The future of Jewish organizations- bleak or bold? Discuss.
In an article, Under new UJC leader, G.A. focuses on reinventing image of federations, which is about remaking the Jewish Federation(s) into a hipper, younger organization and grooming the next generation of Jewish leaders, I stumbled upon teh following quotes (my comments in bold):
“It’s time to focus” on strengthening federations to raise more money, said
Steve Rakitt, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “We’re doing
that.” and "Mega-philanthropist Lynn Schusterman stressed the
challenge for the federation system to attract younger donors. "
This is part of the problem- that is seems to be all about the
$$$. I'm young, dynamic, and Jewish. But I don't have the big bucks to donate. As a result, I feel that I am not worth the time of the larger Jewish organizations. This is a real turnoff to me. The UJC needs to learn that it should lead by example, not by focusing so much on money.
"The conference embodied the tension of tradition and change as the organization focuses on remaking itself to attract new donors. "
Is it all about the green stuff?
"Other kernels of advice for the federation system came in a keynote speech from Jim Collins, author of the New York Times bestseller, “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t.”
“I think the sessions are fabulous, but I think the real reason to come is what happens in the halls,” said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, president of the Israel Project, which aims to bolster Israel’s public image in America. The opportunity to connect with so many colleagues allows Mizrahi to create partnerships and do business.
I know money makes the world go round, but I feel that treating this conference (and by extension the organization itself) like a Chamber of Commerce function makes me feel more alientated (and poor). Is it about networking and raising $$$, or about getting things done?
“Additionally, it’s “good for me to see young people who are given real responsibility,” said Mizrahi, 40, who chairs her local federation campaign in Annapolis, Md.”
Does this mean that,at 40, she's one of the younger federation members in her area?
I may not have the cash, but I give what time I can. (I'm on the board of one small-ish Jewish organization in my community). Which is nice and all, but I don't think that this organization would have even bothered seeking out a young board member if a friend of mine (also in his 20's) was not the head of said organization. And he's only one of very few examples around here of a young Jew being at the helm. It's frustrating. When we have board meetings and I try to point out things from the perspective of the younger demographic and wither they simply don't get it, or don't even care to.
“Why is the UJC not seen as a great organization,” he asked, “when federations in their own communities are seen as really setting the standard for others to follow?” One reason may be poor communication, Rieger said. But he also emphasized the need for the organization to narrow its focus. “We can’t be all things to all people,” he said."
It seems that the UJC has decided that what matters most is money. Money can be used for good. I just find it distasteful the way that some organizations seem to always have their hand(s) out. Please just let me read through one piece of (federation sponsored literature) without it asking me for money. Or making me feel guilty for having any to give to them. (OK- maybe I have some guilt issues......but I am Jewish).
Does the UJC want to train future leaders? Or future salesmen?
“It’s time to focus” on strengthening federations to raise more money, said
Steve Rakitt, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “We’re doing
that.” and "Mega-philanthropist Lynn Schusterman stressed the
challenge for the federation system to attract younger donors. "
This is part of the problem- that is seems to be all about the
$$$. I'm young, dynamic, and Jewish. But I don't have the big bucks to donate. As a result, I feel that I am not worth the time of the larger Jewish organizations. This is a real turnoff to me. The UJC needs to learn that it should lead by example, not by focusing so much on money.
"The conference embodied the tension of tradition and change as the organization focuses on remaking itself to attract new donors. "
Is it all about the green stuff?
"Other kernels of advice for the federation system came in a keynote speech from Jim Collins, author of the New York Times bestseller, “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t.”
“I think the sessions are fabulous, but I think the real reason to come is what happens in the halls,” said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, president of the Israel Project, which aims to bolster Israel’s public image in America. The opportunity to connect with so many colleagues allows Mizrahi to create partnerships and do business.
I know money makes the world go round, but I feel that treating this conference (and by extension the organization itself) like a Chamber of Commerce function makes me feel more alientated (and poor). Is it about networking and raising $$$, or about getting things done?
“Additionally, it’s “good for me to see young people who are given real responsibility,” said Mizrahi, 40, who chairs her local federation campaign in Annapolis, Md.”
Does this mean that,at 40, she's one of the younger federation members in her area?
I may not have the cash, but I give what time I can. (I'm on the board of one small-ish Jewish organization in my community). Which is nice and all, but I don't think that this organization would have even bothered seeking out a young board member if a friend of mine (also in his 20's) was not the head of said organization. And he's only one of very few examples around here of a young Jew being at the helm. It's frustrating. When we have board meetings and I try to point out things from the perspective of the younger demographic and wither they simply don't get it, or don't even care to.
“Why is the UJC not seen as a great organization,” he asked, “when federations in their own communities are seen as really setting the standard for others to follow?” One reason may be poor communication, Rieger said. But he also emphasized the need for the organization to narrow its focus. “We can’t be all things to all people,” he said."
It seems that the UJC has decided that what matters most is money. Money can be used for good. I just find it distasteful the way that some organizations seem to always have their hand(s) out. Please just let me read through one piece of (federation sponsored literature) without it asking me for money. Or making me feel guilty for having any to give to them. (OK- maybe I have some guilt issues......but I am Jewish).
Does the UJC want to train future leaders? Or future salesmen?
posted by Lyss | 8:13 PM
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