Category Archives: Global Circle

Pursuing Social Justice at the White House

By Aileen Goldstein  |  April 5, 2012

Originally posted on the Global Circle blog.

“The average citizen totally underestimates their ability to impact policy and decision making here in Washington.” – Jon Carson, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

There I was, sitting with 82 members of the American Jewish Community representing 21 Jewish organizations as part of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable being briefed by White House officials on the President’s social justice agenda. Why would they take the time? What power do we have? Who are we to be in the room? We are committed American citizens driven by our Jewish values to call for change. We have the power to make that change a reality, the power to make our voices heard and to advance social justice here in America and in the world. Read More »

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26.2 Miles for a Better World

By Global Circle  |  November 4, 2011

Originally posted on the Global Circle blog.

AJWS Team Marathon Shirt

This Sunday, November 6th, 10 runners from the inaugural AJWS Marathon team will embark on a journey that will test not only their physical but mental strength as well: The ING NYC Marathon.

For the past five months, these ten runners have endured countless miles, consumed countless packets of GU and gallons of gatorade and have raised over $32,000 for AJWS.

Some might think these 10 runners are crazy. 26.2 miles really? However, if you come cheer on Team AJWS this Sunday as they take on all five boroughs, you’ll see in their face why they run. You’ll see it in the crowds cheering on friends, loved ones and even strangers. Most importantly you’ll understand that while everyone has their own motive for running, they all share one common reason: to make the world a better place by helping marginalized communities in the developing world realize their human rights!

Join AJWS as we cheer on our fearless marathon team! You can’t miss the team – they’re wearing neon yellow shirts. If you see an AJWS runner, take a picture and send it to Katie Tilson at ktilson@ajws.org

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Global Circle in Ghana: 3rd Post – Transformation and Obligation

By Sarah DiLeo  |  May 20, 2011

I signed up for the Global Circle trip to Ghana with some reluctance. Couldn’t I just write a check to AJWS and take a vacation to Hawaii instead? Or if I wanted to do something for people in need, couldn’t I start somewhere a little closer to home? Who would I be helping by spending money to visit the developing world?

Read More »

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Global Circle in Ghana: 2nd Post – Productive Discomfort

By Lee Sudakoff  |  May 20, 2011

I am uncomfortable. I am hot, sweaty and tired. I have been continuously carrying 45 lb blocks for about 10 minutes, fairly certain this is the first time I have ever carried cement blocks in my entire life. While I am used to seeing huge cement mixers on the side of the highway, here I am mixing cement myself with a shovel.

Read More »

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Global Circle in Ghana: 1st Post – Initial Reflections

By Katie Tilson  |  May 18, 2011

Traveling to the developing world for the first time has aroused a mix of emotions for me. As I sit in my light-flickering room in the rather hot, however charming lodge in Winneba, a small town of Ghana, I’m beginning to decompress my feelings about what I’ve seen and experienced: I visited a slum and saw an arresting level of poverty. I watched a condom demonstration from a former sex worker. I met the US Ambassador to Ghana. Read More »

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Global Circle Goes to Ghana!

By Jordan Namerow  |  May 12, 2011

The count-down is on for Global Circle’s inaugural trip to Ghana! In just a few days, 15 Jewish young professionals from around the country will join AJWS to explore the cultural and political dynamics that drive poverty and injustice in Ghanaian society. Trip participants will roll up their sleeves for a service project, and meet some of AJWS’s grantees that combat HIV/AIDS, promote LGBTI rights, and prevent child trafficking.

Bummed that you couldn’t make the trip this time around? Don’t worry, Global Circle will be blogging from the field to give you a sense of the sights, sounds and social justice issues they’re encountering. Follow Global Voices next week to read blog posts from trip participants. Stay tuned!

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