The alumni community, like AJWS service programs, welcomes folks of all ages to our activities. Our programming aims to provide compelling content in which a diverse group of alumni can find interest and value. We also value the professional expertise and life experiences of older alumni and appreciate any mentoring or other networking you may wish to engage in with younger alumni. The alumni staff would love to get to know you individually and discuss possible ways that you can be involved in alumni activities at any age. Please contact us if you would like to meet up!

While it is true that many alumni activities take place in staffed regions, it is certainly possible to stay active – most importantly, by staying connected. Please update us at alumni@ajws.org with your current contact information so we can be in touch, and we would also love to hear what you have been up to since your program ended. Reading the e-mails we send, especially listserv announcements, is the best way to stay informed and aware of AJWS’ work and opportunities for alumni participation. Stay tuned for future events open to alumni nationally, such as our distance learning calls.

Though AJWS works on issues of grassroots sustainable development around the world, our mission also calls on the Jewish community to practice global citizenship – living and acting in everyday life, at home, with a global consciousness. Through partnership with Jewish organizations promoting domestic social justice agendas, we can ultimately broaden the impact that service alumni can have in tackling poverty and injustice both at home and beyond.

Not formally. AJWS’ service programs take place in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We are, however, interested in exploring meaningful, ongoing service opportunities for alumni in our staffed regions and would love to hear your suggestions. We encourage you to seek out volunteering opportunities in your local community when you return from your trip, and we often post volunteer positions on the alumni listserv. Be sure to check out JSoN: The Jewish Service Online Network for additional opportunities at http://jsonlive.com/web/guest/opportunities.

AJWS, as an affiliate of the Jewish Coalition for Service, believes deeply in strengthening a broad Jewish social justice movement to create meaningful change. JSoN’s social networking enables alumni of Jewish service programs of all kinds to connect with one another, share opinions and experiences, and post photos. It also serves as a center for resources on relevant issues and for job and volunteer opportunities. Through JSoN, alumni have a unique online opportunity to engage and develop as change makers.