1. You love Jews. It’s okay to admit this to yourself. We love Jews too. And since a lot of the world doesn’t, we think it’s important to publish articles that draw attention to the amazing innovations and advancements in the Jewish community — whether it be on campus, in the LA community, or on a national or international level. Ha’Am’s mission is to strengthen and empower the young Jewish voice.
2. You want to be more involved in Jewish life at UCLA. As a part of Ha’Am, it is your job to constantly be in the know about issues and events at UCLA that affect the Jewish community. This means that we encourage you to attend events and talk to interesting people that have a lot to say about topics that are extremely close to you, helping to both empower your own identity and provide you with interesting content to relay to others. Joining Ha’Am also means that you can use your awesome networking skills to bounce from Chabad to Hillel to JAM event and let the rest of the community know what’s happening.
3. You want to be involved in your UCLA campus. Ha’Am is part of Student Media at UCLA, an umbrella organization that includes The Daily Bruin, Bruin Life Yearbook, UCLA Radio, and six other newsmagazines (Al-Talib, Fem, La Gente, Nommo, OutWrite and Pacific Ties)! That means that when you join Ha’Am, you are automatically plugged into a thriving network of student journalists, activists, and creative thinkers from a multitude of diverse backgrounds.
4. You have a voice, and you want to use it. All Ha’Am staff members — whether they be writers, photographers, illustrators, editors, business managers, or spiritual advisers — contribute their ideas and opinions to Ha’Am, making it the full-bodied publication that it is. We’ve all experienced instances of discrimination or injustice because of the fact that we are Jews (or Judeophiles), and want to educate the world about our experiences and people’s common misconceptions. Or we have a thriving love for all things Jewish, and seek an audience to share that enthusiasm. Ha’Am provides that audience and platform for getting your message across.
5. You have an opinion about or love of Israel. Any way that you slice it, you’ve got opinions — and chances are, you would like to share them with willing listeners. As a part of Ha’Am, you can write about Israel and help influence campus climate and heighten awareness about the issues most important to you.
6. You want something good to add to your resume. We all know how the game is played. Everything you do in college should be to build that resume to secure your dream job — or at least be something that you really, really love. Luckily, Ha’Am can be both. Ha’Am alumni include successful politicians, actors/actresses, journalists, lawyers, and graphic designers — all of whom used Ha’Am to build their leadership experience while serving a community that was close to their hearts.
7. You want to improve your writing, editing, design, photography, social media, video, or leadership skills. Ha’Am can train you in anything from how to write a story to how to manage a group of motivated students — so whether you apply with years of background knowledge or are looking to hone your talents, all are welcome! Ha’Am is the perfect place to exercise your writing, photography, or design skills that are already a major part of you.
8. You want a place to chill (and maybe study) between classes. Ha’Am staff is welcome to drop by the Ha’Am office in 118 Kerckhoff Hall anytime for writing help, life advice, or some much need downtime. The newsmagazine salon is also open to staff members, complete with couches, tables, and white boards. Both spaces offer great opportunities to bounce ideas between friends — or make new ones.
9. You want to meet new (and great) people. Besides being great, the Ha’Am staff is family. And as a new staff member, we’ll welcome you like the long-lost little brother or sister that you are. The people we interview are pretty nice as well.
10. You are looking for something worthwhile with which you can leave your mark on UCLA. Since its inception in 1972, Ha’Am has served as the Jewish voice on campus, protecting students’ writes and celebrating their achievements. Ha’Am has been there to see the university change shape as UCLA established a Jewish studies center, an Israel Studies center, and made sure that professors respect Jewish religious obligations. Now, as students ardently work towards securing kosher food in the dining halls, Ha’Am is right there with the Jewish Student Union to document their progress for posterity. No other campus organization allows you to use your unique voice to speak to other individuals and advocate for the change that you desire. The written word is permanent (in print or online), so make sure that your voice is cemented as a part of UCLA history.
Join Ha’Am today by completing the online application here. Applications are due by January 17th.
If you are interested in learning more about Ha’Am, please come to our meeting on Monday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. in 118 Kerckhoff Hall.
