In honor of Women’s History Month, TC Jewfolk asked the local chapters of Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) for guest posts. This week’s column is by NCJW Minneapolis’s Executive Director Debbie Stillman and President Sarah Badower.
You’ve probably heard of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Maybe your mother is a NCJW volunteer. Maybe your grandmother is a longtime member and supporter of the organization. Or maybe your great-grandmother was a new immigrant who received help from NCJW.
True, NCJW has been around for more than 100 years. But despite its rich past, NCJW is best known for its focus on the future.
Since 1893, NCJW has strived for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. This is hardly the work for the faint of heart. Rather, NCJW is made up of women of all ages – women just like you who are devoted to progressive ideals, dedicated to making a difference, and committed to taking action.
Consider these 10 ways for 20- and 30-somethings to get involved with NCJW:
- Voice Lessons: Want to make your voice heard? NCJW can help you learn about the issues affecting our community and how to advocate for the causes you care about.
- Get Packing: Want to pack school supplies for students in need? Join us for a Stuff for School warehouse event this August, held after work (exclusively for 20-something year olds).
- Movies and Munchies: Want to catch a movie with friends? As part of this year’s Jewish Film Festival, NCJW is sponsoring the movie, Killing Kasztner, on April 14. Join us for dessert beforehand, and meet the director afterwards.
- Honor your Mother: Want to say “Thanks, Mom”? NCJW’s new Mother’s Day tribute cards help you recognize the women in your life AND do something good for the community. The cards are just $5, and support our community service programs.
- Teach & Outreach: Want to combat Anti-Semitism, while sharing your passion for Judaism and Israel? NCJW has a new curriculum for presenting information to middle schools and church groups. Presenter training and materials provided.
- Party with a Purpose: Want to raise more than a glass at your next party? NCJW’s Volunteer Toolkit can help you raise awareness about Minneapolis’ growing homelessness population and do something tangible in response, such as raising funds or collecting needed items for homeless students in the Minneapolis Public Schools.
- Round out your Resume: Want to expand your work-related experience? NCJW has volunteer opportunities to help hone your professional skills – in program planning, marketing, fundraising and more – while networking with well-connected women.
- Lead the Way: Want to create something meaningful and of interest to you and your friends? Help us plan more programs, targeted especially for women in their 20s.
- Whet your Appetite: Want to get just a little taste of NCJW? Join us for an advocacy education program or a member cooking experience. (By the way, we make food and fun a part of most events!)
- Find us on Facebook: Not sure what you want to do? Friend NCJW-Minneapolis Section and check our status for updates on events and volunteer opportunities.
We hope you will consider becoming a part of our future, while creating an exciting new chapter in your own history.
For more information, visit www.ncjwmpls.org or contact the NCJW office at 952-922-7900.
