Thank you for a great 2 weeks!

Posted on 07/25/2011 @ 03:59 PM

Impact: DC Jam 1

It is hard to believe that the two weeks are already over and Impact: DC 2011 has come to an end. We had such a wonderful group of teens and it was clear that everyone learned a lot and had a ton of fun.

Thanks for a memorable two weeks!

Natalie Sukienik, Program Director

A Note from Brandon Mond and Brad Hongberg

Posted on 07/22/2011 @ 12:42 PM

Dear Viewing Jewish Parents,

Over the past week we have had a tremendous time in the glorious city of Washington DC. We work at a Wider Circle, an organization created to furnish dwellings of people in need, and focuses on helping restore dignity to people coming out of poverty. On occasion, much to Max Lazar's (our group leader's) chagrin, we enjoy breakfast hotdogs at a local eatery cart conveniently located right outside the metro station. Another event we must share with you is the program called “Street Torah”. In “Street Torah” we connected with homeless people in McPherson square by striking up conversation. We met a very colorful gentlemen by the name of Alfred who told us about his adventures spanning multiple continents and shenanigans within the United States. We are having a great time and learning a lot.

Brandon Mond, Dallas TX, and Brad Honigberg, Mequon, WI

Jess Baar's Reflection on Service at Metro Teen Aids

Posted on 07/22/2011 @ 11:58 AM

A lot has happened during these past two weeks. We did an amazing program called Street Torah, went to service sites, participated in planned programs and yesterday, went to lobby. For this blog entry, I want to focus on my service site, Metro Teen AIDS (MTA).

MTA is all about promoting safer sex practices to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. During our first day there we met our amazing service site volunteer coordinator, Ana. She talked to us about what MTA was all about and gave us a lesson on HIV/AIDS. We learned that DC has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the country with 3% of the population infected. This is well above the 1% needed for this to be considered an epidemic.

Throughout the next week my group continued to meet in MTA's "Freestyle" teen lounge. Freestyle is a place where local teens can go to hang out and be safe. It also provides programming and field trips, along with testing for various STD's. It gives the teens a place to go for support.

On Monday, we gave up some of our break time to plan and run a program for the local teens at freestyle. Let me just say that it was well worth it.

Wednesday was our last day there. The group walked throughout DC talking about HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. Then we all sadly said our last goodbye to Ana whom we had grown so close with. Metro Teen AIDS was an eye opening experience and I learned a lot about not only HIV/AIDS, but an acceptance for other people who are ostracized for being different.

Jessica Baar, Allentown, PA

Nicole Fratkin's Lobbying Experience

Posted on 07/22/2011 @ 11:45 AM

Today we conquered the daunting task of lobbying! Looking around at everyone this morning was extremely nerve racking as each group was franticly jotting down notes and reviewing material while my group simply ate our bagels, however our lobbying session could not have gone better. Each person in my group was able to voice his or her own opinion and instead of arguing back at us, the Senator's legislative aid attentively listened to every word. Personally, I think I expected the aid to dismiss our views and facts because we weren't even of voting age, but she was actually extremely impressed by us and praised us for our preparation. It is reassuring to know that our Senator truly cares about what we have to say and understands that the decisions and legislation that he passes will directly affect us in the future. I could also tell that the atmosphere that the Senator had created in his office and his relationships with his staff were genuine, welcoming, and warm. I am grateful that a person like that represents my state and myself. Today we made a difference; we spoke up for what we believe in and I know that this is just the first step in a life long commitment to social justice and advocacy.

Nicole Fratkin, Richmond, Virginia

Impact: DC Through the Eyes of Nicole Fratkin

Posted on 07/20/2011 @ 06:45 PM

Impact DC has truly been amazing so far. Last year I was fortunate to be able to attend Impact Boston so I knew I’d have fun in DC, but I didn’t think I’d be having this much fun. The people are incredible, the city is filled with new experiences, and my service site is inspiring. I have been volunteering at a place called “A Wider Circle.” They are a non-profit that gives away the necessary items to fill a home to those recently transitioning from homeless shelters to real homes. On our first day, a little boy came into the toy section of which I was managing. He had never had a toy of his own before. I can’t even articulate the excitement and joy in his eyes as he picked out a fire engine, books, and legos to take home. What hit me even harder was the fact that he had never had a bed to sleep in before. This little boy’s life will now be changed because of the immense passion and generosity of “A Wider Circle.” The staff here is also wonderful. They lead sessions every other day where we discuss Jewish texts and the connection to the service and social action we are doing. I would write a page about this program, but I am about to go play basketball! I am so glad I decided to come and thank everyone who made this experience possible.

Nicole Fratkin, Richmond, VA