JCorps

JCorps is an international social volunteer network of thousands of Jewish young adults, aged 18-28. It is currently active in New York City, Montreal, Jerusalem, and Toronto. It is non-religious, non-denominational, and independent of any other organization. It is 100% volunteer run, with no paid staff.

To date, JCorps has had volunteers from over 140 colleges and universities, over 400 companies, and over 20 countries.

Volunteers feed the hungry in soup kitchens, entertain the elderly in senior centers, play with children in hospitals, and clean and improve the landscape of city parks, among other activities.

Volunteers are notified about events via email and Facebook invite and must sign up at the JCorps website, to attend any event.

"Social Volunteering"

JCorps is considered the first "Social Volunteer Network" in the worldFact|date=August 2008. It volunteers in groups of 20, so that volunteers can "Make Friends, and Make a Difference." (JCorps' motto).

Mission

JCorps' mission is to enable young Jewish adults to connect while making a difference through volunteering. It provides a low-pressure, high-activity environment where people can get to know each other while working on a shared task.

History

JCorps International, Inc. was founded in December, 2006 [ [http://www.jstandard.com/articles/2234/1/Jewish-singles-mingle,-give-back-to--community] The Jewish Standard, Feb 08, 2007] in New York City by comedian Ari Teman [ [http://www.aish.com/jewlariousFeatures/jewlariousFeaturesDefault/A_Good_Friend.asp] Jewlarious Comedy Magazine, July 2007] . It began as a website and Facebook Group and quickly grew to thousands of members. In May 2008, JCorps began operations in Montreal [ [http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14994&Itemid=86] Canadian Jewish news] , and in July 2008 it opened in Jerusalem and Toronto.

In 2008, Ari Teman was named to the Jewish Week's "36 Under 36" for his work with JCorps [ [http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c371_a11483/News/36_Under_36_TNW.html] The Jewish Week, "The Next Wave: 36 Under 36", May 21, 2008.] .

On August 7, 2008, JCorps was invited to Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, for a barbecue to honor volunteers.

References

External links

* [http://www.JCorps.org JCorps official website]