Networks that nurture our future leaders
THE FUTURE of young people in our community is being shaped by innovative leadership programmes. Mike (Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge and Education) provides training and experience in “accepting responsibility and practising patience, empathy and care for others”. Participants volunteer to run half-term schemes for primary-school children at the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre and are mentored by the centre’s youth team and their older peers, eventually becoming educators and mentors themselves.
Jewish Care’s chief executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, a Mike graduate himself, says: “Taking part in the Mike programme had a huge influence on the direction I chose to take in life as a leader in our community. “Though Jewish Care is often associated with social care for older people, the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre is an example of a Jewish Care intergenerational hub of activities and support. The Mike programme is a shining example of the positive contribution young people can and do make to our community and wider society.”
JCoSS student Simone Silver went from attending the holiday schemes herself to participating as a leader. She says: “I would definitely recommend Mike to others, because you develop so many new skills and confidence that you need in life, not just in youth work. Alongside that, you strengthen both new and existing friendships. I am going to university but volunteering and youth work will also feature during my university life.”
For professionals in their 20s and 30s, Young Jewish Care’s lay leadership development programme combines volunteering at Jewish Care homes and day centres with briefings from key staff and senior lay leadership. Each programme runs for 12 Sunday sessions, once a month.
Antony Renton, age 27, is an account manager at the Data and Marketing Association and became involved in Jewish Care via the Young Jewish Care social committee. He says: “I’m really pleased to be taking part in the lay leadership development programme, to meet the people who are benefiting every day and also to gain a deeper connection to the charity and understand how it works. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to do this while meeting like-minded young professionals who believe in the importance of being future leaders supporting those in our communities.”
Jonathan Feldman works in real estate investment. He and his wife, Sam, took part in last year’s programme and he recommends communal work to other younger people: “Prior to starting families, it is a great opportunity to give back to our community and begin a journey of lifelong service. For me the most impactful part was learning about the hard work, passion, integrity and diversity of the staff who work for Jewish Care. In a world where we are constantly hearing about division in the news, the Jewish Care facilities are the ultimate example of how human beings can work together while celebrating our diversity.”
Ort UK is on the lookout for potential lay leaders, to take part in its new leadership and development scheme. Ort UK Nxt Generation has been designed to equip aspiring Jewish community innovators with the skills and connections to succeed in the charity sector and beyond. Ort UK already runs the highly-regarded sixth-form mentoring programme, Ort Jump, as well as a new careers education project in schools and the Professional Women’s Network. Now it is focusing on the 25-to-40 age bracket with this year-long project.
“This programme enables Ort UK to play a role in educating and developing the community’s next generation of leaders, while also sharing examples of Ort’s incredible work around the world,” says Dan Rickman, CEO. “We hope that at the end of the year, the cohort will continue their journeys by taking advantage of the opportunities we offer at Ort UK.”
The charity is the UK fundraising arm of World Ort — the world’s largest Jewish education and training NGO — which runs school and training programmes in 37 countries worldwide. It is known for combining high-level science and technology education with the strengthening of Jewish identity.
“We’re offering a challenging and thought-provoking programme, delivered through a Jewish narrative and framework,” says Rickman. “Participants will benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that not only focuses on Ort but also provides leadership skills, and a greater understanding of wider global and Jewish issues.”
The course, which begins in February 2020, coincides with Ort UK’s 100th and World Ort’s 140th anniversary and successful applicants will be encouraged to look to the next 100 years of Ort UK and consider how the Jewish charity sector will develop over the century.
The group will gain access to exclusive talks, beginning with a Q&A session led by Sir Trevor Pears and concluding with a celebration at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Young. The highlight will be a six-day mission to Israel in May, with a chance to visit Ort’s schools and youth villages, as well as attending the 140th gala dinner.
The charity is looking for “people who have either already shown a commitment to Ort UK through Ort Jump or the Professional Women’s Network, or individuals who have been part of a wider leadership programme who now wish to focus on one organisation at a deeper level. The programme is also open to those at the start of their lay leadership journey, who would like to explore this path further within Ort, with a view to a longer-term commitment. Applications have already started arriving and we’re hugely excited to
meet Ort UK’s future leaders.”
Mike: 020 8418 2119, RJCCYouth@jcare.org Young Jewish Care and lay leadership development: 0208 922 2813, yjc@jcare.org ORT: Dan Rickman,020 7446 8523, dan.rickman@ ortuk.org