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ACCESS programs:     VISION   EDUCATE   ENGAGE

Knowing that our members' time is limited and valuable, we’ve structured our activities to highlight their impact and started labeling them, so you know what you can expect and how each program fits into the big picture of our work.

1. Our INFORM sessions promise to bring relevant content and to actively engage you in discussion. We want you to leave more knowledgeable and more articulate about the issues we touch.
2. Our ENGAGE meetings introduce you to influential partners. These opportunities envision a role for you in building contacts, recognizing that establishing a close rapport is a powerful way of strengthening bridges. We believe in active relationships, including joint community service with our engagement partners.
3. Our VISIONING process brings dynamic voices together in an open space forum. The goal of this "laboratory" approach is to think big about how new generation Jewish political activism can make a difference.
4. ACCESS also offers outstanding TRAVEL opportunities; we host accomplished individuals for NETWORK events; and of course, we sometimes just CELEBRATE.

ACCESS programmatic priorities span global, national and Jewish communal issues:

1. GLOBAL: AJC’s extensive reach on the world stage opens doors for ACCESS’s engagement with new generation diplomats, journalists, and other influentials. ACCESS hopes to strengthen connections to the Indian community in advance of our trip to India and Israel at the end of 2009.
2. NATIONAL: We’ll be expanding Community Service Engagement opportunities that combine service, which we see as essential in this difficult time, with outreach to ethnic and religious groups, with a focus on the African American, Muslim, and Latino communities. We are also joining with these friends to help galvanize a new generational movement for clean energy.
3. JEWISH COMMUNITY: Through our “ISMs” Sunday brunch series we are becoming a place of learning and debate on crucial historical and current issues – for Jews and non-Jews alike.

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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.