What's Happening?
Dvora Inwood, inspired by her daughter's struggle to find volunteer opportunities, launched Samaritan Scout, a nonprofit search engine designed to connect individuals with volunteer work. The idea was initially conceived when Inwood's daughter needed
to fulfill volunteer requirements for high school. However, it wasn't until Inwood faced a personal battle with Stage 4 colon cancer that she found the time and motivation to bring the project to life. Samaritan Scout was launched in May 2023, with the help of volunteers, including co-founder William Rosenthal, who contributed his coding skills. Following the October 7 attacks in Israel, Inwood expanded the initiative by partnering with Mosaic United to create Volunteer Hub, a platform aimed at connecting Diaspora Jews with volunteer opportunities in Israel. Both platforms focus on constructive missions and exclude organizations that do not align with their positive impact goals.
Why It's Important?
The creation of Samaritan Scout and Volunteer Hub highlights the growing need for accessible volunteer opportunities and the role of technology in facilitating community engagement. By providing a centralized platform for volunteer work, these initiatives help individuals find meaningful ways to contribute to society, particularly in times of crisis. The partnership with Mosaic United underscores the importance of strengthening ties between Israeli and Diaspora Jewish communities through service. Additionally, the platforms' focus on constructive missions reflects a broader societal shift towards positive activism and community building. This approach not only empowers individuals to make a difference but also fosters understanding and collaboration across diverse backgrounds.
What's Next?
As Samaritan Scout and Volunteer Hub continue to grow, there are plans to expand their reach and include more regions and opportunities. Inwood is actively raising funds to cover more states in the U.S., while Mosaic United aims to broaden the platform's scope to include Jewish volunteer opportunities worldwide. The ongoing development of these platforms will likely involve overcoming technical challenges, such as navigating security measures on Israeli websites, and ensuring the inclusion of diverse volunteer opportunities. The success of these initiatives could inspire similar projects, further enhancing the landscape of volunteerism and community service.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of Samaritan Scout and Volunteer Hub also touches on the personal resilience and determination of individuals like Dvora Inwood, who turned a personal health crisis into an opportunity to create positive change. The platforms' emphasis on constructive missions and exclusion of protest-related activities reflect a nuanced approach to activism, prioritizing tangible community benefits over political statements. This focus on positive impact may influence how future volunteer platforms are designed and operated, encouraging a shift towards service-oriented activism that transcends political and cultural divides.
