Good night Moon, Good night JCA…
As I sit here on this rainy, second-to-last afternoon in my office, I’m extremely pensive. Half of my brain is jumbled with my move, travels and to-do list, while the other half is struggling to digest my transition.
Where was I two years ago, before I came to Minnesota and JCA? I had just returned from Thailand where my eyes were opened to the injustices of the world and more importantly the role that I had to play. But, I was lost. I knew that there were changes to be made, but not how to make them. Then I found JCA. Well, I should clarify- google found JCA!
Now, I know. It takes meetings and conversations. It takes asking. It takes passion and energy. It takes a willingness to know when to be serious and when to be silly. It takes people.
My hands are shaking as I type this. It is the all too familiar feeling that I get from caffeine after too many one to ones at coffee shops. I’ll miss this feeling.
I’ll miss coalition meetings that seemed long and intense, but always ended with great next steps towards action.
I’ll miss shabbat dinners that were brought people together for laughs, justice and great food.
I’ll miss our bustling office, which is either busy because we are working crazy hours or because we are just making fun of current policy or each other.
I’ll will even miss Minnesota nice.
I know that I am leaving Minnesota, but that Minnesota will never leave me. I know it’s overly sentimental, but somehow true. All of you have made an impact on my experience here. For those of you who are allies, thank you for your partnership. For those of you who are members, thank you for your relationship.
-Alyse Erman
Where was I two years ago, before I came to Minnesota and JCA? I had just returned from Thailand where my eyes were opened to the injustices of the world and more importantly the role that I had to play. But, I was lost. I knew that there were changes to be made, but not how to make them. Then I found JCA. Well, I should clarify- google found JCA!
Now, I know. It takes meetings and conversations. It takes asking. It takes passion and energy. It takes a willingness to know when to be serious and when to be silly. It takes people.
My hands are shaking as I type this. It is the all too familiar feeling that I get from caffeine after too many one to ones at coffee shops. I’ll miss this feeling.
I’ll miss coalition meetings that seemed long and intense, but always ended with great next steps towards action.
I’ll miss shabbat dinners that were brought people together for laughs, justice and great food.
I’ll miss our bustling office, which is either busy because we are working crazy hours or because we are just making fun of current policy or each other.
I’ll will even miss Minnesota nice.
I know that I am leaving Minnesota, but that Minnesota will never leave me. I know it’s overly sentimental, but somehow true. All of you have made an impact on my experience here. For those of you who are allies, thank you for your partnership. For those of you who are members, thank you for your relationship.
-Alyse Erman
posted by Jewish Community Action Staff at 9:21 AM
2 Comments:
I like to think that JCA can be many things, including a training ground and launching pad for activists and organizers. We are lucky when people, bothmas members and staff, come to JCA and work hard to strengthen our work and slowly move us in the direction of social justice.
Alyse Erman was the latest to join JCA, dedicate herself in so many ways for two years and now say goodbye. I believe that her two years in JCA were great for her and for us. Alyse learned about organizing, leadership development and taking action on issues. She helped to organize Indie Jews, our condo conversion campaign and re-energize our Racial Justice Leadership Team. We are a stronger and more inclusive organization because of her work, and I think
she is more convinced than ever about the important role she can play in working for justice in this country.
While I am sad to see her go, I am excited for the new opportunities and challenges she will encounter in the coming months and years. And, I know she will be working somewhere soon moving our collective movement forward for social and economic justice.
We'll miss you--talented, energetic, perceptive community organizer that you are! Much love, Suzanne
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