Arianna Smith- NPJTF

"In a free society where terrible wrongs exist, some are guilty, but all are responsible" -Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

I have had the opportunity and privilege this year to be part of the North Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation, a project of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. The Jewish Teen Foundations program teaches the next generation to become strategic philanthropists and to act on the Jewish values of "Tikkun Olam" (responsibility to repair the world) and "Tzedakah" (righteous giving). We are 24 passionate and dedicated teens who work to nominate and allocate funds to various Jewish and secular non-profits internationally. Over the course of the school year, we will create a mission statement, research, nominate, and select non-profits to fund, learn from various speakers on many world issues, take on the role of a board member, and learn how to fundraise for a cause. I joined NPJTF because I've always been passionate about social justice, and wanted to do my part to make the world a better place, and the experience has been far more impactful than I ever thought. Through the Jewish Teen Foundation, I have learned about philanthropy, improving our environment, being an avid board member, engaging with issues around the world, and coming to a consensus.

Our mission this year is to promote positive social change by protecting the environment and responding to the needs of people affected by environmental problems locally, globally, and in Israel.

The North Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation is considering many outstanding organizations that address these needs in the most efficient and effective way possible, and we will provide grants to foster their mission. Now more than ever, we need to start taking responsibility for the shared planet Earth that we all live on. 2017 had some of the most destructive natural disasters in recent history. 

• In Sonoma County, the recent wildfires destroyed more than 182,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 6,600 structures, and killed 40 people
• Hurricane Harvey damaged 12,000 homes and displaced over 20,000 people in Houston alone. 
• Twenty million people across Africa and the Middle East are now at risk of illness and death due to a famine that is centered in Somalia, Nigeria, Yemen and South Sudan that is caused by civil wars, underdeveloped infrastructure, and drought.
• Uganda’s 2,000 Jews (Abayudaya) have long maintained a modest existence. They rely on their own crops to survive and have been hit hard by a severe drought, leaving most of the community without food for long periods of time.

There is no time like the present to do your part in protecting our world. Any amount is incredibly helpful and appreciated, and will make a big impact. Our priority deadline is April 25th, so please consider making your donation before then. All donations are tax-deductible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ariannaculiner@gmail.com. I would be incredibly happy to tell you more about the NPJTF and our mission, and I am extremely grateful for your support!