JESSICA LAUS
JESSICA LAUS
ABOUT
A development professional, I have volunteered for non-profits in the fields of historical preservation and education, adult literacy, adolescent mentoring, LGBTQ rights, animal welfare, and restorative justice, respectively, for over ten years.
I read, travel, volunteer, dance, drink coffee, and talk with people.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE INITIATIVE
November 2016 - present
NEWARK LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER
September 2016 - January 2019
826NYC
September 2015 - April 2018
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT
May 2014 - July 2015
THE DOMINICAN LITERACY CENTER
May 2014 - July 2015
DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2006 - 2015
EDUCATION
MSC, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
2011-2012
Graduated with a Master of Science in Development Management. Completed a group consultancy project addressing the best practices to end child marriage. Dissertation entitled, "Lessons from the ghetto: The concept of community safety in Brazil and South Africa."
BA, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
2005-2011
Major in history, minor in journalism. Graduated Cum Laude. Senior thesis project entitled, "The First World War and the Enfranchisement of American Women."
PROJECTS
WE ARE NJ VALUES
In the wake of the 2016 presidential election, many New Jerseyans wanted to engage in civic life. This website aims to connect groups needing help with volunteers, who are willing to donate their time in support of the greater good. Use this guide to find organizations around New Jersey that serve communities and democratic values that are becoming more and more vulnerable. We want to protect our democratic, humanistic values, and they can all use your volunteer time and skills.
COMMUNITY DINNER
Regularly held on the second Sunday of each month, our goal is to provide a space for people to connect with each other on a regular basis to "break bread" and participate in a group dialogue, if they wish. We ask for a donation of at least $5 at the door, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Any extra proceeds will go towards the next dinner, or donated back to the Center. The event is open to the LGBTQ community, allies, and friends.
VETERANS TOWN HALL
No one goes to war and returns home unaffected. It’s not fair, nor is it healthy, for veterans alone to be left with the burdens of conflict.
They belong to all of us.
Conceived of by Sebastian Junger, the town hall returns the experience of conflict back to our communities. It is about sharing powerful and important experiences within the community. It gives veterans of all wars “a chance to address their community directly and without intermediaries.”
PHOTOGRAPHY
DETROIT
RED ROCKS, CO
HOLLAND, MI
BELLE ISLE
STOCKHOLM
PARIS
FLORIDA
ENGLAND
MINX
PIRAHNAHEAD
HOTWAXX
SPIRIT OF DETROIT
James Baldwin
"We are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves, if only because we are the only sentient force which can change it."