NFTY-NE Tzedek Leadership Corps is an intensive summer program sponsored by the North American Federation of Temple Youth Northeast Region (NFTY-NE) and the Youth Division of the Union for Reform Judaism in partnership with Clark University Hillel.

Living Jewish Values

The network of NFTY Regional Mitzvah Corps began in the 1960’s as a way to help Jewish high school students develop a greater understanding of social justice within the context of Reform Judaism. Now, as then, the program sensitizes teenagers to the realities and hardships of contemporary urban life, giving them a chance to make a difference and experience the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes only with helping another person. Through the years, Mitzvah Corps has provided a safe, challenging and rewarding learning and growing experience. Summer 2004 marks the inaugural year for the Tzedek Leadership Corps, but a continuation of the social action work and Tikkun Olam that has always been a significant part of the NFTY Northeast tradition.

The Program

Summer at Tzedek Leadership Corps (TLC) offers teenagers an intensive six-week residential program in social justice in and around Worcester, MA. Over thirty Jewish high school students entering their junior or senior year and six adult advisors live together on the Clark University campus in Worcester. Participants spend their day volunteering with the mentally and physically challenged, elderly, and disadvantaged. Evenings are devoted to guest speakers, educational programs, and a wide range of social activities.

TLC program is designed to accommodate a limited number of participants. Due to the intensive nature of the program, participants need to be mature, responsible young adults who are able to adjust to independent living as well as the issues that are raised throughout the program.

Learning to Take Responsibility

TLC stresses communication and collaboration as main themes of community living.  In the dorms, participants strive to form a working community through shared responsibilities and mutual trust. Weekly meetings are conducted to assign household chores, discuss plans for the upcoming weekend, and address community issues and problems. Participants also have the chance to share their thoughts and feelings at weekly “rap” sessions where they are free to voice whatever is on their minds.

Community Service Opportunities

Each participant volunteers at two separate service agencies during the program period. Potential volunteer opportunities planned for summer 2004 include:

• Staffing a Day Camp for Inner City Youth on the Clark University Campus
• Working at a Support Center and Structured Workshop for Mentally and Physically Disabled Adults
• Staffing an Assisted Living Residence and Elderly Care Facility
• Working at a local Ecotarium

Reform Judaism in Action

Tzedek Leadership Corps encourages the participants to take active roles in exploring and celebrating Judaism. Participants write and lead weekly creative services. They visit local Union for Reform Judaism Congregations for services and Kabbalat Shabbat and, if possible, share song sessions and services with other local Jewish groups.  Guest speakers and specially developed evening programs focus on important Jewish, social and ethical issues and help participants contextualize their thoughts and feelings about their volunteer work.

A Weekend at the RAC

Participants spend one memorable weekend in Washington, D.C., at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. This visit brings together participants from the NFTY Mitzvah Corps programs of NFTY-NE, NFTY-GER and NFTY-PAR. There, speakers share valuable information on current political issues to prepare the participants to lobby members of Congress. The weekend concludes with a day on Capitol Hill. This highlight event of the summer teaches the participants how to translate their social awareness and concern into vital political action. And, yes, there is even time to explore Washington, D.C.!

Living at Mitzvah Corps

The Tzedek Leadership Corps is housed on the Clark University campus in Worcester. The campus and its environs offer participants a range of shops and restaurants to explore during their free time. The Clark University gymnasium and Student Center are only a few blocks away. The majority of the job sites are within walking or bike-riding distance. Participants are driven to sites which are further away.

Weekend and Free Time

Between work and dinner each day, participants have free time to explore the Clark University campus, spend time outdoors, or just relax. Several Wednesday evenings during the summer are free choice nights during which participants may go home, go out to dinner, or have visitors. These evenings are a great chance to unwind and see family and friends.

Health & Safety, Staff Supervision and Medical Care

In more than 50 years of sponsoring summer programs, the safety and security of participants has always been our primary concern. NFTY has a well-deserved reputation for care and caution in designing and implementing these programs. All members of the Tzedek Leadership Corps staff are fully trained and at least one individual is certified in CPR/First Aid. Any staff that will be driving participants will have successfully completed a defensive driving course and be 21 years of age or older. The individual responsible for food service will have successfully completed a course in food service hygiene. All staff members participate in a staff-training orientation prior to the program. Medical staff will be on call.  A local hospital with a full range of medical specialists is within a few miles of the Tzedek Leadership Corps residence.

Application Process

TLC accepts applications throughout the winter months from students who will be entering their junior or senior year in high school and are members of Union for Reform Judaism affiliated congregations. Admission preference is given to applicants from NFTY Northeast and the URJ Northeast Council. All applications must include a non-refundable $50 application fee. Entering sophomores, graduating seniors, non-Union, non-Reform or students from outside the Northeast Region may apply with the understanding that they will be reviewed on a case by case basis after priority has been given to applicants who fall within the given admission guidelines. The final deadline for applications is April 20, 2004.

Program Fees

The program fee for the entire six-week session is $2,500.00. This fee includes the complete program: Professional adult supervision, three meals a day, daily transportation to and from worksites, and living accommodations. Extra spending money (for snacks and incidentals) is not included.

It is the participant’s responsibility to arrange and provide transportation to and from Clark University at the beginning and end of the program.

Help Us Ensure the Future

Each participant’s tuition covers only part of the total cost of housing, meals and group activities. The balance of Mitzvah Corps’ operating budget consists of generous donations from Mitzvah Corps alumni, their parents, friends, rabbis, youth groups, and synagogue communities. Your donation will help Mitzvah Corps continue to serve the Youth of Reform Judaism and those who Mitzvah Corps reaches out to year after year.

For More Information

To receive more information about the Tzedek Leadership Corps, please contact Brett Lubarsky, Program Coordinator, at (781) 449-0404 or Becky Rolnick, Regional Director of Youth & Informal Education for the Northeast Council, at (781) 449-0404 or email her at rrolnick@urj.org.