The pilot Youth Ambassador Council launched in November of 2016. Comprised of teens from various Jewish teen philanthropy programs from around the country, the council met four times throughout the year in a virtual conversation space to discuss issues that impact them as teens, as philanthropists and as Jews. In our sessions we spent time discussing trends in teen giving, political giving, current events, personal priorities and giving priorities. The Youth Ambassador Council afforded participants the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, learn about the scope of the field, and share their experience with their peers and with JTFN.

Youth Ambassador Council 2016-2017 Cohort

ILANA HOFFER / 11TH GRADE / B’NAI TZEDEK / PHOENIX, AZ

“My favorite part of YAC was talking to other Jewish teens around the country who have very similar interests as me but can also provide new and useful perspectives on philanthropy and Judaism.”

MICAELA KURTZ / 12TH GRADE / ROSE YOUTH FOUNDATION / DENVER, CO

“Teens are capable of making important changes to society and I get to do that as a philanthropist.”

QUINCY HIRT / 12TH GRADE / VOICES TEEN ALUMNI FOUNDATION / CHICAGO, IL

“Every year I can take my values and use them to guide my giving in a way where I can address the social problems I see around me as well as on an international level.”

REBECCA OREN-DRINKER / 11TH GRADE / JEWISH FUND TEEN BOARD / BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI

“Jewish teen philanthropy is a practice that encompasses Judaism, open-mindedness, and generosity.”

CONNOR DEDRICK / 11TH GRADE / JEWISH COMMUNITY YOUTH FOUNDATION / PRINCETON, NJ

“Jewish teen philanthropy is a place to test the waters of your future giving. By exploring what organizations you like to give to, such as cultural organizations or Israel-based organizations, you are able to formulate your own opinions and values.”

JOANNA SHERMAN / 12TH GRADE / SALTZMAN YOUTH PANEL / CLEVELAND, OH

“This type of philanthropy stems not from a teen’s desire to have a building named after them or their name on a plaque, but rather their desire to inspire change and be an activist in important causes.”

NOAM ROTHNER / 10TH GRADE / H.O.P.E. / TEANECK, NJ

“My favorite part of YAC was getting to meet all of the people across the country and understanding what philanthropy meant to them.”