JOC Community Building Opportunities
As a white-led organization running cohorts that are often predominantly white, we know that participation in the Jewish Service Corps can be more challenging for Jews of Color (JOCs).
To help nurture their leadership development and support their Avodah experience, JOC Corps Members can opt into additional supports. This flexible, voluntary offering evolves to meet the needs of each cohort, and can include dedicated mentorship with a JOC leader, connections to JOC-led organizations in your city, 1:1 support from Avodah staff members, and opportunities to connect virtually and regionally with other JOC Corps Members.
If you have questions about what our JOC community has to offer, reach out to our team at apply@avodah.net to learn more.
What does JOC mean?
JOC is an acronym for Jews of Color, an umbrella term for community members who identify as Black or African American, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, non-White Latinx, Indigenous American or Alaska Native, Arab, Middle Eastern, and/or multi-racial Jews.
If you’re feeling unsure about whether or not you identify as a JOC, or if this piece just feels complicated, feel free to reach out to us at apply@avodah.net.
How do I opt into the JOC community building?
On your application, you will have an opportunity to indicate whether or not you’re interested in participating in JOC opportunities. And you don’t have to decide now—you’re welcome to opt in at any point between the start of the application and the start of the program year.
Can Sephardi and Mizrahi participate in JOC community building?
It depends! If you’re Sephardi and/or Mizrahi and identify as a JOC based on the above definition, you may want to consider participating in JOC community building.
If you’re feeling unsure about whether or not you identify as a JOC, or if this piece just feels complicated, feel free to reach out to us at apply@avodah.net.
Can you be a POC but not a JOC and still participate in JOC community building?
Applicants do not have to be Jewish to participate in the Service Corps, but JOC community building will be geared towards supporting the unique needs of Jews of Color.