My experience with AJC ACCESS has been extremely satisfying. Not only that amazing people are working together on questions and issues that are of value and concern of society, its members are given the opportunity to get involved into a wide range of activities reaching from reflective hands-on activities to projects offering profound inside into diplomatic relations. AJC ACCESS provides a most wonderful platform for sincere engagement.
I am involved in many different philanthropic groups, but my experience with ACCESS has been the most unique and rewarding. The ACCESS leadership consistently and carefully develops programs that are relevant to its target age demographic and are also critical to the larger work of the AJC. As a result, ACCESS is an important part of the larger organization and not a feeder program or subset of the more senior membership of AJC. ACCESS is incredibly organized, which allows it to quickly respond and provide opportunities for young leaders to participate and help in current events. In particular, I went with ACCESS to New Orleans immediately after Katrina to help in the rebuilding efforts and I have attended ACCESS's annual meeting almost every year in Washington D.C. Further, I worked with ACCESS to develop a young leadership retreat with the Dallas and Miami AJC chapters, which helped develop more active young philanthropic leaders. In summary, due to the work of the ACCESS leadership and AJC, I have dedicated my philanthropic efforts primarily to ACCESS, which I find to be the most relevant and rewarding non-profit organization that I have worked with on human right, pluralism, and democratic values.
AJC is a great organization. It enables me to connect with young people and senior leadership who are passionate about Israel, the Jewish people, and America. I've had the opportunity to serve on a steering committee and plan an event which was so meaningful to be able to invest my time and energy into the organization.
As a young AJC professional, I have been able to be part of ACCESS, both as a participant and a coordinator of special programming. ACCESS allows young professionals like me to engage decision makers and make a difference, setting a distinctive agenda that talks to the younger generation.
I have had a great experience with AJC ACCESS> It is a great place for young Jewish professionals to come together and advocate on behalf of issues we care about. It is different from many other young boards I have been a part of because it is not focused on fund raising but instead allowing young individuals to engage in the organization's core mission.
ACCESS was the program that made me realize that I want to work in the field of Jewish nonprofits. Since then, ACCESS has helped to keep me energized and focus, as well as to make invaluable connections with other young, Jewish professionals. Rebecca Neuwirth, who runs the program, has been my mentor since my summer as a Goldman Fellow 8 years ago!
My first experience with AJC ACCESS was on a mission to Berlin and after that I was hooked. ACCESS is made up of a great group of caring people who believe in the mission of AJC. I have met some very interesting people as a result and attended important events.
I was a Goldman Fellow with the organization. Gave me a lot of responsibility in working on interfaith / interethnic relations in Westchester County. Reached out to a number of clergy in the region to understand their concerns and see how AJC could work together with them. AJC trained me in diplomacy and I attended several small meetings with diplomats to promote important Jewish causes.
I was a Goldman Fellow in summer 2008, and worked in the Legislative Affairs Office in Washington, DC. I lobbied Congress and worked with other faith organizations to promote fair and comprehensive immigration reform, and also for government action on the situation in Darfur. AJC was a great very good work environment, and I had the opportunity to learn skills from very talented people. I had a lot of freedom to take initiative on my own and start my own projects, and it was great that AJC was so invested in both these issues that I could commit to real actions on behalf of the organization. I also had a good deal of freedom to decide which issues I wanted to work on, since the organization's policy goals are diverse. After having worked there for three months, I consider AJC a fantastic non-profit. It is one of the most well-respected faith groups in Washington advocating for change that will help not just the Jewish community, but all Americans.
AJC ACCESS is an incredible resource for young Jews to mingle, meet influential leaders and people, and explore the intersection of Judaism and a variety of pertinent fields in current daily life. Through my Goldman fellowship, part of AJC ACCESS, I was able to gain excellent skills for the future, explore different career possibilities and meet incredible people.
I have been involved with several different aspects of AJC ACCESS since the fall of 2006. Throughout all of my experiences, I have always appreciated ACCESS' dedication to younger generations. So many other organizations I have come across only focus on older members who are well-established in a particular field. On the contrary through ACCESS, AJC is able to train a new generation of young leaders. My involvement with ACCESS has contributed immensely to my college experience and my understanding of international affairs. My only feedback would be that I hope that in the future, ACCESS will continue to expand to other cities, as I hope to see a chapter established in my hometown!
The American Jewish Committee was kind enough to offer me (as a college student) a summer internship in their NY headquarters. I really respect their summer internship program, since often the students who go to NY or DC over summers are those whose parents can afford to pay for their stay. The AJC worked hard to create a learning experience for their interns - we had weekly seminars with a rabbi on Jewish historical thought on "others", and we were able to sit in on high level meetings. For the first time I received a comprehensive overview of how a national organization is run, and how inter-ethnic and inter-religious community ties are built. As someone who believes strongly in moderation, dialogue and pluralism, it was wonderful to see a Jewish organization that reflected my values. The AJC has worked hard to keep in touch with me (I'm now in a PhD program) and has offered absolutely amazing opportunities. Through the AJC, I went on a trip to the Middle East to engage in a dialogue with Muslim youth leaders. I would never have been able to attend this event without support from the AJC, and that experience has shaped the direction of my research. I believe strongly that the AJC is doing a lot of work to help create a more open world and that this effort deserves every support.
AJC ACCESS is serving as the home for genuine Jewish debate, and because of that it feels like my home too. It is neither liberal nor conservative, nor orthodox or reform, it is a central meeting point for all perspectives. I have worked with AJC ACCESS to meet with diplomats, and to build relationships with African-American and Muslim young leaders. The meetings have not been dialogue for dialogue sake but to work with these communities on common projects.
I went on a unique trip to Berlin that focused both on reconciliation after the Holocaust as well as on green technology and innovation.
AJC Access is a great group for young professionals who wish to be involved Jewishly in the community, yet they want to have a greater impact on certain issues that AJC supports (energy, immigration etc..). The staff is fabulous to work with and they are very engaging. I honestly wish I had more time to devote to this group and to attending more of the fabulous events that they are sponsoring.
AJC is an amazing organization, participation in AJC's trip to New Orleans last semester changed the way I looked at the world, my role as a Jew, and my confidence in my capacity to effect change.
ACCESS has shown me the world, both literally and figuratively. ACCESS members are a unique group of people who bring a great deal of diversity, perspective and open-mindedness to each engagement. We are bonded in the mission to advance plurality, build interethnic parternships and engage political leaders abroad, whether in Israel or Ethiopia. Yet we vigorously debate among ourselves in a climate of friendship and a spirit of learning. We make waves and leave a lasting impression. In meetings with diplomats right here in New York or in my recent trips to Israel and Germany, ACCESS members have performed as effective and impassioned ambassadors for the Jewish community. I traveled to Berlin with AJC ACCESS to meet with various groups on the future German-US relations. These groups included politicians of various parties, grassroots organizations, journalists and immigrant groups. This led to a subsequent trip to Israel, focused on the role Germany and the US can play in addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict, with a delegation of young German political officials and ACCESS members.
Access is full of idealistic, bright, analytical people with an open mind to think through today's global issues with originality.
I went with AJC to Berlin for one week, along with several other undergraduate students. AJC helped to organize this amazing program that provided me with great educational and cultural insight into modern day Berlin. I also participated in an AJC trip to New Orleans where I helped rebuild houses along with other young Jewish adults. At my personal college campus, AJC provides me with an opportunity to become involved in the interests of the Jewish community throughout the world. AJC ACCESS provides young Jewish adults with numerous opportunities and resources to connect with their Jewish heritage and make a difference in the Jewish community today.
This is a great group, with terrific events, fantastic communication, excellent participants. Great for both learning and doing. Exposure to important issues.
Atteded meeting with a group of German military educators and officers. As a former soldier and a jew, it was a very interesting evening to be apart of. great initiative!
Participating in AJC ACCESS events has truly been a valuable experience. The events seem to be curated to touch on what I care about as an American with an interest in Jewish life, Israel, and foreign affairs. Every newsletter I receive contains at least one event I look forward to attending even if circumstances prevent me from going. Speakers tend to be experts in their field, and for anyone who is intellectually curious this provides valid answers to questions that often get spun around too many times to make sense when left up to traditional sources.
I've greatly enjoyed the programming and speakers organized by ACCESS. The staff does a fantastic job of conveying program content, and ensuring involvement. The events draw thoughtful attendees and inspire lively discussion. Very relevant content.
Went on a trip to NO with ACCESS to help cleanup efforts after Katrina. I have attended other meaningful events over the past 4 years.
David Harris' blog is a pleasure to read. I follow AJCs news briefs and appreciate David Harris' perspective. He is a true asset to Israel advocacy. I have also attened AJC events which have top level speakers, from politicians to historians.
As I'm a German living in New York, it is very important and meaningful for me to get connected to the Jewish community, especially of New York, and to learn more about their culture, their ideas and their concerns regarding politics. For this purpose, AJC ACCESS has always been a great and very supportive organization that offered so many opportunities to get involved into their program! There are so many amazing and terrific events and meetings, which gave me plenty of possibilities to get to know more about Jewish life! I really enjoyed every minute that I spent there! I gained rewarding experience! Simply awesome!
I have attened numerous ACCESS programs. Each one has been entertaining, thought-provoking, and truly enriched my experience as a young Jewish professional in NYC.
AJC is an great organization because it touches everybody who is in great and urgent needs in the US but also in Africa. Also it defends the human rights and it fights the excess of public personalities who are against human rights
I had a wonderful AJC experience, where an activist came to speak about his work, and the importance of being involved ourselves. It was a great experience, and look forward to attending future events as well.
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with ACCESS. It has provided my with a great range of experiences, from purely social parties to meaningful conversations about politics with other young professionals, Jews and non-Jews. It offers something for everyone. Last year ACCESS had a program after the election called "Red, White and Stew" where we had a panel from Indian, Latino and African American young professional organizations from around Atlanta. After the panel discussed their communities' issues in the election and hopes for the Obama presidency, attendees (who were seated at heterogeneous tables) discussed some of the issues mentioned. It was a great opportunity to talk candidly with young professionals that I would not have met otherwise. It was a great event! ACCESS also helps plug us into amazing travel opportunities, engaging speakers, and interesting relationships. It has been a great, life-changing experience.