Alissa Makower

"The events that drew me the most were the volunteer activities. I was amazed at the breadth of charitable agencies supported by UJA-Federation and the number of opportunities offered."

Six years ago, Alissa Makower, a vice president and senior counsel in the law department of a media corporation, became involved with UJA-Federation of New York as a participant in our Young Entertainment, Media, and Communications Division.

Alissa began by volunteering for DOROT, a beneficiary agency of UJA-Federation. She visited seniors in New York City and brought them food packages before the Jewish holidays. "It was an opportunity to meet with the older generation, to be of help, and to listen to their insights and histories, many of which are fascinating," Alissa notes. "I find these experiences are mutually beneficial — the recipients are appreciative and the volunteers get as much if not more fulfillment out of these visits."
 
Other volunteer experiences through UJA-Federation followed. Alissa went to the Jewish Home and Hospital Lifecare System in Manhattan to assist patients; she helped young children paint seder plates before Passover at the 14th Street Y of the Educational Alliance; and she also organized a wine tasting and Purim basket gift-wrapping event. Alissa also participated in the Observership Program, which gives young leaders the chance to see the operations of a UJA-Federation agency on a firsthand basis; her assignment was as an observer at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. "I grew up with the idea of tzedakah and know that it is extremely important to help others in need," adds Alissa. "Where there's a will to do good, there's a way."
 
Alissa continues to serve on the Young Entertainment, Media, and Communications Steering Committee and has joined the National Young Leadership Cabinet. This year, she undertook one of her greatest responsibilities as a volunteer: chair of UJA-Federation's Team Leader Training Program. The program trains young adults with volunteer experience to take the next step toward serving as volunteer managers on various hands-on projects assigned to them at the end of the training. "This is a very good way to develop new leaders," Alissa says. "We have classes with guest speakers in which we educate and prepare volunteers for roles with greater responsibility, with a view toward expanding volunteerism."
 
"I love my job, but volunteering is a fundamental aspect of my life," she observes. Alissa also volunteers for nonsectarian agencies, including serving on the board of a not-for-profit media and humanitarian group.
 
UJA-Federation has received the bulk of her volunteer time, however, and she intends to continue her commitment to the organization in the years to come.
 
"I believe very much in UJA-Federation's mission. . . . It's a privilege to get involved in volunteer work, particularly with the Jewish community. I feel blessed by being able to give back to others."