GETTING ACTIVE page 103

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Is it important to you to date only
other Jews?

Jeff Mani, 25,
Waterford

"Yes. It's important to keep
the faith going. Otherwise, it
cart cause problems among
the children, making it diffi-
cult to decide what religion
to go with."

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Angela Butterfield, 29,
Farmington

"It's a double-edged sword.
Society has expectations for
individuals but it's an indi-
vidual choice. If a person
chooses to date others of a
different religion, I'm sup-
portive of that."

helped Mr. Elias enter the
volunteer circuit.
He and other volunteers said
an easy way to get involved is by
attending an event with a friend
or calling someone who is already
involved in the organization.
"I think the fact that my hus-
band and I went to events to-
gether made it less scary," said
Stephanie Jacobson, who along
with her husband, David, helped
form the JARC Young Adult
Committee to increase aware-
ness of the organization among
young adults and inspire future
leaders to get involved.
Unlike Mr. Elias, Amy Miner,
23, did not have the comforts of
knowing anyone already active
in the Jewish community.
As a Florida native who set-
tled in Troy, she decided getting
involved seemed like the best
way to meet other young Jewish
people.
In addition to serving as a
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization
(BBYO) adviser, she is active
in YAD and Federation's
Women's Business and Profes-
sional Division.
"I wanted there to be more
than just work in my life," Ms.
Milner said. "I made up my mind
that I was going to do something
and I did."
There are numerous reasons
why people want to get involved
in the community. Like Ms. Mil-
ner, those who are new to the
Detroit area and those who are
single see volunteering as a good
way to meet other young Jewish
adults.
Another reason, according to
Ms. Adler: "Some people are at a
point in their lives where they
are looking to change their group
of friends and are interested in
finding people with similar in-
terests."
Others do it for more altruistic
reasons.
"It's rewarding," Ms. Jacobson
said. "Especially when you meet

Gary Gonte, 28,
West Bloomfield

"Religion is definitely a fac-
tor but it's not an overriding
factor. I hope they'd be
Jewish but it's not imper-
ative."

and spend time with the (JARC)
clients and you're able to see the
effects you can have on them. It's
also been a great way to meet
other young adults."
Added Mr. Elias: "Why volun-
teer? To become part of other
people's lives, to enrich your own
life, and simply put, because it
makes you feel good."
Another factor is making a
time commitment. A lot of peo-
ple hesitate because they don't
think they have the time.
"Those who are not active
equate volunteering with a major
time commitment," said Mr.
Elias. "It does not have to be that
way. The best thing to do is try
and make some time. You can
always make time for something
you enjoy. It's also important to
know there are so many volun-
teer opportunities that are not
time-consuming."
Andrew Gutman, 25, hesitated
when someone in his office sug-
gested he look into becoming a
BBYO adviser. He had just
started working at a property
management company and did
not know if he had enough time
to get involved.
This year, Mr. Gutman began
his third year as an adviser. His
hours vary and he said he enjoys
every minute of what he does.
Almost any organization in the
Jewish community could use
some extra help. While not every-
one offers structured young adult
activities, there are plenty of
opportunities.
Many young adults are par-
ticipating in volunteer services
department programs through
Jewish Family Service. Popular

Do you have an item. for our
young adult l singles calen-
dar? Send it to Jennifer
Finer at
The Jewish News
27676 Franklin Rd.
Southfield, MI 48034