Teen Professionals Draft Schedule

Chair(s):                       
Meredith Gettys, JCC of Northern Virginia
Benjamin Kranitz, JCC of Youngstown

Institute Staff:            Adinah East, Alon Lavi & Naomi Marks

Sunday, March 11, 2007

2:00 p.m.                       

Institute #1

Unlocking the Power of Coalitions
Coalitions and collaborations don't just happen. They come about because of a common issue. But it still takes a person (or small group of persons) to provide the impetus to bring a group together and start things moving.  How can you use coalition building to develop greater opportunities for your youth?  Who is it appropriate to build coalitions with?  How do you find potential coalition partners?  How do you set goals within the framework of a coalition?  Join us as we delve into the benefits and challenges of coalition building for youth within the Jewish community environment and the general community.  Find out how we can utilize other organizations serving youth to better serve our own.                                   
Presenter: Rabbi Eli Backman, Chabad University of Maryland and Rabbi Levi Deitsch, Chabad of Northern Virginia
Chair: Ben Kranitz

 

Monday, March 12, 2007

11:15 a.m.                       

Institute #2

Chai Maintenance & Jew Fros
Teens are constantly trying to define themselves… Where do I fit in?  What group do I most associate with?  Who thinks I am cool?  Who do I think is cool?  In today’s world, we find that it is suddenly “cool” to be Jewish.  Jewish identity is shifting within popular culture.  Assimilation or outlandish mockery is no longer the typical Hollywood role for Jews.  Instead, Jewish actors are now insiders in the business of film and appeal to Jews and non-Jews alike as role models and icons.  This proves true in the film works of such stars as Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller.  It also is seen on television within the work of actors like Deborah Messing and Larry David.  On screen is not the only place to see this new concept of Jewishness.  Clothing manufacturers such as “Jewcy” and magazines like “Heeb” are also doing their part to create the hip new Jew.  And that’s not even touching on the latest Jewish music scene.  In this session, we will explore all of that along with where this leaves our teens and how it affects their self definitions.
Presenter: Joelle Berman, Senior Editor, JVibe Magazine
Chair: Dori Sher

 

4:00 p.m.           

Institute #3

From My Students I Learned the Most
As professionals who work with teens we often learn a lot about ourselves through our work and from our teens. Robert will guide us through this process and will help us understand why we behave as we do and how we can build on that to improve as a teen director.
Presenter: Robert Calabrese
Chair(s): Meredith Gettys

 

7:00 p.m.                       

Institute Dinner [shared cost]

 

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

10:00 a.m.                       

Institute #4

Does Money Grow on Trees?
Do you feel that other departments in your JCC get all the money and the teen department is typically overlooked?  Not anymore!  Most of us have the ability to plan great programs with tons of teens in attendance.  The problem: inadequate funding to make our dream teen departments a reality.  In this session on finding funding, you’ll learn how to:

• Reach out to community organizations that give money to non-profits
• Develop written document to receive funds (grant-writing)
• Create a structure of fees for your department
• Work with your teens on small-scale fundraising
• Put the ‘fun’ back in fundraising
• Reach out to individual donors, providing them a vested interest in the department you run

Our presenter will work closely with you on individual strategies to, “show me the money!!!”
Presenter: Dara Klarfeld, Executive Director , JEXNET
Chair(s): Benjamin Kranitz

 

1:00 p.m.                       

Institute # 5

Community Service Project
Ever been to a conference and wished that you did not have to stay in the hotel the entire time? Well, the Teen Institute has got the plan for you! Just like in our home communities, we will be getting down and dirty by going into Baltimore and helping the Baltimore City Council make a difference locally by participating in a service project of our own.  Change into something comfortable because one person can make a difference!
Presenter: All Teen Professionals
Chair: Meredith Gettys

 

3:30 p.m.                       

Institute #6

Community Service Reflection with Mandel Center for Jewish Education
Judaism, Justice and Journeys - Why are Jews are so involved in causes dedicated to justice, equality, human rights and peace, and how can we get teens and adults engaged in these values?  Looking at the question of how we get Jews across the age spectrum to become passionate and involved with social action and leadership in the global community.
Presenter: Rabbi Sidney Schwarz, Founder and President, Panim El Panim
Chair(s): Benjamin Kranitz & Meredith Gettys

 

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

10:00 a.m.                       

Institute #7

"A Teen Directors Brag Book of Programs"
You asked for it, you've got it! At every JCC Staff Conference everyone wants to hear about other JCC Successful Programs and of course, you, as a successful JCC Professional want to brag about your most successful program(s) as well. In this institute you will have the opportunity to not only hear about other great programs that may be suitable for your JCC, but you will have an opportunity to share your most successful ones as well. You will receive many materials to help guide you, step by step through a successful JCC Program.
Presenters: All Teen Professionals
Chair: Neil Popish

 

12:00 p.m.                       

2007 Professional Conference Concludes