At the beginning of February, Ellie Axe (Organizing Fellowship c/o 2003) began a transition out her role as JOIN’s interim Fellowship Director and into a new career at a new organization as Director of Operations at Common Impact. We asked Ellie if she’d like to say anything about her time her on staff. She had this to say in response.
“It has been 10 years since I walked into what was then the JOI office for the first time. I arrived extremely nervous about what I would learn, but eager to experience successful ways of transforming our communities and making them more just. This year I had the distinguished pleasure to return to the fellowship in a new capacity: the interim fellowship director. In this role, I had an opportunity get to know 17 amazing individuals. My plan was to facilitate, agitate, and mentor this year’s class with the lessons I’ve learned over 10 years of organizing. In return, I was pushed and challenged to learn more about myself. I thought more deeply about issues of accessibility, land rights, and my own Jewish identity. Each Friday, I was energized to push this impressive group of people to examine organizing strategies, humbled by the expectations they held for themselves and the standards they placed on their community. While I have now left this role formally, I plan on continuing my relationship with this year’s class of fellows and developing connections with the ones that will follow. In doing so, I know I will be inspired to be a better friend, partner, Jew and organizer.”
We will miss Ellie’s sharp mind, tireless spirit, and most of all the love and support that she has given to our fellows the rest of the staff. We do however wish her all the best in her new career and know in our hearts that she is going on to make great things happen.
