ACCESS: Global Action for a New Generation

ACCESS: AJC's New Generation Program brings together outstanding young professionals who care about our nation, our world and our environment. We prepare ACCESS members to engage U.S. policy makers and opinion leaders around the world on issues of concern to the global Jewish community, and to re-envision the role of the Jewish community in global affairs.

ACCESS is a division of AJC's Helen and Martin Kimmel Young Leadership Institute

Chapters in: NYC | Atlanta | Los Angeles | Miami | San Francisco | Washington, DC | Colorado

ACCESS NY: Global Action for a New Generation

* Most Sunday brunch programs are child-friendly. Contact global@ajc.org for info and to register children joining

ACCESS programs:     VISION   EDUCATE   ENGAGE
 
Our Visioning programs offer an opportunity to evaluate current ACCESS programming and a laboratory for new ideas. They allow participants to impact the Jewish agenda.

Our Engagement programs allow participants to access and impact a new generation of policy makers and civil society leaders. We believe in active relationships, including joint community service with our engagement partners.

Education programs focus on issues of concern to the global Jewish community, preparing participants to effectively articulate and engage others on these issues.

ACCESS Initiatives

There are three core initiatives through which one can get involved with ACCESS: Our Community (our NEXUS Jewish texts/authors Sunday brunch series), Our Nation (Black-Jewish and Muslim-Jewish dialogue, community engagement, and energy/climate), and Our World (Israel, diplomatic engagement).

Our Community
All of our ACCESS programs aim to explore the Jewish connection to the various areas in which we are working to educate ourselves and further the vision of ACCESS/AJC.

Jewish Learning hosts discussions on issues of identity (including major Jewish texts and holidays) from a non-religious perspective. Events are open and accessible to all who are interested, Jewish or non-Jewish. AJC is also involved in outreach to international Jewish communities and committed to facilitating contact among Jews from different countries and backgrounds.

Our Nation

Community Engagement encompasses AJC's larger initiative to help others in the world- tikkun olam- through hands-on work projects and events. Recent ACCESS programs have focused on a long-term commitment to support New Orleans reconstruction. ACCESS worked with the Xavier jazz ensemble to create a special CD, New Orleans Crescendo, to raise money for youth education in New Orleans. ACCESS is cosponsoring a conference focusing on the Common Good there in Januaryimmediately before the inauguration with the Office of Black Ministry (see ajc.org/access or nolaconference.blogspot.com). ACCESS has also started a community engagement and dialogue program with the New York Urban League Young Professionals.

The ACCESS Muslim-Jewish Dialogue seeks to create a small, intimate group of thoughtful Muslims and Jews in NY who meet regularly and establish a close rapport. The group hopes to find common ground with one another and work together on local social service issues in the Jewish and Muslim communities.

Energy Conservation and reducing US dependence on foreign oil are key initiatives for ACCESS and AJC, which is becoming a model in the non-profit and Jewish worlds through its own “green” commitment. ACCESS helps to educate its members on important green initiatives nation-wide and prepares them to get involved in this important domestic policy debate. It also advises AJC internally on green issues, especially related to new technologies.

Our World

Diplomatic Engagement offers unique opportunities to meet younger diplomats on a more personal basis to develop relationships at the early stages of their careers, and carry these relationships into the future. Past events include: a diplomatic training seminar; a gala with diplomatic guests at a gallery in Soho for a viewing of contemporary Middle Eastern art; a private discussion with former UK Ambassador to Iran, Michael Gould, hosted at the home of the UK Consul General; and diplomatic gatherings for Jewish holidays, including Hanukah and Passover. ACCESS has led missions to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Berlin, Germany.

Israel Education and advocacy is the latest ACCESS initiative, providing an avenue for members to engender a deep discussion on how to develop and promote a new, fresh perspective on Israel's public image, with a special focus on younger people.


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ACCESS Structure

The Board is the governing body of ACCESS and is currently comprised of 30 members. The Board meets 4 times a year to discuss the general direction of ACCESS and to make governance decisions. Members of the board are expected to serve on at least one initiative and to add their input in event organization and enhancing ACCESS membership. In order to gain a seat on the board, an individual must be nominated by a current member of the board and selected by majority vote. Board membership is three years. Members of the board are expected to make an annual contribution; the amount depends on their individual ability and career/personal status. Board members are expected to have a strong and primary commitment to the development and enhancement of ACCESS/AJC.

The Steering Committee (SC) represents the most invested members of ACCESS and has the greatest influence on the ACCESS agenda. The SC is currently comprised of ten members and is led by two co-chairs. SC members decide on ACCESS initiatives and serve as leaders of these initiatives with members of the Board. The SC meets approximately every 6 weeks. In order to sit on the SC you must have been involved with ACCESS for at least a year, be nominated by an SC member, and selected by majority vote. Terms are three years.

The Chair/Co-Chairs of ACCESS are nominated from the SC and voted on by the board; they serve a one year term, with possibility of reelection for one additional term.