Please see the general FAQ. Please note that it is currently against the United States Constitution to deny students their right to start a JSU club in their school. Any restrictions placed on JSU clubs must also be placed on other school clubs, as well.
What does my school need to provide to a JSU club?
Only what your school provides to any other student club that exists; namely space and a faculty sponsor. These sponsors may either be volunteers on their own time or paid by the school district, as per local regulations.
Is a JSU club just for Jewish students?
No. Surprisingly, there is a healthy percentage of teens that are not Jewish that participate in JSU clubs on a regular basis. Often times these teens even become club leaders. There is no religious, ethnic or age requirement to participate in a JSU club. The only qualification is interest in the subject matter.
What about JSU Professionals? Isn’t this a student run club?
All JSU clubs are student led. The role of a JSU professional is to provide your school and its students with top-notch programming, discussions, and speakers. In addition, these professionals may lead discussions from time to time, but primarily play the role of a facilitator in helping students.
Do JSU clubs engage in prayer or Bible study?
Rarely, if ever. JSU is a Jewish culture club with a focus on Israel, Jewish peoplehood, and social action. There may be Jewish texts brought into discussions or activities, but any prayer or Bible study that takes place is solely the initiative of the students involved, and not the JSU organization.
How can JSU help my school in other ways?
JSU has access to many resources that can benefit your entire school, not just a small subset. Here are a few examples:
- Providing service hours to teens that participate in group projects
- Planning school-wide speakers or activities during Holocaust Remembrance Week
- Scholarship and study abroad opportunities for college-bound seniors
- Dialogue and sensitivity training opportunities between cultural, religious and ethnic groups