Albany Teen Awarded $36,000 For Social Justice Work

ALBANY, CA — Albany teen Michaela Weinstien responded to an outbreak of racist, anti-Semitic, and sexist incidents at her school by talking through the issues with a friend. Then Michaela took things a step further by co-founding "Speak," a student group that takes takes sensitive issues to 5th graders and gives them an outlet for discussion. For her work, Michaela was chosen as a recipient of the 2018 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award that recognizes teens for their commitment to social good and volunteer service. Michaela received $36,000 with the award.

"Speak" has given over 50 presentations since the group formed. The curriculum spans complex issues like racism, privilege, social media ethics, and identity & intersectionality.

According to the sponsor of the award, Michaela plans to take her message to a wider audience, "In the future, Michaela plans to give teens around the country a shareable curriculum to educate their community about the power of empathy, respect, and the importance of speaking out against hate."

The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards were given to 15 teens across the country.

About the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards
Now in its twelfth year, the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards have given more than $4 million to 114 Jewish teens who are tackling global issues and creating lasting change through tikkun olam – the vision of Bay Area Philanthropist Helen Diller, the quiet force behind The Helen Diller Family Foundation.