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Upcoming Trips:
ACCESS goes to Israel March 3-9, 2008 (trip is open to ACCESS board members only; for more information contact Lena at altmanl@ajc.org.
Calendar of NY ACCESS Events
| Wednesday, March 12 |
A New Direction for Russia? Post-Election Analysis with Dr. Ariel Cohen of the Heritage Foundation and Olga Oliker of the RAND Corporation. Doors open 6:00 pm; program starts 7:00 pm; at AJC (165 East 56th Street, by Third Avenue); Russian kosher dinner served. RSVP by March 8 to access@ajc.org (space is limited) |
| Wednesday, March 19 |
Symposium with foreign policy expert and former CIA director Jim Woolsey on Energy Security and Climate Change: Are we meeting the challenge? Doors open 5:30 pm; Program starts 6:30 pm, at AJC (165 East 56th Street, by Third Avenue). Light dinner, wine/soft drinks. RSVP by March 1 to access@ajc.org (space is limited) |
| Monday, March 24 |
Launch party for Z-WORD: the website, with Columbia Professor Michael Stanislawski. Doors open 7 pm; drinks and appetizers. Stay tuned for location. RSVP to access@ajc.org |
| Friday-Sunday, May 2-4 |
ACCESS 20:20 Global Summit: Actionable Plans for Change. A discussion about the future of Jewish activism in three crucial fields: energy security, creating a more just America, and Israel in the world. Registration will be up this week at ajc.org/access -- stay tuned. |
| Wednesday, May 7 |
New York Celebrates Israel at 60. ACCESS is proud to partner with some 100 Jewish organizations in New York as we celebrate "Israel at 60" with a mega event worthy of this historic occasion! Stay tuned. |
| Sunday, June 1 |
Join AJC's float at the Salute to Israel Day Parade. Great music, dancing and a picnic in Central Park following the parade. Bring families and friends, all are welcome. |
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ACCESS is comprised of a select and diverse group of Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s. ACCESS is governed by its board, while the Steering Committeee, led by two ACCESS co-chairs, decide the ACCESS initiatives.
Learn More > |
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ACCESS Initiatives
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.
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.
Social Action 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 has led two relief/advocacy missions to New Orleans to perform hands-on work and meet with local, civic, and government officials on the state of reconstruction and larger domestic issues. The group has also hosted a jazz fundraiser in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, featuring the jazz group from Xavier University in New Orleans. AJC worked with the Xavier jazz ensemble to create a special CD on sale to raise money for youth education in New Orleans.
Jewish Identity 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.
Israel Engagement 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.
The ACCESS Muslim-Jewish Dialogue taskforce 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.
All ACCESS initiatives are led by the ACCESS Steering Committee and Board.
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ACCESS Structure
The Board is the governing body of ACCESS and is currently comprised of 32 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.
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ACCESS: AJC’s New Generation Program brings together a select group of outstanding people in their 20s and 30s, providing access to AJC’s expertise in its areas of core competency -- international relations, domestic policy, interfaith affairs, and contemporary Jewish life -- and to the unique relationships AJC has established with leading domestic and international policy makers. ACCESS also provides a forum for its members to connect with each other professionally and on a more personal level.
