We are excited to welcome hundreds of young adults (22-40) to our annual Open House Party on September 10th. In addition to meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends, you’ll have the chance to get to know over 55 different organizations with awesome opportunities for you to get involved in the Jewish community. Want to know who will be there and what you can talk to them about? As we count down to the big event, we’ll be giving you a sneak peek into just some of the many organizations that you’ll meet with these quick organization spotlights.
This week we met with Melanie Jolson, Program Coordinator for AJC ACCESS Boston to find out more about her experience and how AJC is making an impact in our community and beyond through Jewish advocacy.
Who are you and how did you get involved in the organization?
I’m Melanie, I’m the Program Coordinator for AJC ACCESS Boston and I’ve been with AJC since August of 2011. I was drawn to AJC because of the work we do on interfaith relations. Our work with the Muslim community, the Greek-Orthodox community, and others here in Boston is one of the things that makes AJC so unique and wonderful to work for. When I’m not working you can find me in Cambridge, most likely watching old episodes of the West Wing or at JP Licks getting FroYo.
What do you love most about working with young adults?
I love getting to work with people who are just start in the world of Jewish communal service and philanthropy. Some might have been involved in a youth group in high school or a summer camp, and may have been involved in college – but most people are using this time in their lives to figure out what in the Jewish community is most important to them.
What’s new and exciting this year?
We are really trying to focus on the core of the AJC Global Jewish Advocacy agenda. We want to make ACCESS the primary address for young Jewish adults in Boston who are committed to thoughtful Global Jewish Advocacy by promoting true peace between Israel and her neighbors, advancing human rights in the United States and abroad, and bridging historic divides through strategic engagement
What do you love most about Boston’s Jewish community?
I love being able to live in such a fun an vibrant city. Boston (and of course my neck of the woods in Cambridge) is the perfect place to live during your 20s and 30s. It is easy to get around, there is so much to do, and yet there is a very relaxed vibe. Combine all of that with a large and active Jewish community with such a long history and you have an amazing place to live.
What are you looking forward to most about attending Open House Party?
That sense that the year is starting again – lots of new things are on the horizon, and the chance to get new people involved.
Anything else we should know or a fun fact about the organization?
Our ACCESS Summit in the spring (this year May 31-June 2) is the largest gathering of international young Jewish activists in the world.
This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE