About Atzmi, An Empirically Designed, Torah-based Eating Disorder Prevention Program
Eating disorders are complex, dangerous illnesses affecting up to 24% of Jewish women and girls—almost twice the rate in the secular world. Atzmi’s school-based curriculum is empirically designed to prevent the onset of eating disorders and safeguard the mental health of young women in the frum community during their sensitive adolescent years. Atzmi's teacher workshops are crafted to equip educators to create safe, supportive classrooms free from bullying and body shaming. Finally, Atzmi's parent programs empower mothers with the confidence and knowledge needed to discuss sensitive topics with their daughters.
In just 18 months, Atzmi has made a remarkable impact—empowering over 1,500 girls, 2,500 parents, and 400 teachers across 50 schools, 15 states, and 4 countries! Atzmi's ultimate goal is to cultivate a community where the prevalence of eating disorders is minimized, self-acceptance flourishes, and each girl is empowered to discover and appreciate her unique and authentic self.
Purpose
The Board of Directors will support the work of Atzmi and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are managed by the Director, the relationship between the Director and the Board of Directors is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.
Length of Term
Board members are asked to commit to a minimum of one two-year term (up to a maximum of 3 consecutive terms).
Why Take on This Responsibility?
Becoming a board member provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Jewish Orthodox teens throughout the world (our program has gone international). Atzmi envisions a future where every Jewish Orthodox girl embraces a profound sense of self-compassion, unwavering body acceptance, and a deep connection to inner well-being. Joining Atzmi’s board allows you to have a role in making this possible. What could be more fulfilling than working to safeguard the mental health of Jewish Orthodox girls via Torah based programming that is holistic, empowering, and works toward the prevention of eating disorders?
Serving on Atzmi’s Board is a responsibility, but it is also a unique opportunity to engage in some of the most fulfilling chessed work possible.
Expectations and Responsibilities
- Be knowledgeable about Atzmi’s mission, vision, and programs, and serve as a leading ambassador within your personal community and the broader Jewish community, when possible. Being an ambassador means being unabashedly proud of Atzmi’s role as a mental health organization that deals with sensitive mental and emotional health issues. It also means you are willing to speak openly about sensitive issues.
- Support Atzmi’s founding Director in achieving the vision outlined above. Atzmi’s vision can only come to fruition with a motivated and passionate Board willing to partner with the Director in strategizing how to expand Atzmi's reach and grow its impact.
- If Atzmi isn't already in your region, your participation as a board member could be instrumental in bringing this incredible program to your community!
- Provide financial oversight to ensure Atzmi’s financial security and ability to achieve its goals. In addition, the Board is tasked with monitoring operations to ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
- Make Atzmi a philanthropic priority by giving a meaningful personal donation.
- Every Atzmi board member is required to engage in fundraising activities. At a minimum, board members must be willing to leverage their network to benefit Atzmi’s fundraising and reputational standing.
Commitment: 3 - 5 hours/month
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference within the Orthodox Jewish community.
If interested, contact Dr. Marcy Forta at [email protected]. Cover letter not required.
For more information about Atzmi, visit www.atzmi.org.