What Is a Rekindle Action Project?

Rekindle Action Projects are team-based projects taken on during the Fellowship, with the goal of creating short-term working relationships that lead to long-term collaborations. Fellows should plan to spend 8-10 hours outside of the workshops planning and executing their projects with their teams. Don’t worry, we will guide you every step of the way!

Rekindle Fellows determine what specifically they want to do to advance social justice in Cleveland. The goal of these projects is not to “boil the ocean,” but to take small steps - together - that lay the groundwork for future, long-term collaboration. Check out the examples below, plus these:

  • Coordinated a donation drive and volunteering for Anita Gardner’s Concerned Citizen Community Council, a nonprofit serving the Kinsman neighborhood

  • Helped an African dance troupe, Djapo Cultural Arts, expand its reach to engage more children in new neighborhoods

  • Supported and attended a community cleanup in the Buckeye neighborhood hosted by local churches there

  • Created a social media video and campaign for Cleveland VOTES sharing the importance of voting early to engage both communities

  • Helped a social service nonprofit, the NEO Goods Bank, raise its profile and connect with new partners

  • Developed a list of recommendations to implement and local organizations to engage, in order to diversify the mentor corps for a local nonprofit

Action Project Examples

People gathered in a restaurant or event space, sitting in a semi-circle, with a man speaking into a microphone. The setting has warm lighting, large windows letting in natural light, and a rustic, cozy interior with exposed ductwork and wood accents.

Held a breakfast increasing awareness for the Reverse Ridealong program, which is improving policing in Cleveland

A group of fifteen diverse people smiling for a photo outdoors under a modern archway with trees and greenery in the background.
People sitting at a long table during a meal or celebration, with plates of food, drinks, and decorative centerpieces, in a room with banners in the background.

Ran a joint non-traditional seder / Sunday dinner that highlighted the rich cultures and traditions of both communities

A diverse group of women standing together in a line, smiling for the camera at an indoor event.
Six children standing in front of a Kids' Book Bank backdrop, holding various books and colorful activity kits, smiling for the photo.

Gathered Rekindle families together for a morning of “show and tell,” sharing important items from each child’s culture (and taking books home afterwards!)

The image shows a lively indoor scene at a restaurant or café with several people. Some individuals are standing, while others are seated, engaging in conversations or using their phones. The interior decor includes wooden shelves filled with jars and pictures on the walls. There are hanging round lights from the wooden ceiling. A woman with a bright yellow headwrap and traditional attire is smiling with her hands clasped. Someone is taking a photo in the background. The atmosphere appears warm and welcoming.

Held a teen-focused program, celebrating both African and Jewish cultures

Held a “Women’s Healing Circle,” bringing women together to share challenges and opportunities

Hosted a guided tour of Cleveland that focused on the Black and Jewish history of various neighborhoods

A group of five women standing in front of a sign for a book titled 'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride, holding copies of the book and smiling.

Launched a book club to connect over interesting literature

A smiling woman with glasses and a colorful headwrap working in an art and craft supplies area, surrounded by shelves filled with papers, art supplies, and storage bins.

Volunteered for a local nonprofit sorting, cleaning, and improving their operations

Three women smiling at a table with a menorah, some jars, and festive decorations in a warehouse or large room.

Celebrated our December holidays through a
“Christma-Chanu-Kwanzakah” party!