At JCC Chicago, we actively engage 3,000 unique teens every year and recognize that their involvement can and should extend to meaningful volunteerism. This year, in partnership with Shalom Corps, we are committed to elevating the value of service our teens deliver by providing them with year-round community service opportunities. We invite participants to complete 60 hours of service where they could connect with local, national, and international organizations as well as other teens. Trainings and volunteer opportunities will be hosted by your friends and staff from JSC, Camp Chi and Apachi.
Service opportunities will range from individual/at-home contributions, engaging with community partners and working directly in service of others. Please note due to Covid-19, JCC Chicago will not be facilitating in-person community events until summer 2021. However, we are committed to providing opportunities to safely volunteer in-person should you wish to opt-in.
View Service Opportunities
Participants who complete the program by May 21, 2022 will earn a certificate demonstrating 60 hours of volunteer service and confirmation of training modules completed; knowledge about social advocacy, Jewish life, volunteerism, and other topics; and experience that may enhance resumes, college applications, or service hour completion requirements.
Participation in Shalom Corps is FREE. Through the volunteer opportunities and complimentary training provided, the Shalom Corps program fosters new leadership skills, builds networks, strengthens understanding of community needs, and offers experience with problem solving
What are you waiting for?
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Training Dates and Information
Training for Shalom Corps exposes participants to various aspects of social advocacy matters. Participants leave each trainings session with a greater understanding of the topic discussed and its connection to jewish life, as well as ways to help through volunteering.
Please note: Shalom Corps members are not required to attend all training sessions. Participants can choose to complete a full 60 hours of service without any training sessions, or use the trainings sessions to offset some of their required service hours.
Training sessions are open to anyone who will find value in the subject matter and are not required to be registered in the Shalom Corps program. Registrants will be sent training links prior to each session.
More information to follow about whether sessions will be held virtually or in person.
| Date | Time | Workshops and Topics | Registration |
| September 9 | 6:30-8:30pm | What is Tikkun Olam and How Does it Pertain to Service?
What is Jewish about Service? | Coming Soon |
| October 14 | 6:30-8:30pm | Food Insecurity and Food Deserts | Coming Soon |
| November 4 | 6:30-8:30pm | What is Environmental Justice and How Can We Help? | Coming Soon |
| December 2 | 6:30-8:30pm | The LGBTQIA+ Community: Looking at Organizations
Fighting for Equality | Coming Soon |
| January 12 | 6:30-8:30pm | Educational Poverty: What is It and What Can We Do?
| Coming Soon |
| February 3 | 6:30-8:30pm | Systemic Racial Inequality: What Can We Do? | Coming Soon |
| March 3 | 6:30-8:30pm | Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Equality | Coming Soon |
| April 19 | 6:30-8:30pm | Wrapping Up: Reflecting on the Program and Year of Service | Coming Soon |
In-Person Service Volunteer Days
In Fall 2021, JCC Chicago will be scheduling service days opportunities with community partners. More information to come. Be sure to register to receive notifications when information about additional volunteer opportunities, training programs and other events becomes available.
