Or Tzedek Organizing Internship
Or Tzedek is a year-long program for high school students who are passionate about social justice and want to build the knowledge and skills to pursue progressive change.
Applications are now open for the 2024-25 cohort of Or Tzedek. Submit an application here. If you want to recommend a participant or learn more about the program, please fill out this interest form.
JCUA’s newly redesigned teen leadership program provides teens the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of justice and systems of oppression from a root-cause perspective; build skills to organize for social change in coalition with communities across Chicago; and cultivate their Jewish identity and values by connecting Judaism and social justice.
The Or Tzedek cohort meets twice monthly from September to May on Sunday afternoons, with an additional commitment of attending at least one JCUA meeting or event each month. Participants build a rich community with other young Jews and work together to organize a youth-led action at the end of the program.
The majority of Or Tzedek meetings are held in-person at JCUA’s SketchPad office (4411 N. Ravenswood Ave. Ste 300) with the possibility of switching to remote meetings if needed. Food is served at every cohort meeting, and participants receive a $400 stipend for the year, a fully-paid weekend retreat in February, and a letter of recommendation for future academic and professional endeavors.
If you’d like to get involved in JCUA’s youth organizing, but you’ve already participated in Or Tzedek or the eight-month program doesn’t feel right, there are still ways to join us! JCUA’s Youth Organizing Caucus, Queer Youth Caucus, and JOC Youth Affinity Space meet regularly and are always looking for new members!
To learn more about Or Tzedek and JCUA’s Youth Programs, please contact Mara Wolkoff, Manager of Youth Organizing & Education: mara@jcua.org