AJC depends upon the active involvement of its members.  There are numerous ways to be involved with the programs and events of the local chapter.   We hope you will consider volunteering for one of our committees or task forces, each of which is chaired by a member of the Board and is open to any AJC member in good standing.

1. Development Committee
The Development Committee's work is lifeblood for our chapter's programs and for helping to maintain National AJC's work as well.  This committee's work includes drafting an annual budget for the chapter and a corresponding development plan, determining benefits levels, working with the Board to identify potential honorees in the community, cultivating donors and organizing all events so as to maximize AJC's public exposure and the financial success of the event.  Our major fundraising events are the annual AJC Human Relations Award Dinner and "AJC Salutes", an awards evening held each spring, which features the presentation of the Max Block Student Human Relations Awards. 

2. International Affairs Committee
The International Affairs Committee is responsible for fulfilling the bulk of AJC's agenda.  It conducts outreach with the Seattle Consular Association; works with local ethnic and religious leaders on international issues of concern to our community and organization, including supporting Israel in its quest for peace and security, pursuing our China initiative in Shanghai, and developing our "Investing for Peace in the Holy Land" project.

3. Seattle Jewish Film Festival
The SJFF is AJC's signature program, what we are best known for in the community.  It is a vehicle for promoting intra-Jewish understanding, attracting new members and donors to the chapter, and conducting outreach to the larger community on issues of contemporary Jewish life.  The Committee plans and executes all aspects of the annual film festival, from drafting a budget to selecting the films to organizing pre and post-film events to arranging marketing and pr. 

4.  Energy Independence Task Force
Independence from fossil fuels is an issue that affects Israel's security in the short term and our planet's future in the long term.  This task force is charged with working with local environmental and transportation organizations to encourage the use of hybrid vehicles, mass transit and energy alternatives.

5.  Max Block Student Human Relations Awards Task Force
The function of this task force is to review all the students nominated for this award, to select four finalists, and to work with the finalists on their presentations at "AJC Salutes".  Task Force members also go to the nominating high schools to present certificates to all nominees at their school's awards assembly.

6.  Shemanski FilmTalks Task Force
FilmTalks is our day-long program to promote better understanding of human relations issues among participating high school students via film and discussion.  Task Force members are responsible for film selection, curriculum development, program planning, fundraising, facilitator training, and program implementation.

To get involved, please contact us at seattle@ajc.org.