Schusterman Philanthropic Network Launches young Jewish leaders Global Connection Program

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New Initiative will engage more than 500 young Jewish leaders through 11 peer-led gatherings in 2014

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Shifting Thought Shifting Action took place in Berlin in February 2013: Shifting Thought, Shifting Action brought together 60 of Europe’s most talented young community organizers for a serious conversation about professional, sustainable and cutting-edge community organizing.

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The Schusterman Philanthropic Network (SPN) is launching Schusterman Connection Points, a new initiative that puts young Jewish leaders at the helm of creating a series of gatherings around the world. Designed as a new and meaningful way for young Jews to assemble with purpose, Connection Points are part of SPN’s broader investment in organizations and programs that empower young leaders to take an active role in shaping a vibrant Jewish future.

In 2014, Schusterman Connection Points will include 11 thematic, peer-led gatherings that will bring together more than 500 young Jews worldwide. The gatherings expand SPN’s suite of opportunities for Jewish young adults and build on last year’s successful pilot program run through Schusterman’s ROI Community, a global network of innovative Jewish entrepreneurs and leaders. Thus far, 31 members of the ROI Community have been trained to convene Connection Point gatherings.

As the Connection Points program is scaled in 2014, ROI’s annual flagship Summit will be on hiatus and will resume in full swing in 2015.

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 The Magid Project took place in Israel in December 2012: The Magid Project brought together 50 of Israel’s young professional leaders from all sectors to meet, connect and build a personal and collective Jewish narrative.

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“Ultimately our goal is to help build a Jewish community that is more relevant, dynamic and compelling to future generations, ” said Lynn Schusterman, chair of the Schusterman Philanthropic Network. “I believe young people know the best way to do that, and we must invest in their passion and potential for driving change.”

 “Connection Points are the next chapter in ROI Community’s story, ” said Justin Korda, executive director of ROI Community. “In 2014 we will focus on maximizing the ripple effect of these gatherings to reach even more promising leaders in every corner of the Jewish world. This work will inform and inspire the 2015 ROI Summit.”

 The 11 Schusterman Connection Points for 2014 will cover a range of themes, including the arts, technology, community building, international development, inclusivity, social justice and more. The gatherings include:

Mata-Maala,  Young Jerusalem Activism Conference (Israel)

ID²,  Israeli Designed International Development (Israel)

Asylum Arts,  International Jewish Artist Retreat (USA)

The Magid Project,  Promoting social activism through storytelling (Israel)

Junno,  Innovative Judaic Inspiration Salon (Israel)

Lazos,  Roots building the future (Argentina)

Tikkun Olam Hackathon,  72 Hours to Save the World (Israel)

Eighteen:22,  Writing the next chapter on LGBTQ Jewish community and inclusion (USA)

Retreatology,  The art of Jewish retreat-making (USA)

From Me to We,  Between Tribal and Global (Hungary)

Platforma,  International Professional Development Summit for RuJew Community Initiators (USA)

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Asylum: International Jewish Artist Retreat took place in New York in March 2013: Asylum gathered a group of 65 multi-disciplinary Jewish emerging artists from around the world to learn from industry professionals, working artists and from one another.

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“Increasing numbers of talented young Jews are eager to gain the skills and connections needed to shape their own Jewish experiences, ” said Sandy Cardin, president of the Schusterman Philanthropic Network. “Connection Points are part of our broader effort to help create more opportunities for Jewish young adults to engage with each other and jointly develop programs capable of meaningfully impacting their communities and their Jewish identities.”

About the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network:

The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network (SPN) is a global enterprise that supports and creates innovative initiatives for the purpose of igniting the passion and unleashing the power in young people to create positive change for themselves, the Jewish community and the broader world.

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The Art of Giving Brick By Brick took place in Mexico in November 2012; Mixing hands-on work with theoretical and practical components, 30 Spanish-speaking young professionals participated in service work—the building of an entire home for an underprivileged family.