NCSY JUMP: November 10, 2019
NCSY JUMP is a leadership conference where teenagers from across the country assemble to learn about community service initiatives and discuss their unique leadership roles.
I was invited to speak at the conference and explain what I have learned throughout my journey of creating EGS as a nonprofit education and activism organization. I explained EGS from the ground up, from my process for generating the ideas for each EGS initiative to the ups and downs I have had to deal with and learn from along the way.
It was amazing to be able to speak to guys and girls my age from around the country who were so eager to hear and learn about EGS. It seemed that our message really resonated, and students from schools all over the country approached the EGS team afterwards to ask when EGS would visit their school.
Columbia University: November 21, 2019
In November I was invited to speak to a fellowship program at Columbia University’s Teachers College, Graduate School of Education about EGS and its community. I shared information about the the cultural difficulties I have encountered within our community, including various stigmas surrounding substance abuse, the educational gaps that result from those stigmas, and my plans to fill those voids within our underage high school community.
It was incredibly fun—and an honor—to be able to discuss my ideas with such a dynamic, interested, and lively group of professionals.
TABC: November 22, 2019
Presenting at my home school was a surreal experience. It was a dream come true to have the opportunity to convey EGS’ message directly, all at once, to the friends and mentors that I see every day in the halls of TABC. Additionally, the support I felt from the student and educator audience was extremely encouraging. I am so thankful to TABC for giving EGS all the time that this address needed, and facilitating the largest EGS meeting to date, including a 45 minute student-only workshop.
Ulpanat Orot and Yeshiva Ohr Chaim, Toronto: December 12, 2019
Presenting in Toronto was probably the most fun we have had throughout EGS’ entire journey. EGS Chief Ambassador Yehuda Mirwis and I were able to make the international trip to visit the amazing Toronto community. Besides for providing an incredible and engaged audience, these schools made Yehuda and I feel truly included in their community over the course of the day we spent there. The boys invited us to their basketball game, we attended their mishmar, and ate lunch with them. We made true friends, and look forward to maintaining our long-distance ties with these Toronto high schools.
JFS’s Clifton Evening of Awareness: January 25, 2020
Speaking at JFS’s Clifton Evening of Awareness was a humbling experience. It was a true honor to be able to speak alongside such incredible individuals, especially Rav Brudny, and Dr. Lewis Abrams, as they have assisted the growth of EGS.
In this setting, I was not only given the ability to share my message with others, but I also had the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and learn from some of the greatest professionals and minds within our community.
I am so appreciative to JFS for including EGS in this special night.
Kushner: January 29, 2020
(Pictures on their way)
At Kushner, I was given the platform to be a guest speaker at their SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club. I had a lot of fun sharing EGS’s message with the students there, and planting the seeds for EGS to blossom within their school.
Ramaz: February 4, 2020
(Pictures on their way)
At Ramaz, I had a unique opportunity to work together with Amudim to address the 7th and 8th grade boys. Coming in with a different approach than usual - one of much more of a discussion based talk - was a lot of fun. I was able to answer all of their very curious questions, and caution them against some of the dangers they will come across in high school.
I was able to convey a sort of “big brother” vibe to them.
Additionally, I had the privilege of coming back that evening to address the Ramaz parents. Following my message to them, we had an incredible Q and A session where we discussed all different aspects of the high school experience pertaining alcohol and other drugs.
DRS: February 7, 2020
Presenting at DRS was an awesome experience. We were extremely excited to tap into the 5 Towns world, and share our ideas with the boys there. Thankfully, the audience was incredible. Our messages were well received and, as a group, we were given the opportunity to have an open conversation about the broad topic of addiction and practical day-to-day struggles that exist in our high school community. We are so excited to continue working with DRS in the future.
Berman Hebrew Academy: March 4, 2020
We had the privilege of road-tripping down to Maryland to visit Berman. We enjoyed discussing our ideas with them, having our first Berman EGS Ambassador meeting in person, immediately following the presentation, and we even got to swap merch.
We look forward to continuing our relationship, and keeping each other in the loop when we drop future merch!
College of Staten Island CUNY April 6, 2020
It was really cool to be able to discuss the broad topic of addiction with college students. For the first time, I was able to give the presentation over live audio which was an interesting experience. Despite not being able to deliver the talk in person, due to the circumstances, we were able to have a very lively discussion with a series of thought provoking questions.
This presentation was especially unique because we focused on the role of the opioid epidemic within our country. It was a great opportunity to be able to learn more about opioids, and broaden EGS’ platform.
Mesivta Ateres Shmuel of Waterbury, CT June 15,2020
We had the privilege of speaking to the guys at Waterbury in our most recent school visit.
Rabbi Kalish, the Menahel of Waterbury, welcomed us in with open arms and orchestrated a lively conversation about the importance of connection and the vital role it plays in the world of addiction. The environment which Rabbi Kalish has created is perfectly aligned with the essence of the Empty Glass Society. Rabbi Kalish sees the value and beauty in every one of his students and, more importantly, he makes sure that they understand just how valuable they are. This understanding is carried out by the students and you can feel how much they have internalized this message by the way they interact with one another. The boys have a sense of security, sincerity, and authenticity that is extremely rare among high schoolers.
In a world where people feel a secure sense of self-worth there is a certain security which often leads to connection. And, as we know, "the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection". - Johann Hari
Reishit Yerushalaim, November 17, 2020
I, Yitzi Weis, am learning at Reishit in Israel this year. So, on a personal level, it was very special to be able to give over our message to so many of my close friends.
This presentation was also unique because it was the first time we ever presented at a yeshiva in Israel. Thank Gd, the guys really enjoyed and connected to our message.
it was great to get ‘back on the court’ and have the opportunity in the midst of the pandemic to speak to such an incredible group.
Later that year in Reishit, some of the guys asked me if I would be willing to run a program to help students quit smoking/vaping. I was excited by the idea and we called the program “New Year No Nic” - as the campaign was starting on New Years day. We ran a three week program with a ‘chavrusa/buddy system’, weekly meetings, and a very active chat to support each other on this journey. We had a party at the end to celebrate the guys who successfully completed the three weeks.
Reishit 2021/2022
I spent the year in Reishit the following year too. I spoke again around November time and I also ran a second program to help guys quit smoking/vaping. This time, however, we ran a month long program. The first week of the program the guys were meant to smoke together during the hour of our daily meeting, and then after that we did three weeks nicotine free - while continuing our ‘chavrusa/buddy’ system, bi-weekly meetings, active chat, and party for the guys who completed the program.
DRS 2022
HAFTR 2022
SKA 2023
MTA 2023
Jewish Educational Center (JEC) 2023
TABC 2023
Kushner 2023
Ohr Yisroel 2023