Shalom Task Force (STF) is excited to announce the expansion of its renowned Purple Fellowship program for high school juniors and seniors, alongside the launch of two new initiatives—Shalom Task Force Israel Associates and Shalom Task Force Purple Fellowship Advisors. These programs are designed to educate, inspire, and empower students across various stages of their educational journey, providing them with the skills and knowledge to promote healthy relationships and take a stand against domestic abuse.
Now entering its fifth year, the Purple Fellowship offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to gain critical leadership skills through the lens of Shalom Task Force’s work. Participants dive into topics such as the dynamics of healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships, learning how to be a supportive friend, event planning, advocacy, fundraising, and public speaking. A highlight of the program is the planning of ‘Go Purple Day,’ an awareness event in their schools that promotes healthy relationships and shows solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.
Since the program’s launch, over 250 students from 32 schools across the country have planned awareness activities, reaching more than 35,000 high school students. “Seeing hundreds of teens actively wanting to be involved in our work at Shalom Task Force has been an energizing force for everyone at the organization,” says Dr. Shana Frydman, CEO of Shalom Task Force.
Building on the success of the Purple Fellowship, STF is introducing two exciting new initiatives this year. The first, the Shalom Task Force Purple Fellowship Advisors, will engage college students to mentor high school fellows. These advisors will guide students through the planning of their Go Purple Day events and facilitate meaningful discussions around the themes of healthy relationships. “Bringing college students into the leadership of this program is a natural evolution,” says Jeffrey Younger, Director of Communications and Program Operations at Shalom Task Force. “The program is built on peer-to-peer learning, and we are thrilled to welcome new and returning students to continue that model.”
Additionally, STF is launching the Shalom Task Force Israel Associates program. A project of the STF Young Leadership Board, this initiative is designed for students spending their gap year in Israel. Participants will have access to exclusive programming and chesed opportunities, enabling them to stay engaged with Shalom Task Force’s mission while abroad. “We are thrilled to help our student leaders execute their vision and grow this program from idea to reality,” adds Younger.
For more information and to apply:
High school students can apply for the Purple Fellowship at shalomtaskforce.org/purple-fellowship.
College students can apply to the Advisor program at shalomtaskforce.org/purple-fellowship-advisors.
Students in Israel can apply for the Associates program at shalomtaskforce.org/volunteer.
Shalom Task Force has been offering support and education to the Jewish community for the last 31 years. If you or your loved one has questions or concerns about relationships or are currently in an unhealthy or abusive relationship —we are here for you. Please call, text, or WhatsApp the confidential Shalom Task Force Hotline at 888-883-2323 or chat with a live advocate at shalomtaskforce.org.
