USCJ and USY recognize that intersectionality within the Jewish community strengthens us all but also impacts how we move within our respective communities. We embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) to show that we are not only dedicated to creating an inclusive environment but we are also dedicated to continuous improvement of how people in the Jewish community of different viewpoints and backgrounds move within the USCJ and USY communities.
USY celebrates and welcomes all backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints within the Jewish community – with the exception of viewpoints that demonstrate intolerance toward others.
Further, we strive to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LQBTQ+, physically disabled, intellectually/developmentally disabled, and any other community in which membership impacts their movement through other spaces.
Inclusive Participation: In accordance with USY’s values and the USCJ/USY Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) statement, USY welcomes all participants within the Jewish community regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, physical abilities, intellectual and developmental abilities, and any other viewpoint or background – with the exception of viewpoints that demonstrate intolerance toward others. Participation in USY means that all USY participants are expected to uphold the USY values and DEIJ statement.
As such, USY will not share any information regarding a participant’s intersectionality with other participants or other parents.
USY is egalitarian, and we have included pronoun specifications on our intake forms since 2018.
USY is working with Keshet to improve our forms and policies to welcome and include all gender identities of our participants, including nonbinary and transgender youth.
During trips, conferences, long-term programs, and other events in which USY participants may be roomed with one another, rooming assignments will be based on gender identity and not gender assigned at birth.
For more information or assistance discussing this topic with youth, please contact the Director of Child and Youth Protection.
We never want finances to be a barrier to our youth’s Jewish experiences. All of our programs offer scholarships and subsidies for those with financial need.
We also encourage youth to seek out scholarships and grants from their local community to assist in reducing the financial burden of larger programs. We have been partnering with RootOne since 2021 to provide grant funding for trips to Israel.
Youth of all abilities are welcome at USY programs and events. According to recent survey data across multiple brands of Jewish youth experiences, USY excels in including students with intellectual, physical, developmental, and/or learning disabilities.
During programs, participants are welcome to use fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and other sensory tools. We also offer quiet rooms at conventions to allow a sensory break when students feel overwhelmed.
At all of our programs, we ensure medication compliance as needed. On our long-term programs, we work with parents/guardians to coordinate mental healthcare upon request.
Students with dietary restrictions are accommodated with prior notice.
If you have any questions about disability accommodations, please contact us.
While USY is the official youth group of the Conservative/Masorti Movement, we welcome and include Jewish youth of all backgrounds. Many of our participants come from families practicing other streams of Judaism. We are a big tent organization that welcomes many diverse viewpoints within the Jewish world.
Please contact Mauria Atzil, director of child safety, with any questions about USY inclusion or requests for accommodations.
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