Rachel Powell – Social Action Programmer

Hi everyone, my name is Rachel Powell, and I will be your Social Action Programmer for the year. My mom, Julie Kolman Powell, was very involved in Young Judaea. I guess that is what got me to go to camp. However, that is not why I choose to be involved. I choose to be involved because Young Judaea has given me more than just zionist education, leadership skills, and friends. Young Judaea has given me a purpose. It has given me something to look forward to every week through the New Jersey region events. It has given me many events throughout the year. When I had nothing to look forward to, Young Judaea was there.

One event in particular that really helped me find who I am was Alternative Winter Break in Los Angeles. During this trip, I learned the importance of spending money to spend time with people that need the money I spent. I learned the importance of a conversation and the importance of company. Young Judaea has forever given me company when I felt alone.
Through Alternative Winter Break I discovered my passion when I met Lydia. Lydia was a 12 year old girl who was hungry. Not “I need a snack hungry,” but really hungry. A hungry I have never seen before. A hungry I believe we as a movement have the power to solve. Food is a necessity.

When I was in Sprout Lake, they used to always say MADIMOW which stood for making a difference in my own way. I truly believe everyone can make a difference but more than that, I believe if we all work together to make a difference we can make an even bigger impact. I plan on using Young Judaea as a tool to make the difference I want to see in the world, this is why I chose to be Social Action Programmer of a movement that means so much to me.