About Diller teen tikkun olam awards
Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards: Celebrating Jewish Teens Who Are Making a Difference
The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards is an annual program that recognizes exceptional Jewish teenagers who are making a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The awards were established in 2007 by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, with the aim of celebrating young leaders who are committed to repairing the world (tikkun olam) through acts of kindness, social justice, and community service.
Each year, up to 15 teens from across North America are selected as Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award recipients. These teens receive a $36,000 prize to support their ongoing efforts to make a difference in the world. In addition to financial support, award recipients also participate in leadership development programs and have access to mentorship opportunities with past award winners.
The Diller Teen Awards program is open to Jewish teens between the ages of 13-19 who reside in California or other select regions across North America. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to tikkun olam through their volunteer work or other community service initiatives.
One of the unique aspects of the Diller Teen Awards program is its focus on recognizing young people who are making an impact outside of traditional Jewish organizations or institutions. This means that nominees can come from any background or affiliation within Judaism – as long as they are actively engaged in repairing the world through acts of kindness and social justice.
Over the years, hundreds of inspiring young leaders have been recognized by the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards program. These individuals have tackled issues ranging from environmental sustainability and animal welfare to mental health advocacy and refugee resettlement.
For example, one past award recipient – Lila Copeland – founded an organization called EarthEcho International that empowers youth around the world to take action on environmental issues. Another recipient – Jacob Sussman – created a program called "The Empathy Effect" that uses virtual reality technology to promote empathy and understanding among diverse communities.
The impact of the Diller Teen Awards program extends far beyond the financial support and recognition that award recipients receive. By shining a spotlight on young people who are making a difference in their communities, the program inspires others to get involved and take action on issues they care about.
In addition, the Diller Teen Awards program provides a platform for young Jewish leaders to connect with one another and build relationships across geographic and cultural boundaries. This network of past award winners has become a powerful force for positive change, with many alumni going on to launch their own nonprofit organizations or pursue careers in social justice fields.
If you know a Jewish teen who is making an impact in their community or beyond, consider nominating them for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards. By recognizing these exceptional young leaders, we can help inspire future generations of changemakers who are committed to repairing the world.
dillerteenawards.org
