INSIDE JEWISH UKRAINE JDC Entwine Insider Trip for BBYO Alumni December 20-27, 2016 TRIP INFORMATION Participate in the FIRST-EVER Insider Trip for BBYO College Alumni! This winter, JDC Entwine is partnering with BBYO to offer college students a one-of-a-kind experience in Ukraine! This is a uniquely crafted global Jewish service program being created exclusively for BBYO College Alumni. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with passionate BBYO alumni from campuses across North America and engage personally with issues facing Jewish communities abroad. Through meaningful service work, participants will be able to see and feel the impact of their efforts, while at the same time explore their own Jewish identities and their sense of responsibility to others in need around the world. Participants will not only get to connect with local Jewish college-aged peers to learn about Jewish young adult life in Ukraine, learn what the Ukrainian-Jewish identity means to them, and form meaningful new friendships, but also, drive connections with local youth in an effort to make one interconnected global Jewish community! About Ukraine: Ukraine is home to the third largest Jewish community in Europe the fifth largest in the world. Like much of former Soviet Jewry, Ukraine s Jews have survived the pogroms and the Holocaust, and outlasted Communist Jewish oppression. Today, though the country is struggling with economic turmoil and aging infrastructure, its Jewish community is growing, working tirelessly to assist its needy and to foster leadership among its most dedicated. JDC reentered Ukraine to rebuild the shattered remnants of Jewish life following the fall of the Soviet Union. Faced with the acute suffering of Jews made vulnerable by the difficult political and economic transition, including the hyperinflation of the early 1990s, JDC began providing critical food, medicine, and other support that continues as its hallmark in the region. Itinerary Highlights: Gain a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Jewish communities in Ukraine and understand how they continue to function and plan in an environment of instability Travel with a diverse group of BBYO college alumni from across North America and around the world Engage in cultural exchanges with local young Jewish leaders and the Active Jewish Teen (AJT) Cohort Explore the rich cultures of Ukraine through sightseeing, sampling local cuisine, nightlife, and Shabbat Ukrainian-style! Participate in exclusive site visits & briefings with JDC professionals and community leaders Participation Fee: $1,500 USD *Please note that the participation fee for this trip is already subsidized, the actual value of this trip is estimated at $3,600. The trip cost includes: Round-trip airfare from NYC to Ukraine
Local transportation within Ukraine Meals Hotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double or triple rooms) Briefings, tours, and leisure activities Medical and emergency evacuation insurance Participants will be expected to submit a non-refundable deposit of $800 upon notification of selection. Final payments will be due two months prior to the trip. *If participants require additional funding please be in touch with Rebecka Handler at Rebecka.Handler@jdc.org. We do not want finances to prohibit our participation. We recommend that you begin reaching out to other organizations to secure funding (such as Hillel, your student life office, your synagogue, etc.). Also, check out our fundraising guide for tips and instructions on how to self-fundraise. Flight Details: The group flight will depart from a New York Area International Airport. Exact flight details will be shared upon notification of acceptance. *Participants coming from locations in the United States other than New York are expected to meet the group at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. Participants are responsible for booking and the cost of these arrangements. Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. We do this by offering service experiences in Jewish communities around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Entwine is an initiative of JDC, the largest Jewish humanitarian organization in the world. JDC works in 70 countries, specializing in humanitarian aid, Jewish community renewal and disaster relief. Learn more: www.jdcentwine.org About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC): For over 95 years, JDC has provided rescue, relief, and renewal for Jewish communities outside of North America, helped Israel meet the needs of its most vulnerable citizens, and offered a Jewish response to natural and man-made disasters and non-sectarian development needs around the world. JDC s work in over 70 countries is inspired by Jewish values of mutual responsibility, that kol yisrael areivim zeh l zeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another), and tikkun olam, that Jews have an obligation to repair the world. Learn more: www.jdc.org
What is JDC Entwine? JDC Entwine Insider Trip Frequently Asked Questions JDC Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. Entwine offers service experiences in Jewish communities and non-sectarian settings around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Entwine is an initiative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the largest Jewish humanitarian organization in the world. JDC works in 70 countries, specializing in humanitarian aid, Jewish community renewal, and disaster relief. Who is the appropriate candidate for JDC Entwine Insider Trips for College Students? JDC Entwine looks to put together a diverse group of college students from across North America ranging in background, academic and extracurricular interests, class year, etc. There is no one profile that is appropriate. We look for applicants who are interested in learning about and taking action on behalf global Jewish issues and are excited to participate in a group travel experience. JDC Entwine Insider Leadership Trips for College Students are open to current undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 22 years old. What are the goals of JDC Entwine Insider Trips for College Students? JDC Entwine s Insider Trips for College Students are opportunities for young Jewish leaders to engage with global Jewish and humanitarian issues while traveling with a group of likeminded peers. The goals of Entwine s Insider Trips are that Jewish young adults will connect and build friendships with their fellow participants and peers overseas; have the opportunity to learn about the challenges facing Jews in another part of the world and the role of JDC in responding to overseas needs; and, upon returning home, will engage in advocacy for overseas Jewish needs. What is expected of participants? Participants who engage fully before, during, and after JDC Entwine s Insider Trips gain the most from the experience. Before the trip, participants are expected to participate in virtual pre-trip briefings, read the provided briefing materials to gain a better understanding of the community, and acquaint themselves with the other participants. Pre-trip activities may also include collecting donations to bring to the community. On the ground, participants are expected to participate in all scheduled activities and will get the most out of the experience by making an effort to get to know all fellow participants and actively engage with community members. Following the trip, it is up to participants to bring the experience home in whatever way speaks to them; follow up activities can range from planning educational events to blogging about the experience to organizing a fundraiser based on the needs of the community. JDC Entwine staff is available to assist with post-trip follow up activities. What is involved in the application process & what information should I have handy? The application asks for information about your education and activities/volunteer experience, current employment, as well as a few short essay questions. You will also need to upload a copy of your resume. A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview within one month following the application deadline. Trip interviews are conducted via Skype with JDC Entwine staff and last between 15-25 minutes. When will I find out if I am accepted & how long do I have to confirm my participation? All participants will be notified of acceptance about three to four months before the trip departure date. If selected, you will have approximately one week to confirm your participation and pay the nonrefundable trip deposit.
What is included in the participation fee? Unless otherwise noted, included in the participation fee is roundtrip airfare from a point of departure in the United States, local transportation, meals, hotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double or triple rooms, briefings, tours, leisure activities, and medical and emergency evacuation insurance. Not included in the participation fee are items of a personal nature such as souvenirs and extra snacks and drinks. I cannot afford the full cost of the trip. What kinds of subsidies are available? Can I fundraise from other sources to help cover the cost of my participation fee? JDC Entwine Global Leadership Grants are provided on an as-need basis and you can apply for a grant when you complete the trip application. Note that no full subsidies are available. Applying for a grant has no bearing on acceptance to the program. If the grant awarded does not fully meet your needs, we encourage participants to fundraise to cover the cost of the trip. Past participants have been extremely successful in raising additional funds to help cover the cost of participation. JDC Entwine Insider Trips are leadership experiences, and many local organizations, synagogues, alumni associations, and employers agree on their value. Is my payment refundable should I have to withdraw after confirming my participation? A non-refundable deposit of $800, due within one week of notification of acceptance, is required to confirm your participation and reserve your spot on the trip. Typically, the remainder of the participation fee is due two months before the trip departure date. Cancellation after the submission of final payment may result in a loss of the entire payment. No refunds will be made within seven days of departure. Is my payment tax deductible? No. Participation fees are payments, not donations, and therefore do not qualify as tax deductible. Is kosher food available? What accommodations are made for Shabbat? In general, meals are kosher-style. Should participants require strictly kosher food, they should indicate this on their application and participation form. When available, JDC staff will try to accommodate as best as possible. In some locations, certified kosher food may not be available, in which case, alternate arrangements can be made. JDC Entwine Insider Trips are pluralistic and designed for all levels of Jewish observance; travel is not required on Shabbat. When possible, Shabbat is spent with the local Jewish community and local traditions/practices are observed. A variety of options are given throughout the day on Shabbat (for example, attending synagogue, free time, walking tour, etc.). What does the group flight entail? Can I book my own flights? Participants must travel to the trip location on the group flight. Depending on airline rules, participants may receive frequent flyer miles for these flights and, if desired, may be able to upgrade their tickets for an additional cost. Can I extend my stay after the group trip? Can JDC staff assist with post-trip accommodations? Participants can usually extend their trip after the group experience. Extensions are subject to availability and any difference in fare/change fees charged. Participants interested in extending will be given contact information for JDC s travel agent only once the deposit for the trip is submitted. JDC Entwine staff is not available to assist with any post-trip travel plans, recommendations, or accommodations. We are happy to connect you with our preferred travel agent who may be able to assist with your requests.
What accommodations are made for the security and safety of participants? JDC is the largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization, operating in over 70 countries, with more than 100 years of experience and longstanding relationships around the world. The organization does as much as possible to ascertain and ensure the safety of staff and participants traveling with JDC. Locations for travel are selected based on an assessment that they meet high levels of safety and security. Security conditions are subject to constant and rapid changes. JDC s Global Security team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and adjusts instructions and activities as necessary. Security guidelines are shared with the group before departure and participants will receive a comprehensive security briefing by local staff upon arrival to the field. All participants are required to share emergency contact information with JDC Entwine staff. Additionally, JDC Entwine staff always travel with an international cell phone, should participants need to reach loved ones or vice versa. When will I find out who else is in the group? Will there be an opportunity to connect prior to the trip itself? Shortly after confirming your participation for the trip, you will receive a formal Welcome E-mail with logistics, briefing materials, and dates to mark on your calendar. You will also be introduced to the rest of the group and will receive everyone s bios and contact information. There will be two group briefings via webinar and/or by phone within the two months before takeoff. Additionally, if there are a few participants in a given city, these participants may organize an informal get together, which JDC Entwine staff and trip co-chairs are happy to help facilitate. What is a Trip Chair? A Trip Chair is a trip participant who takes on certain leadership roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the trip. Trip Chairs work very closely with JDC Entwine staff throughout the program development process, and are essential members of the team who help lead the trip. Typically, there are two Chairs on every Entwine trip, in addition to one or two JDC Entwine staff members (the JDC Entwine Group Leader ). Does participation in one trip preclude my participation in future trips? Not at all! Many alumni participate in multiple trips. Alumni are encouraged to get involved by applying to be a Trip Chair of a future trip, and after graduation, getting involved in their local Entwine Learning Networks and pursue other leadership opportunities through Entwine. For more information about Entwine s Learning Networks, visit our website: http://jdcentwine.org/events.