Shalom Corps just closed part 1 of our initiative, which included a competition calling on the public (and organizations) to send over original concepts they believe could address social change. We call that contest the Local Community Impact Initiative. Let me explain.
Have you ever seen a problem in your community and said to yourself, “this is really an issue. I wish we had a program that…”? There were 83 people who had that moment, thought up an idea for a program, and sent it our way via video proposal. As we speak, the top 10 program ideas are being selected for a panel of judges to … well… judge them. The top 5 will go to a public vote.
If you submitted, or you’re just curious, take a look at the criteria we have sent off to judges. The guidelines will help orient judges and give them standards by which to judge the top 10 programs they will get their hands on.
Let’s start with the goals of Shalom Corps, just so that everyone can get familiar with what our values are and what our purpose is.
Shalom Corps’ wants to:
- Dramatically increase the number of young Jews volunteering in service programs through a Jewish framework (locally and globally.)
- Strengthen Jewish identity and connection to Israel through increased
investment in Jewish service learning, educators, and alumni programming. - Encourage meaningful service for marginalized populations throughout the world that is focused on positive community outcomes and follows a high standard of practice.
The Local Community Impact Initiative seeks to:
- Promote ongoing activism and social service as an expression of Jewish identity or Israel engagement
- Incentivize and promote innovative and creative volunteer programs
- Provide funding for Jewish volunteers within eligible organizations around the world who are involved in local volunteering activities
- To connect Jewish communities and Jewish volunteers around the world through a coordinated program that addresses local concerns
Questions the judges will answer on a scale from 1 – 5
1.) Needs
Does the project address a significant need of a vulnerable or marginalized population?
Is the project born out of a pressing community need? Does the service activity align with needs?
2.) Impact
Does the project present an opportunity for impactful, meaningful service? Does the project consider sustainable outcomes?
3.) Volunteers
Does the project reflect an opportunity to recruit a large number of Jewish volunteers?
Does it consider volunteer interests and abilities? Does it offer opportunities for volunteers of all skill levels?
4.) Innovation
Does the volunteer project offer an innovative approach to social change? Does it employ technology as a tool for service?
5.) Feasibility
Does the project demonstrate reasonable chances for successful implementation? Does it include a well-thought out and reasonable budget? Does it reflect potential to run for a minimum of 1 year?
6.) Scalability
Does the project demonstrate potential for scaling to other cities and communities?
Does it have potential for building partnerships between organizations and communities?
7.) Ethics
Does the project demonstrate respect for diversity, equity and inclusion? Does it reflect ethical responsibility in considering community needs and outcomes?
8.) Storytelling
Does the project present an opportunity for inspirational messaging of a global Jewish volunteer movement?
9.) General alignment with Shalom Corps’ mission and goals
Does the program overall align with the intention of the program and the overall mission of Shalom Corps?
