Introduction: What is this document for?

Jewish tradition offers us tools for how to study and engage with foundational texts. This Theory of Change will become part of Detroit Jews for Justice’s canon of documents – including Core Principles and other resources – that speak to why and how we do what we do. This document will support our decision making about what types of campaigns, partnerships and resources to pursue; where to allocate staff time and focus leader energies; and how to communicate our work. 

DJJ’s Theory of Change aims to guide our process and to test our assumptions. We know that each time we execute our activities and strategies, we learn more about how we can effectively build the world we want to see. As such, we recognize this document as a starting point from which to evolve, rather than as a perfect and all-knowing text. As Jews, we know that our guiding texts are most valuable when we engage with them: by debating the meaning of a word, integrating new insights as we learn them, and deepening our understanding through storytelling.

We also recognize the value of our Oral Torah – the meaning that our leaders bring to our work as they experience it – alongside the foundational texts that ground us.

Each year, DJJ will develop measurable goals that deepen our capacity to realize our Theory of Change and track our progress. At least every 3 years, the Board of Trustees will formally revisit the Theory of Change to assess progress, evolve the document as needed, and vote to re-approve. Non-substantive edits to make language more precise may occur in the interim. 

Core Activities & Strategic Logic

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Core Values 

COMMUNITY: We are a vibrant, progressive, intergenerational, spiritual, Jewish community that is locally rooted. We connect authentically to our complex histories and to each other. Nurturing this community with care is essential to our resilience and persistence over time. We do this work together, celebrating victories and learning from setbacks. When we disagree, we deepen our relationships by compassionately holding each other accountable. We draw upon Jewish cultural tools and wisdom to nourish us and remind us of what is possible. 

ACTION: We show up consistently. We do the work within ourselves and our communities. We are in it for the long haul, sharing the collective responsibility of building a just and joyful future. We take time to rest and we return to the work restored, honoring the enduring wisdom of Shabbat. We mobilize our community to actively participate in grassroots progressive movements. Our core DJJ activities make tangible contributions to advance racial and economic justice in Detroit and Michigan. When we act in accordance with our mission and strategy and communicate about our work, we contribute to shaping narrative and public discourse in our communities. 

PARTNERSHIP: We are committed to building lasting, mutually accountable relationships with values-aligned, trusted partner organizations in metro Detroit. We build place-based partnerships, knowing the policy solutions we need at the state and national level will emerge from the expertise of our local communities. On every issue, we honor the leadership of those most impacted by injustice. Particularly in the context of our highly segregated region, where past and present policies have led to painful material outcomes in majority Black Detroit, we prioritize commitments to campaigns and coalitions that demonstrate an antiracist, equitable vision and approach.