Impact Chicago
My Final Hurrah!
Posted on 08/01/2012 @ 11:47 PM
My Final Hurrah!
Wednesday August 1st, 2012. I awoke to a feeling both foreign and all too familiar. This was the end of my BBYO career. This was to be the last full day I would ever spend in BBYO as a participant. The organization that had given me so much over the past few years was now being removed from my life the second I board my flight tomorrow. It was a scary, yet surprisingly comforting feeling knowing that this is my last day. Throughout the day, this feeling would only grow.
We began our day with a college/university information session followed by a tour - something that was not needed for me, seeing as I have already accepted at Brandeis. As my peers asked their questions about the process and selection, I sat their imagining myself in their shoes. What if I had another year to make an Impact? What if I was given a second opportunity to return to my home community and make my chapter have an impact? But alas, my imagination is not the reality I live in, so I sat quietly and listened.
After the tour, we had the presentations of what the groups had been doing over the past few weeks at our service sites. It was amazing to see so many members of BBYO truly get what it means to do service. I recall one part of a presentation, where a participant volunteering at the elderly home called his grandfather after one visit. It was so powerful to see that these teens, my peers knew that this wasn’t something we were doing for community service hours or for a resume, but rather that this was something that is part of the 613 mitzvot of our Jewish faith – the only requirement to participate on this program.
Following these presentations, we had our final curriculum session. At this session, we talked about bringing our impact home and the connection between your mind, might, and heart as symbolized by the t’filin. We then wrote down our goals and what we dedicate ourselves to in letters that we will receive in 6 months. After that we had packing time until dinner. Packing up my stuff was different than every time previous for me. Normally, I just throw things in my suitcase and pack everything tightly together. But today, I made sure all of my clothes were folded neatly and that it fit nicely into my suitcase. I guess I just want to pack up my BBYO career the same way I packed my luggage today.
After a B-B-Q dinner, we hung out, sung songs and relaxed in the mini-quad. We then had our closing program – styled after the Olympics. There was jello jousting, capture the flag, Israeli paddleball and two others that escape my memory at the current time. I played capture the flag and worked up a good sweat.
As of 10:41 PM, on August 1, 2012, I, Jesse Freedman am at my computer, typing out what will be my last submission as a member of this great organization. Impact: Chicago will be over in less than 16 hours for me and with that first step onto my plane, my life is forever changed.
Gone are the opportunities to attend every summer program I have yet to experience. Behind me are the leadership opportunities in the Aleph Zadik Aleph. And with that first step, I begin my journey in the desert for another place to call home.
But not lost are the friends I have made across our Order and in BBG. Forever, I shall remember the moments of these summer programs that gave me a place of security during the 4 most volatile years of my life. Never fleeting will be the knowledge that wherever I go in life and whatever I do, I will have my fellow Alephs and sister BBGs to count on. I will always be certain that I can have somewhere to call home.
It’s actually pretty ironic, as I’m typing this - the final blog for Impact: Chicago, the song Brothers in Arms comes on and I cannot help but to tear up knowing that at 1:00 PM tomorrow, as I step onto that flight, my life is forever changed. Impact: Chicago has been an amazing experience for me. If there is one recommendation I can make, it is that you should go on summer programs or send your teen on one. I know that they changed my life in so many ways – I can only hope that someone else can have the same experience I did in BBYO. Thank you to Ben for having an unbelievable 1st time ever Impact: Chicago and thank you to everyone who has helped me in any way during my time in BBYO. And for the last time ever,
I currently remain,
Aleph Jesse Michael Freedman
I Got a Golden Ticket
Posted on 07/31/2012 @ 11:47 PM
I Got a Golden Ticket
Today marked our last trip to our service sites at IMPACT: Chicago. As a coordinator, I have been fortunate enough to travel with all of the groups, and experience the different service sites first hand. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to end my Impact experience than a wonderful trip with UCAN to the Albanese Candy Factory. We were able to socialize and mingle with the senior citizens (not high schoolers!) on the bus ride to the factory, and were ecstatic when we arrived.
We started off exploring the massive candy shop in awe of the hundreds of candy flavors, and infinite mixtures of chocolate they had to offer. Later we went on a short, but interesting tour of the factory where we saw the gummy bears being made and learned a little about the history and progression of the company. It was unbelievable how many hundreds of thousands of pounds of gummy bears, chocolate, peanuts, and candy they make every day.
After the tour we had a very important decision to make… what candies would make the trip home, and which ones would not make the cut. Luckily, to fuel our opinions, we were able to sample a lot of candy and even more chocolate. Among my favorite were the peanuts covered in peanut butter, then dipped in chocolate, the milk chocolate caramel with sea salt on top, the yogurt covered pretzels, and their infamous 12 flavors of gummy bears. But I think after sampling the many different chocolates and candies, my favorite had to have been the delicious chocolate covered gummy bears. It was very cool walking around the candy shop with the senior citizens, and even cooler seeing how happy they were to not only be buying candy, but being able to socialize, and have conversations with all of the participants. We were able to bond over something we both truly loved: candy. When the day was finally over we had to say our final goodbyes to all the people at UCAN, which was definitely emotional for the participants who had been working with them for five days. Fortunately, we were able to relieve our grief with a delicious lunch at Portillo’s where we had delicious Chicago hotdogs, chili, and their famous Italian beef sandwich. Overall it was an incredible experience to have as my final day of service, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group (or field trip) to share it with. It’s crazy to think that tomorrow is our last day, and I know there will be even more incredible things planned for tomorrow.
Until next time, live long and prosper,
Tucker
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Posted on 07/30/2012 @ 11:47 PM
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Today, I was fortunate in that not only was I able to spend another day helping out disadvantaged pre-school and kindergarten children, I was also able to hear from 3 inspirational businessmen/women and philanthropists and attend my very first baseball game. I really enjoy spending time helping out the children at onward neighbourhood house, during which I feel that I am truly making an impact in their lives whilst enhancing my own.
Later on in the day, we were treated to a panel of 3 inspirational people who have not only made their mark during their impressive careers, but have used their positions to help out others, giving both their time and money. This was impressive in itself, and it was great to hear how these people, including michael jordan's manager, have stayed in touch with their jewish identity, which is so important to all of them in their own individual way.
Coming from Manchester England, I have had a number of experiences during Impact:Chicago which have been somewhat different to that I experience in the uk. I have learnt about the american culture, and imparted my british culture to others, enjoying the differences in our culture and language, which has caused much amusement throughout the week! Everyone seems to like my british accent and will use the words which I have taught them (most of which are appropriate!) However, one such experience, and the highlight of my week so far, was attending my very first baseball game tonight! Coming from England, I have never played, seen or knew much about baseball. I am a football fan (I refuse to call the sport 'soccer' for fear of losing all my british identity!) and was very interested to see the differences in the two sports. I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and tried to bring some english chants and screams to the game (without too much profanity which although is the norm in English football games is not welcomed in baseball) to a game in which americans support with amazing calmness and dignity. I enjoyed singing the American national anthem (with my fingers crossed!) and the song 'take me out to the ball game' and as so often has been the case during this trip, I could not believe the politeness of american fans. I loved learning about the game with a 20 minutes crash-course from Jason, which I now hope to support from England, with the Chicago Cubs becoming my team (we beat the pirates 14-4 tonight!). I saw 3 home-runs in a very exciting game, in which we beat the 'bloody' pirates (and no we do not all go to Hogwarts!) It was a nice change from the screaming lunatics in England. I guess I am not used to stopping halfway throughout the game to sing the YMCA and get a pretzel (which we don't have in the UK, much to my dismay!) I even managed to get a game ball which is a great souvenir of the game! It was great to be able to cheer with my new American friends from Impact:Chicago with whom I have become very close to and will stay in contact with from across the pond! Let's go Cubbies!!
-James Becker
Tish B'av
Posted on 07/29/2012 @ 11:47 PM
Tish B’av
Today marked Tish B’av, the saddest holiday in the Hebrew calendar. It commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temple in Jerusalem. While the day recalls general tragedies which have befallen the Jewish people over the ages, we decided to link his holiday to current events that are occurring in our own communities.
We started the holiday Saturday evening, right after Havdalah. Setting the mood we talked about some of the tragedies that occur in today’s society, such as lack of education, economic devastation and hunger. We lit candles for each modern disaster, and began reflection on our journeys at our service sites throughout the Chicago area.
This afternoon we headed off to the Chicago Holocaust museum to pay respect for our ancestors. As we walked through each corridor we found ourselves not only mourning the death of millions, but also celebrating our life, and our future as Jewish leaders. Even though this is considered the saddest day, we ended with a message of hope singing Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel.
Being a UCAN Volunteer
Posted on 07/28/2012 @ 11:00 PM
Being a UCAN Volunteer
This summer at Impact Chicago I chose to volunteer at an organization called UCAN Chicago. At UCAN there are many programs that help people who have experienced some sort of traumatic event in their lives.
For my first two days spent at UCAN, I gave mock interviews to teens mainly from the projects, just a few years younger than man. These interviews were given to prepare the teens that may not end up going to college for the interview process in the real world. Going into this I really didn’t know what to expect and was somewhat nervous. Early on in the interviews I could see a trend developing; the kids were shy and closed off toward the beginning of the interviews but became more comfortable and open with me toward the end. Learning about each and every one of these kids has taught me to appreciate every minute of my life, and not take anything for granted.
On the third day with UCAN I spent my time in the Western offices filing, making a box for a supply drive, and learning about all that UCAN has done for the city of Chicago. I also learned a lot about this 143 year old organization from the wise women who are a big part of UCAN.
From something as big as preparing the teens for the real world to something that may seem as small as filing, I feel like I am making a huge impact in somebody’s life whether I know them or not. Impact Chicago has changed the way I see my life and surroundings as well as leading by example and helping out whenever and wherever help is needed.
Impact has already changed my life so much, and I can’t wait to work more with UCAN and make even more of an impact.
-Eliana DuBosar
Shavu'a Tov
Posted on 07/28/2012 @ 11:00 PM
Shavu’a Tov
Shabbat is a unique experience away from home. Traditions are respected in old and new ways that can redefine the way we view our own Shabbats and the Shabbats we lead in our regions. Impact: Chicago gave us, as teens, a chance to lead our own services, while centering the focus on what we found to be important as we learned through service. Three service options were offered by the Saturday Shabbat committee; a traditional service based around Stand Up!, a meditation Shabbat, and “It’s all Interpretive (Dance)” service. I lead the interpretive dance Shabbat. We danced to songs around the story of the seven days of creation and recited traditional prayers as well as those of Kabbalah Judaism. We connected through mind, body, and spirit finding the things that inspire us the most on the day of rest. Most of all, I feel like we all found a way to look within and take a breather and discover Shabbat for ourselves. Though only one Shabbat we get to experience here in Chicago, it had meaning far greater. I was so glad that to spend Shabbat with my new friends and new-found love for interpretation.
With Undying Love for Impact Chicago 2012, The Gan Project, Philanthropy, and the wonderfully magical city of Chicago, I remain,
Zoey Rosen, Los Angeles.
Another Update from Abby Hoffman
Posted on 07/26/2012 @ 11:00 PM
Another update by Abby Hoffman…
The Gan Project has had its best and most productive day in the history of the organization. My friend Elena and I painted approximately 20 arrows in various shapes and colors in preparation for a huge event coming up this weekend. Also, I helped to build an upraised plant bed— I forget the actual formal name— and I used a power saw to cut a piece of wood. There are six days left to make an impact in the Chicago area and I cannot wait to see what those upcoming days might bring.
-Abby Hoffman
Creating Bonds
Posted on 07/26/2012 @ 10:00 PM
Creating Bonds
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) in downtown Chicago is an organization working to help undocumented citizens find and take advantage of opportunities to improve their quality of life in the state of Illinois.
On August 15th, they will host a large workshop at Navy Pier to help undocumented students apply for relief through deferred action. At this workshop, called Dream Relief Day, at least 1,800 undocumented youth will get help filling out applications for deferred action. If they qualify, they will not be deported and will be eligible to obtain work permits, social security numbers, and in some states, a driver’s license. The deferred action memorandum was announced by the Obama Administration on June 15th, and August 15th is the first day applications will be available.
The Impact: Chicago group volunteering at ICIRR has been helping ICIRR staff and interns prepare for this event by making phone calls to local schools, creating videos, publicizing on Facebook and Twitter, and putting together presentations to be shown to participating schools.
Today I got the opportunity to work with ICIRR’s public relations manager. I am currently working on an article about Dream Relief Day that will hopefully be published on the ICIRR blog. It is really exciting for me, because I get to do something I love (write) while also learning even more about ICIRR’s mission.
My Impact: Chicago experience, particularly working at ICIRR, has been extremely rewarding. At first, immigration was not an issue I knew much about, or was very concerned with. After spending even just three days at ICIRR, I have learned more than I thought possible, and have become passionate about this cause. I hope to continue my relationship with ICIRR after I return home, and spread awareness about immigration reform in my own region and community.
-Avery Anapol
All About Town!
Posted on 07/26/2012 @ 12:00 AM
All About Town!
What a day we all had! From our travels to Millennium Park to an evening full of Fireworks, we certainly had a very busy day.
We started at Hillel for a fun activity that demonstrated class system throughout the world. We were given various supplies that we used to compete in a tallest building contest. Each group had a different amount of supplies available based on the class that they were assigned. It was eye-opening, and lead to great and heated discussions about social classes in our society.
After we all walked to the Metra (the Chicago train station), and were on our way to Millennium Park. We saw all the sights, from the Gigantic Bean, called “Cloud Gate,” to the beautiful Lurie Gardens, to the interactive fountain. Although it was super hot, we had a great time exploring.
We then went on a nice walk to the Chicago Jewish Federation (JUF) for a Philanthropy Boot Camp that discussed how donors go through the allocation process. We learned about Foundations, grant giving, and Tzedakah. It was incredibly informative, and helpful to understand how Philanthropists work. We ended the program creating our own mock Foundations and worked together to allocate our funds.
Fireworks and Farris Wheel time! We trekked off to Navy Pier for an evening of amazing food, friends and fun. We got to walk the boardwalk, take in a great view of the skyline, and even have a blast in the fun house.
We have arrived back home sleepy and ready for another great day!
A Day in the Life of Impact Coordinator Marissa Finkelman
Posted on 07/26/2012 @ 12:00 AM
A Day in the Life of Impact Coordinator Marissa Finkelman
Wow, what an exciting (and HOT) day! The Impact Chicago participants have been waiting to finally get to see Chicago, and fortunately today was the perfect day for them to do just that.
We started out the day with some curriculum sessions that included an interactive "tower building" activity which served the purpose of demonstrating certain unfair aspects of our society, and concluded with various discussions on philanthropy and tzedakah. Then, we took the Metra to Millennium Park, where we met Hallie and Stephanie from JUF (Jewish United Fund) and enjoyed a beautiful picnic in a grassy area.
After we ate, we had a scavenger hunt activity around the park in order to learn the names of the philanthropists who made everything possible, which introduced the rest of the day's program perfectly. We walked over to the Federation building to get started on an incredible "Philanthropy Boot Camp", which taught participants all of the ins and outs of philanthropy. Finally, we took a bus over to Navy Pier for a fun night that included a fireworks show!
Kelsi Krandel (CRW) excitedly updated her Facebook status following our night out on Navy Pier with the following: "Tonight I had REAL Chicago-style pizza, hung out with awesome BBYO people at Navy Pier, went on the Waveswinger, had Phish Food ice cream for the first time, learned how to wobble, and watched a fantastic fireworks show over Lake Michigan. How was your evening?"
We had a very exciting day, but everyone is more than ready for another meaningful day at our service sites tomorrow!
~Marissa Finkelman
Always Making an Impact
Posted on 07/24/2012 @ 09:00 PM
Always Making an Impact
My name is Julia Katz. Today I attended the Onward Neighborhood House for the second day in a row. Yesterday was incredible, so I was very excited to see what was in store. My group arrived, and we helped clean up and organize in the classrooms. Then we took the kids for a long walk and went back inside to play different games, like connect 4 and Twister. Our site group is divided into two groups- one that works with kids of pre-school age, and one who works with students in kindergarten through grade 5. I am with the pre-schoolers who are full of energy and a ton of fun, and the older kids are attending the museum on Thursday with their designated volunteers going with them as well.
Hi, my name is Abby Hoffman and I am a participant in the Gan Project site. So far, I have planted some lettuce, zucchini and watermelon. I also weeded around the plants and pickled some cucumbers. So fun! I even made my own pickles and brought them to my dorm to marinate for a week. Yay Impact: Chicago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, I’m Avery Anapol and I am volunteering at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). ICIRR’s big project of the moment is to prepare for a huge event on August 15, where they will help hundreds (if not thousands) of undocumented youth apply for deferred action. This means that they will not be deported and will be eligible to apply for work permits. Today I helped prepare for the event by researching a topic for a powerpoint presentation that will be shown to participating high schools. I have learned a lot about an important cause, and I really feel that I am making an Impact in Chicago and the global community!
Tomorrow, we are going to Millennium Park and the Navy Pier…. Going to be an amazing time!
Btw—follow us on Twitter @Impact _Chicago ;)
Service Sites, Here We Come!
Posted on 07/23/2012 @ 09:00 PM
Service Sites, Here We Come!
After yesterday’s travels, we had our first full day of programming at Impact Chicago, and if today is any indication of what to expect for the rest of the experience, I am pumped! We started off the day bright and early before heading to our service sites. Take a look at what a few of us experienced!
Today I went to my first session at the GAN project. After an inspiring introduction about communal Jewish farming, we got down to work. I shoveled soil from a large compost pile into a portable container that will be used for planting. Afterwards, we picked Japanese cucumbers and baby cucumbers that will be harvested for many families and organizations that are in need of food. It was a good start and I’m looking forward to making a real impact tomorrow with a full days’ work.
-Jesse Freedman
Today I went to CJE! We started off the day with a brief intro to the facility. We learned that there is much that we can do to help the older residents. After, we had many fun and engaging conversations with the seniors. We talked about many things from taste in music, to their families. All in all it was a great day, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow!
-Jon Silverman
Today I worked at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. The first day was, for the most part, an information session, as our group learned about proper terminology for different immigrant groups, the policy behind the organization, and what exactly they do at work. We then went off to sit in on an office meeting, where members of the organization were planning a future rally in support of possible pro-immigrant rights that will be introduced by President Obama. The experience provided us with the opportunity to look into the inner workings of immigration policy, as well as how a non-profit functions.
-Nadav Pecha
Keep following Impact Chicago to hear more amazing stories from all of our participants.
All Settled In
Posted on 07/22/2012 @ 09:38 PM
They’re Here!!!
We had a great first day at Impact Chicago. Buses arrived full of excited and energetic teens, ready for a week full of amazing memories.
After settling into our brand new dorms at the University of Chicago, we headed to Hillel for introductions and an ice breaker to get to know each other. We learned about our service sites, and got to know our smaller groups on a deeper level. Everyone is really excited to get up early, and start our volunteering all throughout Chicago .
We then walked back to our dorms and had a tasty dinner at the campus dining hall. The room we ate in looked straight out of “Harry Potter.” Following dinner we had our first session with our educators. We focused on bringing Jewish text to modern time in relation to service. Everyone had tons of rich and amazing thoughts to share.
We ended the night with a great activity led by our teen coordinators, Tucker Rubin and Marissa Finkelman. We had a scavenger hunt that taught everyone about the famous landmarks in Chicago. It was an absolute blast.
We had a great first day, and can’t wait for what’s to come.
First Day of Impact Chicago is Here!!
Posted on 07/22/2012 @ 09:38 PM
Impact Chicago is ready to Rock n’ Roll!!
The staff is here, and we are officially ready to welcome Impact teens to an amazing twelve days! Do follow us on the Impact Blog, and track our many journeys as we do amazing service all throughout the Chicago area.
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“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” – Carl Jung
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