Activist Spotlight: Elise Dzialo

Hi, my name is Elise Dzialo, and I’m the new Social Justice intern at the Workers Circle. I’m a sophomore at Williams College with a prospective major in Sociology. After going to a Catholic high school, I’ve found a home in Jewish and justice-oriented communities at Williams.

On campus, I serve on the board of the Williams College Jewish Association (WCJA) where I help cook Shabbat dinners every week and organize Jewish programming. I also lead Jews for Justice, a club on campus where we discuss progressive values and their relation to diasporic Jewish identity. 

I’m thrilled to intern with the Workers Circle. Jewish organizing for justice particularly speaks to me. I feel that the histories of oppression suffered by my ancestors inform my sense of responsibility to organize in coalition with communities that experience injustice today. 

Last summer I interned with IfNotNow Boston, where I organized constituents from four different Massachusetts congressional districts. I learned how to host phone banks, hold one-on-ones, and map out campaign strategy. I found the experience fulfilling because it taught me that my Jewishness and my commitment to justice issues do not just inform each other for me personally but are integrally connected for other Jews because of where and who we come from. 

With the Workers Circle, I’m especially excited to focus on domestic issues of democracy and human rights. Currently, I’m working on developing discussion resources for Democracy Circles, recruiting college students to attend our annual Selma immersion trip, and grant research. I will also represent the Workers Circle at the Rise for Democracy teach-in in DC.