Kol HaTnua - Voice of the Movement Rachel Powell – Social Action Programmer

By Year Round Programs

powell

Hi everyone, my name is Rachel Powell, and I will be your Social Action Programmer for the year. My mom, Julie Kolman Powell, was very involved in Young Judaea. I guess that is what got me to go to camp. However, that is not why I choose to be involved. I choose to be involved because Young Judaea has given me more than just zionist education, leadership skills, and friends. Young Judaea has given me a purpose. It has given me something to look forward to every week through the New Jersey region events. It has given me many events throughout the year. When I had nothing to look forward to, Young Judaea was there.

One event in particular that really helped me find who I am was Alternative Winter Break in Los Angeles. During this trip, I learned the importance of spending money to spend time with people that need the money I spent. I learned the importance of a conversation and the importance of company. Young Judaea has forever given me company when I felt alone. Through Alternative Winter Break I discovered my passion when I met Lydia. Lydia was a 12 year old girl who was hungry. Not “I need a snack hungry,” but really hungry. A hungry I have never seen before. A hungry I believe we as a movement have the power to solve. Food is a necessity.

When I was in Sprout Lake, they used to always say MADIMOW which stood for making a difference in my own way. I truly believe everyone can make a difference but more than that, I believe if we all work together to make a difference we can make an even bigger impact. I plan on using Young Judaea as a tool to make the difference I want to see in the world, this is why I chose to be Social Action Programmer of a movement that means so much to me.

recommended posts

Year Round Programs A complicated time to be a teen

By Erica Cohen, Director of Teen Education “We have to take back Zionism…don...

Year Course Take a Gap Year to Israel Now? Convince me!

By Adina Frydman, CEO Young Judaea Global There are great reasons to consider ta...

Alumni YJ Supplement for the Pesach Haggadah

Given the war in Israel,  we acknowledge that this Passover is radically differ...