JIRS: JDC Jewish Service Corps

JDC Jewish Service Corps

JDC Jewish Service Corps
711 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Phone #:(212) 885-0849 Melanie Levav
Phone #:(301) 230-7283 Ina Lerman, Asst Dir. Israel & Overseas
Phone #:
Phone #:
Phone #:
Fax Number: ;

Web Page: www.jdc.org/how_volunteer.html
E-mail: volunteer@jdc.org

Program/Service Notes:

SERVE A YEAR IN AN OVERSEAS JEWISH COMMUNITY

The JDC Jewish Service Corps (JSC) is a unique one-year volunteer opportunity for active, enthusiastic, knowledgeable Jews to serve, and take part in the life of, a Jewish community abroad.

The job description of each Jewish Service Corps Volunteer is a unique blend based on the resources and needs of the community and the talents and skills of the individual volunteer placed there. Often projects evolve as the year progresses and the volunteer realizes what s/he can best do to make an impact on the needs of the community.

In most placements the challenge will be to promote Jewish identity and help the community become more self-sufficient in its Jewish programming abilities. Tasks will include organizing and guiding others in organizing Jewish educational, cultural, social and religious programs.

In some placements the emphasis will be on social welfare services, such as a feeding program in Ethiopia, or activities for the elderly in Poland. Past accomplishments have included:

India: Founding the community newspaper, Kol India 
Bulgaria: Developing a complete Jewish educational curriculum for Sunday schools in Sofia 
Morocco: Establishing recreational and social activities for the elderly 
Former Soviet Union: Launching a Jewish family camp in Russia 
Romania: Establishing the first Jewish Pedagogical Center in Romania 
Poland: Helping small, outlying communities establish Jewish holiday cycle celebrations 
Ethiopia: Creating a youth drama group for health education for a mostly illiterate society 
Turkey: Opening up social channels between the Jewish young adults of Istanbul and the small community of Izmir 

What Is Required
Volunteers should have a strong Jewish background and a passion for transmitting it, as well as experience in formal/informal teaching or social welfare. Knowledge of Hebrew is valuable in many placements.

We look for mature self-starters who are adventurous, self-confident and energetic, but gentle change agents, open-minded individuals looking for personal challenges and growth. Enthusiasm, flexibility and creativity, cultural sensitivity and fortitude for the challenge of living in a foreign country are all essential qualities.
 
In some of the openings, the following can enhance placement: experience teaching ESL; facility with the Russian language; pre-med college major/career in medicine; work experience with the elderly; degree in Jewish education or related field.

What Is Provided
JDC provides round-trip travel expenses, housing, health insurance coverage, a monthly stipend for basic living expenses, and a small end-of-the year bonus.

Volunteers participate in an orientation program in New York City and a mid-year seminar overseas. They are supervised by a JDC country director who is usually headquartered in Europe or Israel.

What Placements Are Available for 2006-07, volunteers will be needed in: 
INDIA 
ROMANIA 
ETHIOPIA 
AUSTRIA 
TURKEY 
POLAND 
FORMER SOVIET UNION 
Application Process
Applications are accepted throughout the year and placements may be made at any time. However, most candidates are screened January through April and a group orientation for new volunteers is conducted in early June. Most placements begin in the summer, and run for one full calendar year. 

We recommend submitting applications as soon as possible, preferably by the end of February. Please note that all applications are screened upon receipt and earlier candidates who make a good match for a specific community may be accepted even earlier.

To Apply To Become A JDC Jewish Service Corps Volunteer:
Please download the Microsoft Word application (128KB) and recommendation form (87 KB), and complete as instructed. We prefer that you mail us all of your materials together.

JDC Jewish Service Corps volunteers have helped galvanize Jewish communities around the world, enriching the lives of thousands of Jews. Not surprisingly, their lives and careers have been equally changed and enriched by their year of service.

Program Details:

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9-5

Person In Charge: Service Corps Coordinator:Melanie Levav

Eligibility: See notes

Fees: Some costs incurred

Service Area: World

Intake Process: Complete application

Operating Agency: Joint Distribution Committee (Jewish Organization)

This information was last updated on 06/25/2007

This information is provided as is with no guarantee as to the accuracy of the information. Information is considered to be accurate as of the date of the last update, printed above. Jewish Information & Referral Service may not be held liable for misuse of this information.

Hours:	Mon-Fri, 9-5
Person In Charge:	Service Corps Coordinator:Melanie Levav
Eligibility:	See notes
Fees:	Some costs incurred
Service Area:	World
Intake Process:	Complete application
Operating Agency:	Joint Distribution Committee (Jewish Organization)

Jewish Information and Referral Service