Bill Resnick and Michael Stubbs

Multiplying the impact of a shared commitment to justice

Los Angeles

Michael Stubbs says one of the many reasons he fell in love with his husband, Bill Resnick, is that Bill “cares in the same way” Michael does about social justice issues. They both generously support and engage with a variety of local, national and international causes, so it means something special when they say that AJWS is one of their favorite organizations. Their support of AJWS coincided with a momentous personal moment in 2013, when they got engaged to be married during a trip to witness our work in Thailand and Cambodia.

Bill and Michael now play a leading role at AJWS together. Bill, a psychiatrist who devotes his time to activism and philanthropy, joined the board of trustees in 2012 and recently became an officer, serving as the board’s secretary. Michael, a veteran of the motion picture business, now devotes his full-time efforts to philanthropic ventures and advocacy. He provides essential guidance to AJWS on strategic fundraising as a member of the development committee.

Bill explains their dedication to the organization: “AJWS focuses on some of the communities that are overlooked by other organizations. And AJWS works to change the conditions that are at the roots of communities’ problems, so that the need for charity will eventually be reduced.”

Michael admires the “spirit and intention and positive outcomes of AJWS’s long-term work. It’s all very intelligent and also equally compassionate and loving. That resonates with me in a way other organizations don’t.” On the Thailand trip, Michael experienced an “aha” moment meeting sex workers in Bangkok, who are organizing to protect themselves from violence and unfair treatment: “These are people who are just seeking to support their families in the best possible way in the circumstances presented to them,” he said.

“The fact that AJWS speaks for people who don’t have a voice is very appealing to me.”

Bill and Michael have served as catalysts for AJWS to welcome new supporters and inspire existing donors to deepen their engagement. They have opened their home to an array of AJWS events and will co-chair our Los Angeles gala celebration in March of 2016. They are the architects of a new giving circle model at AJWS LA, which will launch in 2016 and will include local programming and travel to experience AJWS’s international work. And, just last April, the couple challenged their fellow trustees to increase their annual gifts by offering to match additional funds raised.

Bill and Michael’s enthusiasm for AJWS has been infectious. As they have passed their love for the organization on to others, they have multiplied the difference they can make in the world together.