Page 12 - Jewish News_November-2020

12A November 2020 FEDERATION NEWS

Changemakers prepares a new generation

of Jewish leaders

By Trudi Krames, Program Director

ate this spring, college students pate in an internship with a theme park challenges, core sessions and electives, and spaces,” said Ashlyn Downey-
and recent grads were absorbing that would provide business and man- mentor and cohort meetings, all over Hayes, who had just returned from
Ldisappointments of canceled in- agement experience through a cycle of the course of two, three-week ses- what was supposed to be a quick vis-
ternships and Birthright trips, stressing rotations. She applied to Changemak- sions in July and August. They learned it to India, but which ended up lasting
over job searches and grad school in ers because she “thought it would be from leading experts and visionaries in months due to travel restrictions during
the tough economy, being away from a cool way to adapt to the pandemic their fields, and from each other. They the pandemic. “Even though Change-
friends, and wondering how they’d and provide skills, networking oppor- wrestled together with complex topics, makers was all online, concrete and in-
pass the long summer months. Then, tunities and experiences to help navi- learning how to converse openly with spirational takeaways and connections
Jewish young adults in their early- and gate the new world we live in.” Jacob others who hold different views. They continue to capture my thoughts.”
mid-20s began receiving intriguing Knego, a graduate student studying traveled virtually across the global “The best parts were connecting,
messages asking, “Are You Ready to material science at Stanford University Jewish community, discovering beauty listening and learning from different
Be a Changemaker?” and raised in Sarasota, was so inspired in the diversity of our Jewish traditions, perspectives about many issues, with
Twenty-three hundred answered by Changemakers that he has decided while appreciating shared values. They experienced professionals as well as
the call, applying for a new, innovative to take off some time from school and went deep into Israeli society and his- my peers,” said Ashlyn. “I was so im-
“three-week online leadership develop- participate in an internship with On- tory. pressed by the number of resources
ment experience to expand your career, ward Israel this winter. Within the urgency of the challeng- and programs they shared, realizing
your network and, most importantly, “Our Fellows were so ready for a es we now face, they explored service the possibilities to continue my person-
your ability to effect positive change in meaningful summer, capturing their in- and advocacy through voter mobiliza- al development through experiential
your community and the world.” terest in social change at a time of enor- tion, food insecurity, disability aware- learning and other opportunities that I
More than a thousand of these mous unrest,” said Kim Adler, Chief ness, antisemitism, racial justice and learned about.”
aspiring Jewish leaders became the Operating Officer at The Jewish Fed- care for our most vulnerable, including We are so grateful to and inspired
first-ever group of Changemaker eration of Sarasota-Manatee. “The Holocaust survivors. by our eight local, inaugural Change-
Fellows. Eight of them from across Jewish Federations of North America “Our Changemakers care deeply makers for their commitment and dedi-
Sarasota and Manatee counties were (JFNA) seized an incredible opportu- about the Jewish community and tik- cation, and to JFNA and the program’s
selected, joining peers from more than nity to engage our young people with kun olam, and are deeply invested in 30 global partner organizations for
100 communities across North Amer- a bright light of inspiration and growth social action and advocacy,” said Kim their incredible work on this meaning-
ica, as well as Mexico, Brazil, Spain, in a dark time, giving young adults a Adler. “Over three weeks, they got em- ful, innovative initiative.
France, the UK, South Africa, Czech platform to recognize they can be lead- powered, inspired and motivated, with Changemakers follow-up activi-
Republic and Israel. ers and a bridge to the organized Jew- knowledge and tools to make a differ- ties will take place throughout the year,
Among them was Rachel Towe ish world.” ence.” and plans for a third session this win-
from Sarasota, a rising senior at Tulane In total, they were engaged in 100 They’re preparing to lead a new ter will be announced soon. Interest-
University who had planned to partici- hours of Changemaker podcasts, daily type of diverse Jewish communi- ed prospective Changemakers should
ty across geographic lines. “I was so email info@jewishchangemakers.org.
moved by the sacred spaces they were For information on our teen and fam-
ily programs, contact me at tkrames@
able to create and the intentionality by
PaiSanO’s 941.926.8422 which they built those communities jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0037.
2732 Stickney Point Road
IT ALIAN B AKER Y 2019
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