Teen Resources:

Select One: Birmingham Temple Youth Group B'nai B'rith Youth Organization B'nei Akiva Habonim Dror National Conference of Synagogue Youth National Federation of Temple Youth United Synagogue Youth & Kadima Young Judaea Daniel Sobel Friendship Circle Federation's Israel & Overseas Department Tamarack Camps Jewish Community Center Jewish Ensemble Theatre Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition Michigan Jewish Institute

Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition (MJAC)

Ages:

Ages 14 and up

Affiliation:

None necessary

Dues:

None

About MJAC

Grounded in a foundation of Jewish values, the Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition, a non-profit organization founded in 1991, seeks through education to improve the quality of life of persons infected, potentially infected, or touched by HIV/AIDS.

MJAC also educates the community about homosexuality and supports and advocates on behalf of those who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, and their families.

MJAC's main focus is prevention through education. Volunteers present vital HIV/AIDS information through skits, interactive workshops, and discussion groups. MJAC programs are presented by request, at public, private and religious schools, community organizations, and youth group functions throughout Michigan.

MJAC's ECHO Program (Educating our Community about Homosexuality through Outreach) is a project separate from HIV/AIDS education that seeks to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender inclusion.

MJAC focuses on the following goals:

• Empowering students to make positive life decisions
• Encouraging parent/teen dialogue about topics such as sex, self-esteem, and HIV/AIDS
• Promoting the inclusion of GLBT individuals within our community
• Providing a support system for individuals with HIV/AIDS and their families
• Respecting and honoring those who have passed away with AIDS

Volunteer Opportunities*

HIV/AIDS Opportunities:

• Becoming a peer facilitator/educator (training provided, public speaking not required)
• Working on panels for the NAMES project memorial quilt (for members of the Jewish community who have succumbed to AIDS related illnesses)
• Collecting and distributing clothing and personal hygiene items to those in need
• Preparing and distributing holiday care packages to those in need
• Participating as a member of the MJAC team in AIDS walks throughout Michigan
• Designing and/or coordinating events or social activities
• Helping with office/secretarial work

ECHO Opportunities:

• Becoming a facilitator for our "Created in God's Image" curriculum
• Speaking to groups about your experiences with loved ones who are gay or lesbian

*Students can fulfill required community service hours through volunteering at MJAC.

Contact Information

Contact:

Education Director

Address:

30161 Southfield Road, Suite 102
Southfield, MI 48075

Phone:

(248) 594-6522

E-mail:

mjaids@aol.com