Be the Change (Tikkun Olam) Programs for 2023-24
...register here for Better Together, Hamsa Fund, or Impact Builder
Are you interested in making a difference locally and globally? Contra Costa Midrasha now offers three ways for teens in our community to give back, learn how to make change while also being part of a supportive community of like-minded teens.
All programs meet once a month on Sunday afternoons or evenings and are open to 8-12th graders.
Better Together/B'yachad focuses on building intergenerational relationships between elders and teens. Using a hevruta (partnership) model, elders and teens in our community connect through Jewish identity, service, and heritage. This program is a journey and a powerful way to change the world through shared learning and growth, where both groups support and sustain each other.
The Hamsa Fund teens change the world through philanthropy. This program gives teens an opportunity to learn to run their own philanthropic foundation, getting hands-on experience addressing problems they see in their community. Hamsa Fund also connects teens, discussing the relationship between social action and their Jewish identities. Together they learn about fundraising, choose a mission statement, research non-profits, fundraise, and distribute funds.
Impact Builder participants engage in service and advocacy. They begin the year with a key question, "What issues do you care about? And more importantly, are you prepared to act and advocate for them in order to make a change?" Teens learn about their chosen issue, do with organizations and community members, and using their voices to enact change.
Expectations of "Be the Change" Programs: Teens are expected to attend all scheduled programming, to the best of their ability. Each program has added expectations. For example, Hamsa Fund teens learn the process of fundraising by actually doing the work. (A minimum monetary goal is not expected, just the work of outreach.) Impact Builder teens might need to do service outdoors, rain or shine.
Program Dates: Visit websites of each program for exact dates.
Better Together: https://www.ccmidrasha.com/better-together
Hamsa Fund: https://www.ccmidrasha.com/hamsa-fund
Impact Builder: https://www.ccmidrasha.com/impact-builder
Costs of the Program: See the registration below for costs of each program. All teens, regardless of financial standing, are welcome. Scholarships and payment plans are available. To request any type of financial assistance use coupon code "SCH." This will make your balance $0. Then, CCM's Director, Devra Aarons will contact you within three business days to arrange a payment plan or scholarship.