Making Connections

Posted on 06/30/2010 @ 10:59 AM

Impact: Boston

Connections are our way of creating a live conversation between the work we are doing and the values that guide that work. The connection sessions are an opportunity for the site groups to process their experiences on site as well as view it through the lens of Jewish texts.

Connections 1

This session focused on the idea of holiness. Participants were asked if they thought their work here at Impact Boston was holy work, and in what ways they can help others and learn from the people they will meet at their site. Many participants noted that they see service as an opportunity to both give and receive -- they dedicate their time to their site, but they recognize that the individuals they are meeting are going to be teaching them a lot as well.

Connections 2

During Connections 2, participants explored various "Visions of a Just Society." After perusing several Jewish texts, they were able to think about the gap between the just society prescribed by the Torah and the realities of society. They examined the ways in which non-profits aim to close this gap and most importantly and began to reflect on their initial experiences at their Partner Sites.

Connections 3

Connections 3 was entitled "Honoring the Dignity of Other People," and participants discussed how learning people's stories affirms their dignity and humanity and raises service to a higher level. They explored their relationships with individuals in varying socioeconomic classes through a personal storytelling exercise, and committed to gathering stories from different kinds of people on and off the Brandeis campus during the rest of Impact: Boston.