March 26, 2010

This is a special Passover edition, so there will not be an organization.

Instead, I'd like to focus on the growing problem of poverty in our country. Let us not forget all of the people who are suffering, because once, we were slaves in Egypt, struggling to be free of poverty and despair.


Include this prayer in your Seder:

Open our eyes, Lord, so that we see the suffering of the poor; open our ears so that we hear their cries. Remove the calluses from our hearts so that we may pursue the mitzvah of tzedakah more carefully than all others; instill wisdom and courage within us so that we may empower those living in poverty. Strengthen their hands so that they not be dependent on the gifts or loans of other people, but only on Your full, open, brimming, and generous hand. Amen, and so may it be Your will.

~Rabbi Shai Held

March 22, 2010

Just got back from Detroit. If anyone is looking at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for college, I highly suggest it. It's a beautiful campus!



While in Detroit, I visited a cousin of my dad's that is developmentally disabled. She inspired this post.

The Willie Ross Foundation

Their goal is to enhance the quality of life for deaf, nonverbal, and developmentally challenged adults.

An amazing mitzvah would be to draw pictures to the residents instead of writing letters not only because they cannot read but because they have a program called P.A.L.E. which stands for Pictures Assisted Language Enhancement. Draw them pictures of flowers, houses, etc. so that they are easy to understand.

This cause is extremely important to me, so it would be amazing if one day we did the above program idea.

http://www.willierossfoundation.org/

March 18, 2010

I woke up bright and early to do this last post this week because I have a bar-mitzvah to attend in Detroit!!

Medicine

Doctors Without Borders

These doctors are commited to bring quality medical care to those caught in crisis around the globe.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

I am being rushed out of here to the airport, I will complete this ASAP.

March 16, 2010

Sorry for the lapse in entries, I was in Florida!

I HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING A GREAT SPRING BREAK!


Teen Betterment

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

AFSP is the leading non-profit organization 100% dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide through research, advocacy, outreach, and education.

Texas's only chapter is in Central Texas. You can write them about possible activities or donate at:

AFSP - Central Texas

P.O. Box 28121

Austin, TX 78755-8121

To OKATY - they have no chapters in Oklahoma. Maybe advocate to create one or make one yourself!!!

Spread awareness and create outreach programs within your community to help depressed teens. Talk to someone new and make them smile!

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=1

March 10, 2010

I will be in Orlando for the next few days and will be unable to update the blog, so here is one that should cover me for at least two or three days :(

Jewish Women in America

Hadassah

A volunteer women's organization whose goal is to strengthen their partnership with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society.

This is one of those organizations where all you can do is advocate for and spread awareness, but it's an excellent cause. It's a top-rated charity by the American Institute of Philanthropy and is extremely relatable to a lot of NFTYites (since there are a lot of Jewish women!!).

http://www.hadassah.org/site/c.keJNIWOvElH/b.5571065/k.BE3A/Home.htm

March 9, 2010

Civil Liberties

People for the American Way

This organization strives for equality for all Americans (freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and other basic American rights). They support progressive candidates and promote progressive policies.

Send letters to your senators to repeal acts like DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) so loving same-sex couples can get married. Simply go to their website and fill out the information and they will send a letter straight to the President for you.

www.pfaw.org

March 7, 2009

Another request! Keep them coming, guys!


Teen Betterment/Substance Abuse

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

MADD's mission statement is to stop drunk driving and support its victims. They want to spread to the public that drunk driving is unacceptable and criminal. They oppose drunk driving, NOT individuals.

The website has a list of things that they want you to support, like keeping the drinking age at 21 and signing a pledge to eliminate drunk driving. Impairement goggles are a little expensive ($99), but you could do activities that would simulate being under the influence (spin people twenty times, etc.)

www.madd.org

March 5, 2010

Holocaust Remberence

NFTY's Project Butterfly

This doesn't involve any kind of donation! NFTY is encouraging youth groups and schools to commemorate the Holocaust by making and decorating butterflies (from the poem "The Butterfly").

For an easy program, simply make a dozen or so butterflies out of construction paper or butcher paper and decorate. Put it all over your youth lounge or synagogue (with permission, of course). This doesn't even have to represent the Holocaust, it could be of any kind of human rights violation or genocide, like Darfur.

For additional background information:

http://www.nfty.org/resources/socialaction/butterfly/

March 3, 2010

This is a unique post because this is not about a particular organization.

Dallas's Temple Shalom's Preschool Director's brother (try to follow..!) is being held captive in Cuba. The details aren't exactly known but his family knows that he is alive. Please write to your Senator or State Representative urging the release of Alan Gross who has been held captive since December 3, 2009 and bring him home!


Thank you everyone, this means a lot!


Link to find your representative:
http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html

March 1, 2010

This is an extremely cool network that I found on the URJ website. It's very innovative and I hope every one of you will consider participating! It's so easy!

Cellphone Advocacy Network (CAN)

Provides immediate responses to vital legislation as it approaches critical stages in the legistlative process. Those involved in the network will receive 6-10 text messages a year if/when your representative or senator is undecided for a key vote in a piece of legislation!

All you have to do is join the network at http://rac.org/advocacy/can!!!!

BECOME A POTENTIALLY MAJOR VOICE FOR YOUR STATE OR REGION!