Monday, September 15, 2014

Post Summer Workshop 11- Cohort 17

Sunday was our first official workshop after TOSS, and the one-year anniversary of Cohort 17! Admittedly, we all felt a bit weird. After seeing so much of each other, it felt strange just to go a few days without having anything scheduled. Even though we were a few fellows short, it was a much appreciated reunion and certainly a strong point of transitioning into what unfortunately is the last leg of our Diller experience.
            


After the habitual check-ins, our first program of the day, facilitated by Paul, was an interactive dialogue with former J Street representative Chelsea Mandell. She spoke powerfully about her own summer Israel experience – with the intention of staying for several months while filming a documentary combining art and social activism, she ended up leaving after eight days, feeling that she could do more to raise awareness state-side than try to directly impact the situation there.
           

Reconvening after a short break, we began planning our joint Cohort 18 workshop. Honestly, we cranked out our mission, vision, and goals like professionals, a real mark of our progress over the past year. I think I can speak for the rest of the Fellows and say that we are very excited to meet the new Cohort and have some fabulous programs in store for them.






Next, Sydney took lead and presented us with a mindful and creative activity to shift our thinking towards our Tikkun Olam projects. She put up various photographs around the room, each depicting young African children. We were instructed to choose one that spoke to us, and create a story revolving around the subjects of the picture. After each fellow shared, Sydney revealed that she had taken the pictures during her trip to Ghana while she was working along side the non-profit organization Right To Be Free, which fights the trafficking of children and women in Africa, and provides incredible resources and rehabilitation for the victims of forced labor. Sydney shared her long-standing personal connection to the organization and passion for ending human trafficking, reminding us that our Tikkun Olam projects should come from our passion for a cause more than anything else.

            
The main event, so to speak, was the announcement of the anxiously awaited new Community Week schedule. Gabi went over each day and patiently answered our questions as always. With only a few more workshops left, the excitement is tangible, and now more then ever, it really feels like things are falling into place for Cohort 17.

-Samara Cohort 17

Monday, September 8, 2014

San Francisco Cohort 18 Orientation- Welcoming our Chai Group!

Today we say hello to our 18th cohort in San Francisco. 
We began with a lively orientation for parents and fellows together. 




After a warm introduction by our National Director, Tal Gale our fellows had an opportunity to create a family portrait and share a bit about their families with one another. 




       
               
Following the activity Gabi led a short "Limmud" with the families as well as an overview of the Diller Teen Fellows program. Overall, a great first meeting with the parents.

In the afternoon, the fellows stayed on to partake in our fellow Orientation which began with fellow introductions. The fellows and staff introduced themselves in creative ways such as interviews with people around the world, a movie theme song and a T-shirt show!
we continued with creating a facebook profile to get to know each other and play a game of "Friending" each other by knowing facts from our profile. 

 

                                                 




We continued with a speed dating activity to have some one on one time with the fellows. 

Then came time to begin Team building! 





















 We ended the workshop by setting expectations for the year and processing the day.All and all a good start to our Diller Journey!
The fellows enjoyed getting to know each other and the program and we are looking forward to the rest of the year.

Gabi