Since 2005, J-Serve has provided teens with a unique opportunity to band together through service as a united global network committed to fulfilling the Jewish values of gemilut chasidim, acts of loving kindness, tzedakah, just and charitable giving, and tikkun olam, the responsibility to repair the world. Every year, Jewish teens worldwide join each other on this special day and throughout the spring to make their community and the world a better place.

J-Serve is a partnership between BBYO, Good Deeds Day, Jewish Teen Funders Network, Repair The World, and YSA’s Global Youth Service Day. The initiative is underwritten by The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, among others.

Just weeks before J-Serve 2020, COVID-19 forced so many of us into lockdown. While we never could have known then what we know now, the last year has certainly shown us one thing — the world needs more kindness, love and compassion. J-Serve 2021 will give us the opportunity to do just that. To bring light into the world through service and to provide teens with a platform by which they can have an impact on their local communities and the world at large. J-Serve 2021 is April 11, when there will be hundreds of events engaging thousands of teens around the world in meaningful service experiences.

After tremendous success last year, J-Serve is continuing to build on its strong foundation by expanding the program’s focus to include all forms of meaningful social action — virtual, in person or hybrid.

Participating communities are encouraged to explore new ways to ignite the passions of a wider array of local Jewish teens by highlighting the value and impact of philanthropy, advocacy, life skills training and more in connection with traditional direct service.

Whatever you decide, get creative to build the ultimate, culminating service experience designed to celebrate your community’s yearlong commitment to doing good.

Whether you’re just getting started or seeking new ways to up your J-Serve game, check out jserve.org for an ever-growing collection of tips, tricks and tools to help you translate passions into quality projects. Plan early and dream big.

In an effort to empower a growing number of communities to participate and expand their J-Serve 2021 programs, grant funding is now available. J-Serve is seeking applications from projects of all sizes around the world!

J-Serve is thrilled to release the 2021 Grant Application. Whether you’re a seasoned J-Serve pro or brand new to the network, all relevant applications are welcome, from near and far. Apply today.

In partnership with Repair the World, the J-Serve 2021 Webinar Series is back. All staff, advisers and adult educators who are supporting J-Serve projects or other social justice and community service initiatives are invited to join the webinars for free. Be sure to mark your calendars and register on Zoom using the links below.

For “Engaging Teens in Social Justice Conversations” at 1 p.m. central on Thursday, Feb. 25, go to www.bbyoorg.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpcuuupj8oHNUeKDCSgJQhyusIl8sE6vNV.

For “Building a Year-Long Commitment to Service” at 1 p.m. central on Thursday, March 11, go to www.bbyoorg.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcuCvqDwoGtHQncTM4pLe5fBmz7iRVjU3.