Community Engagement/Volunteering

The Community Engagement component of the DFI experience is designed to provide Fellows with an opportunity to develop a sophisticated understanding of Israeli society and to provide meaningful opportunities for Fellows to contribute to communities and individuals in Israel.

The CEE places Fellows in positions where they provide “hands-on” direct service to Israelis in need. Examples of approved volunteer placements might include: soup kitchens, homeless shelters, heath care institutions, women’s shelters, community centers, schools, and other environments where Fellows have opportunities to both regularly relate to Israeli citizens and their needs, and to contribute to Israeli society.

Though the Fellowship is not designed to be a stepping stone on one's career path, it is common (and appropriate) for Fellows to use their professional skills in the context of their volunteer work, provided that the experience is consistent with the purposes of the DFI. Please note that Fellows are not permitted to receive remuneration for volunteer work.

Volunteer opportunities must be approved by DFI Educators to be considered a CEE. [Academic settings, research or policy-related work, and American-based organizations are not recognized as valid CEE placements, though such environments may provide appropriate Supplemental Activities.]

Fellows are required to identify and negotiate their own CEE(s), though Fellows may not make commitments until after their initial Comprehensive Consultation with DFI Staff in August (see: Staff and Supervision).