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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).

Jewish 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.

United States

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.

Global

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.