Hi Everyone,

I hope you all have voted in the JSA elections, and if you havent, then are planning to. Voting goes until April 30, and you can vote at www.jewishwinnipeg.org/jsa.

I am running for President at the University of Winnipeg, and know I can lead JSA to new heights. I am currently a very active member and hold the position of Holocaust, Human Rights and Antisemitism Chair. I am an extremely active member and participate in almost all JSA programs as well as attend most Jewish community events, often representing JSA.

I am a very big fan of social programs and activities, as that was my reason to join JSA, and plan to have tons of fun and exciting programs, such as: pub nights, havdallah and movie nights, and hookah in a sukkah, to name a few.

Israel is also a big deal, and close to many of our hearts, planning Israel programs whether it be speakers or fun activites is on my to do list, and will hold a Yom Ha'atzmaut party. I will make sure that there there is no anti israel or anti semetic hate and posters on campus, and if there is will be pro-active and fight it as well as table.

Human rights is a priority on my list. Earlier this year I successfully planned a sold out human rights event titled "Voices of Victims...Generations of Genocide" where we brought in Keynote speaker and 1994 Rwandan Genocide Survivor Eloge Christian Butera. I will make sure such human rights violations are known and have a program similar, as human rights is important to all of us.

Social Action and Tikkun Olam is also important, it is a good feeling we get inside when we give back and help those less fortunate. Next year I think a blood drive for Canadian Blood Services should be done at least two times, as well as other programs which raise awareness, give back, or fundraise for a cause.

Partnerships are huge, I personally have formed 5 partnerships this year with various student groups at both the University of Winnipeg and Manitoba, and plan to maintain these partnerships as well as form new ones. These partnerships help get JSA's name out (and in a positive way) and we meet new people and make new friends. With such diverse partnerships if JSA hosted (or co-hosted) programs, we can get great program turnouts, and even learn about these student groups, what they stand for, their values, beliefs and soemtimes culture, and while learning about them, teach them about us. This can eliminate any racial stereotype, and help lead us to a friendlier more welcoming campus.

I also promise to fight as hard as I can to try and get us a real JSA room, this room is important to many members, and I want a room just as bad as you: a quiet safe place to socialize, study, meet new friends or sleep. I know space at U of W is limited, but I will make sure the UWSA knows how much we want and need the room, and get that on their radar!

First years will also feel welcome, because I will make sure that people give them a warm welcome to JSA, and that they do not feel uncomfortable coming to a program or to bagel days (and this is not only first years...but anyone).

If you have any questions, comments, or just to talk please email me at ashleyfaintuch@gmail.com or contact me on facebook. While your at it, dont forget to join my facebook group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=71382316395&ref=mf

Vote for me!

Ashley Faintuch