Third Annual “Slingshot”
Guidebook Names An Ethical Start among 50 Most Innovative Jewish Programs in America
New York, NY – October 16, 2007 –JCC
Association’s early childhood program An Ethical Start®
has been named one of North America’s most innovative
in Slingshot ‘07-‘08. Compiled and published by
21/64, a division of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies,
the annual guidebook features programs, organizations, and
leaders that take new and creative approaches to addressing
age-old concerns of identity and community in Jewish life
today. Each year, 50 of the most innovative organizations
from the U.S. and Canada make the cut after an extensive evaluation
process overseen by 25 foundation professionals.
This is the second time that JCC Association’s
values-education program has been recognized in the Slingshot
Guidebook. Through books, music, toys, and intensive teacher
training, An Ethical Start brings the teachings of the classic
Jewish text Pirkei Avot to early childhood centers in JCCs
across North America.
“We chose Pirkei Avot as the text, and
we are continually amazed at how this text speaks to the intellect,
the soul, and the capacity for ethical self transformation.
It goes far beyond customs and ceremonies. It speaks to people
about how you live in the world,” says Ruth Pinkenson
Feldman, director of JCC Association early childhood services.
“Parents and teachers who study this text change the
way they interact with children, and with each other, and
how they think about themselves. It’s immediate and
palpable. And there are no prerequisites. You don’t
need to know Hebrew, or celebrate Jewish holidays to appreciate
it. An Ethical Start empowers teachers, parents and children
through direct engagement with the text which can transform
their lives.”
JCC Association’s An Ethical Start was
selected by a group of 25 foundation professionals from hundreds
of nominees. All nominees were evaluated based on programmatic
innovation, community impact, leadership and organizational
efficiency. Each of the organizations selected for this year’s
book offer valuable programs and projects with original perspectives
and strategies for engaging young American Jews.
“The organizations listed in Slingshot
‘07-‘08 are among the most forward thinking and
innovative that North America has to offer,” said Sharna
Goldseker, director of 21/64 and vice president of The Andrea
and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. “By shining the
spotlight on their creative work, Slingshot gives undercapitalized
nonprofits due recognition for their achievements. Furthermore,
it exposes the 50 nonprofits to potential funders who possess
the means and desire to invest in their futures and that of
the Jewish community.”
Slingshot ‘07-‘08 will be unveiled
at a launch event in Manhattan on October 9. In addition to
the book release, a group of young funders who started a Slingshot
Fund, will announce their inaugural grant recipients. The
Fund, which is inspired by the Slingshot guidebook, will be
used to support organizations and projects named in Slingshot
each year.
About Slingshot
Slingshot was conceived of as a guidebook for Jewish funders
seeking to diversify their giving portfolios with the most
innovative and effective organizations and programs in North
America. In its third edition, Slingshot has proven to be
a catalyst for next generation funding and offers a telling
snapshot of shifting trends in North America's Jewish community.
The book, published annually, is available in hard copy and
as a free download at http://www.2164.net/slingshot.html.
About 21/64
21/64 is a non-profit consulting division of The Andrea and
Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. Based in New York, it offers
services to individuals, families, businesses, foundations
and federations in times of generational transition - including
consultation, resource materials, networks and communication
vehicles. 21/64 specializes in a multigenerational approach
to philanthropy. In this era, when there are four generations
above the age of 21 around corporate and philanthropic tables,
multiple generations must learn to understand each others'
“generational personalities,” motivational values,
and visions. 21/64 facilitates the process of values clarification,
strategic visioning and communicating to help multigenerational
families define and achieve their individual and collective
goals. www.2164.net
###
JCC Association
is the leadership network of, and central agency for the Jewish
Community Center Movement, which is comprised of 350 JCC,
YM-YWHA and camp sites in the U. S. and Canada. JCC Association
offers a wide range of services and resources to strengthen
the capacity of its affiliates to provide educational, cultural,
social, Jewish identity-building, and recreational programs
to enhance the lives of North American Jews of all ages and
backgrounds. Additionally, the movement fosters and strengthens
connections between North American Jews and Israel as well
as with world Jewry. JCC Association is also the U.S. government
accredited agency for serving the religious and social needs
of Jewish military personnel, their families, and patients
in VA hospitals through JWB Jewish Chaplains Council.
Miriam
Rinn
Communications Manager
JCC Association
520 8th Ave., NY, NY 10018
212-786-5092
fax: 212-481-4174
send an e-mail
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