What is ACCESS?
ACCESS is the young professionals division of American Jewish Committee (AJC). We believe in using the power of strategic advocacy to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and to advance human rights and democratic values for all. AJC's global Jewish advocacy focuses on three priorities: Combating hate and global antisemitism, promoting Israel's security and place in the world, and countering the spread of radicalism and extremism.
Why we're different:
ACCESS is social with substance. Our leaders shape the conversation on today's critical domestic and international issues through interfaith and interethnic bridge-building, targeted international travel, and meetings with high-level decision makers. Through these opportunities, our young professionals learn how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and are empowered to make a vital impact.
How can you get involved?
ACCESS provides many leadership opportunities for Atlanta's young professional community. Our leadership structure is based around a steering board and an executive committee made up of vice chairs and two ACCESS co-chairs.
As an ACCESS Steering member, your privileges and responsibilities include:
- Participating in local, national, and global ACCESS events, such as Young Professionals Night at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, or ACCESS in the ATL
- Attending steering meetings and AJC events and educational opportunities, including AJC honoree dinners, the AJC University series, Israel 101 and 102, etc.
- Serving on a committee that aligns with your interests. Committees may include, but are not limited to:
- Muslim-Jewish Committee
- Black-Jewish Committee
- Diplomacy & Local Politics Committee
- Israel Committee
- Jewish Community & Outreach Committee
- Governance Committee
- Working with fellow committee members to plan and implement programs
- Providing valuable input on the policies and procedures of ACCESS
- Representing ACCESS in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities
- Making a philanthropic investment that reflects their dedication to the values and work of ACCESS and AJC
Vice-chairs sit on the ACCESS Executive Committee. Each Chair is responsible for one of the ACCESS portfolios and oversees a committee that strategically furthers the vision and goals of each committee.
As an ACCESS Vice-chair, your responsibilities and privileges include:
- Creating avenues for Steering members to chair events and programming
- Leading, utilizing, and managing committees
- Engaging and educating steering members about AJC/ACCESS on a local, national, and international level
- Representing ACCESS in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities
- Leading a committee aligned with your interests which may include, but is not limited to, Muslim-Jewish, Black-Jewish, AJFF, etc.
- Maintaining frequent contact with ACCESS Co-Chairs and AJC Staff in order to create programming and opportunities for the young professional community in Atlanta
The secretary attends all Steering and Executive Committee meetings. The secretary is responsible for taking minutes at meetings, as well as providing valuable input as a member of the Executive Board.
The ACCESS Co-Chairs are responsible for keeping ACCESS mission focused and guiding the vision and strategy of our chapter. The Co-Chairs also represent ACCESS within the Jewish and non-Jewish communities and keep an open channel of communication between ACCESS, the AJC board, and AJC staff.
To nominate yourself or others to serve on the ACCESS Steering Board or Executive Board, please fill out the form found here. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged.
