American Jewish World Service, Inc.
The trip my husband and I took into the field with AJWS was a turning point in our philanthropic and passionate commitment to this great organization and to the people served through its programs. Several years ago, we accompanied the indefatigable Ruth Messinger and other staff and volunteer leaders to Thailand and Cambodia to meet the leadership and beneficiaries of programs that AJWS funds, We were moved by the level of professionalism and passion of the workers we met. And we were impressed by the strategic funding choices AJWS makes in the field, as well as the organization's commitment to measuring the impact of its investments. AJWS's funding is often to small cutting-edge groups who may not receive the largesse of traditional funders. This means AJWS is often one of the first funders to a new cause or organization -- and because this early money is the hardest to raise and has the greatest impact, it makes AJWS a leading player in the communities it serves. Our commitment to AJWS has deepened over the years, as we have come to know its leadership, its programs, and the depth of its commitment to healing the world.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
our trip to Cambodia and Thailand (see above)
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
multiply its budget many times over so it can have even greater impact in our bruised world.
Incredibly knowledge of the complexity of on-the-ground issues. AJWS knows how to make aid go the farthest, while building grassroots power so that the people receiving the aid can be in control of how it affects their communities. One of the best you can donate to.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
service trips and panel events i've attended
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
increase the scope of their campaigns
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their emphasis on grassroots efforts and awareness of community dynamics.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
knowledgeable and friendly
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help people all over the world empower themselves to address their needs.
Ways to make it better...
i had spent more time working with the organization
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
financial constraint and growing need
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have donated to them for many years and have had the amazing opportunity to travel with them to Africa and India to see their work first hand. They do amazing work in many countries around the world.
Photos
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
they are really making a difference
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world!!!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I spent summer 2008 in Honduras working with an NGO in the community of Gracias. We worked for seven weeks building a community center. I was impressed with the AJWS's organization of the trip and the curriculum that went along with the program. We were able to learn about the poverty and problems that are causing it as well as how to reduce its impact.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The year long program. Our group was able to make a difference in Honduras, as well as use our power as American citizens to affect change in politics.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
solve world poverty through grassroots change.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I spent my summer in 2008 on a Volunteer Summer program in El Horno, Nicaragua. Working along side with Fundacion Denis Ernesto González López, we assisted in building a community center in order for the NGO to provided sustainable agricultural techniques to farmers as well as to bring in income to provide more micro- grants to local farmers. AJWS provided me with an amazing experience as well as knowledge of social justice issues. AJWS is an amazing organizations and since working with them it has been hard to find other groups that is as dedicated to alleviating poverty. My experience with AJWS has been the major turning point in becoming a global citizen and living responsibly. AJWS provides participants with the essential tools to assess and address social justice issues.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
every aspect of my life. they have inspired me to lead a life of service, responsibility and humanitarianism. This experience will help me determine my future career.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not do very much. they are very well organized. It would be to keep in touch with the alumni of thier programs better. AJWS is trying thier best to do this but it is a great challenge in itself.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The Lessons learned, the cross cultural experience, Friendships made in my host community and among participates. they have also provided us with a large network of people who care about social issues and are willing to help.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Are friendly, lively, dedicated and also want input from anyone in order to make their organization better. The staff are wonderful and care about the participants just as much as the communities they are helping.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help 1000's of communities that need thier help to stop the visious cycle of poverty. That is only with half of thier money, with another half they could create 1000's of social change leaders who will work to create change in north america.
Ways to make it better...
if the post trip retreats and information sessions lasted for longer than a year. I would like to remain connected but it is hard when i am in another country without access to all the great events they have.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
making the appropriate changes in Foriegn policies. they have come out with a new campaign to address world hunger and they are putting a lot of effort into this area of interest.
One thing I'd also say is that...
AJWS is an amazing organization and i hope that this website will be able to make them more of a household jewish name that they have already become.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
AJWS is a first class organization! I spent a summer volunteering with them in Uganda and another summer in Cambodia. The orientation material was outstanding as was the application process. I felt well looked after even though I was half way around the world from the NY office. Both placements had in-country reps and I was connected with other volunteers who I would meet up with in the capitals once or twice. The two NGOs were great matches for my administrative and teaching skills. Thank you AJWS!
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
over the top competent and committed!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I spent 6 months working as an AJWS World Partners Fellow in Nicaragua. I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer with a unique NGO that empowered women through microloans, training, health education, and health services. AJWS did a great job of matching my interests and skills with the needs of their partnering grassroots organizations. This experience strengthened my commitment to social justice, tikkun olam, and global health.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their emphasis on social justice, sustainable work, and partnering with grassroots organization.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
I volunteered with AJWS in Honduras during the summer of 2007 and interned with the grants department in 2008. Having seen the organization on the ground and behind the scenes, I can confidently say that AJWS does extraordinary work and goes above and beyond the call of duty in order to pursue tikkun olam across the planet.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
La Union de San Antonio de Yure and New York City.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase its endowment in order to increase its capacity to generate sustainable socail change.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The people like Diego Merino, Angela Martinez and Adriana Ermoli. It is their dedication and hard work that makes AJWS the great organization that it is.
Ways to make it better...
N/A
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I was in the volunteer corps program for 2 months in India. AJWS did a superb job providing orientation, training, and support before, during, and after my placement in India. They found a good match for my skills and abilities and AJWS has positive relationships with NGOs who are doing transformative work in India. They spend a lot of time and energy making these placements productive for the volunteers and the NGOs.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
that they work well with volunteers and NOGs to make real change in the developing world.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
As a donor I feel that AJWS does all possible to reach out to those in the world who are in the greatest need. I had the personal experience of working with AJWS in a Walk for Darfur fund raising effort earlier this year and felt well supported and much appreciated by the organization. Their staff was available before. during and after the event and definitely made the event the success that it was.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Assistance with the organization and implementation of our event.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Professional, friendly and willing to help however necessary
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009