When we ask Corps members why they chose to participate in AVODAH, many talk about giving back to society, making a difference in others’ lives and working on issues that they care about such as education inequality, hunger, or public health.

These motives align with the findings of a new study commissioned by Repair the World, on why the majority of contemporary Jewish young adults engage in volunteer work. Volunteering & Values: A Repair the World Report on Jewish Young Adults examines attitudes and behaviors of Jewish young adults towards volunteerism, service and Jewish values. This research was conducted as a collaborative effort between the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University and Gerstein-Agne Strategic Communications.

The study found that Jewish young adults demonstrate an overwhelming commitment to volunteerism, with strong interests in eradicating poverty and illiteracy, and preserving the environment. Significantly for AVODAH, the study discovered that most Jewish young adults do not connect their volunteering to their Jewish identity. The study also revealed that young Jewish adults are not aware of volunteer opportunities in the Jewish community. It seems that AVODAH, an organization that works to inspire young change-makers to connect their social justice activities to their Jewish values, still has much work ahead of us.

To read the study in its entirety, click here.

Repair the World will also host a webinar on Monday, June 27 at 1:30pm EST to present the results of the study. To register for the event, click here.