KOLOT: The Israel-Centered Teen Giving Circle
If you had $25,000 to make a difference in Israel, what would you do? Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago invites you to answer this question…and to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Teens from the Chicagoland area will join teens from our Partnership 2000 region (Kiryat Gat, Lachish and Shafir) to learn about philanthropy and grant-making, research Israel’s needs, and operate as a real philanthropic foundation. The groups will meet separately on a monthly basis from September through April.
Over winter break, the Chicago teens will travel to Israel on a unique fact-finding mission, joining their Israeli peers on site visits, performing community service, and enjoying home hospitality. In the spring, the Israeli participants will visit Chicago, learning about our unique and thriving Jewish community. Together, the group will allocate at least $25,000 to organizations serving community needs in Israel.
The money is real. The possibilities are endless. Raise your voice!
- KOLOT is for Jewish teens in 10th-12th grade.
- Participants will meet once per month, spend a week in Israel, and participate in special activities while the Israeli teens are in Chicago.
- Participants are expected to pay for their travel expenses as well as to make a contribution to the grant-making pool.
- Ability to pay should not be a factor in applying: some financial assistance is available.
- Previous participants in Write On for Israel and Voices are welcome to apply.
- Learn more about our Partnership 2000 region
You don’t need to know much about Judaism to join this group. If you want to make a real difference in the world, learn new skills, deepen your love of Israel, and make friendships and connections that will last a lifetime, this is the program for you.
Q: Can you join the group even if you’ve never been to Israel?
A: The KOLOT trip is not meant to be your only Israel Experience. It will include some tourist attractions but will not cover the whole country. If you have already been to Israel on a youth movement or community trip, this would be the perfect next step. If you plan to spend a summer, semester, or longer in Israel after participating in KOLOT, you won’t feel like your trip is redundant. We encourage every participant who has never been on an Israel Experience program to do so.
Q: What does the program cost?
A: KOLOT is a highly subsidized program. Participants are expected to pay for a portion of their travel expenses and to make a contribution to the grant-making pool. During the 2008-09 year, each participant is asked to pay $2,000, which is approximately 50% of the total cost of travel and other expenses. Financial assistance is available, but every family is required to contribute something toward expenses. Contributions to the grant-making pool are made anonymously; contributions in the range of $10 to $1,000 will be matched by a private foundation.
Q: Can I use SKIP money toward the cost of the trip?
A: Federation already heavily subsidizes this trip. As such, this trip is not SKIP eligible. However, Gift of Israel, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Certificates and Walk With Israel Vouchers can be used toward the trip. SKIP is a great way to fund a longer Israel Experience program, and we hope that you will use your SKIP funds to return to Israel during the summer or semester or academic year following your participation in KOLOT.
Q: Can participants apply for scholarships from the Federation?
A: Financial need should not prevent you from applying to this program. There is a small amount of financial aid available. Participants who cannot afford to pay for the travel component should make a note on their application.
Please see our additional FAQ page for more information about the program.
How Do I Get Involved?
Applications (Microsoft Word) for the 2008-09 school year are now being accepted. If you have questions about the program, please contact Leemor Dotan at 312-444-2802 or e-mail teens@juf.org.
Kolot: The Israel-Centered Teen Giving Circle
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
30 South Wells Rm 5035
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.444.2802
Fax: 312.444.2086
E-mail: teens@juf.org
