The 2016 LaunchPad Retreat is set to take off again on the Mornington Peninsula in May. The three day annual retreat provides an opportunity for members of their community passionate about re-imagining Jewish life and social change in Australia to connect with like minded people, to think, create and lead together.

The event is more then just a chance for like minded people to get together, it creates a network of ongoing support and provides access for social entrepreneurs and change agents to the ongoing assistance and financial support necessary to bring their vision to life. To continue what is seeded and inspired at the event, LaunchPad remains a platform for support and advice all year-round for the LaunchPad community and beyond, “My experience was truly extraordinary, and has provided a platform to work with an amazingly giving, gifted and driven group of people … It’s the gift that keeps on giving” said Dalia Gross, founder of the Juice Project, a program designed to reach out to, connect with and inspire disadvantaged Jewish youth in Melbourne.

The program attracts high caliber speakers like Elliott Costello (CEO of YGAP), Jan Owen (CEO of Foundation for Young Australians) and Jordan O’Riely (founder of Fighting Chance Australia), who have all shared their knowledge and experience with participants at past events. “[The retreat] provided knowledge, imparted by some of the greatest minds, it provided inspiration through a cohort of passionate participants, and gave us the opportunity to actualize the vision which emerged as a product of this environment” said Rachel Flitman, who has been a participant during the previous two retreats and used a program grant to found Tribe: Let my People Know, an app focused on connecting people with Jewish community events across a range of categories including Israel, Spiritual, Social Justice, Art/Leisure, Educational & Social activities.

The retreat organizers are looking for a dynamic and diverse group from all across Australia, if you are age 22+, live in Australia and can attend the entirety of the retreat, you are eligible to apply. Applications (open now through www.launchpadoz.org) close on the 14th of March.

LaunchPad is a partnership between Australian Jewish Funders (thanks to the generous support of The Besen Family Foundation), the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and ROI Community. JCA and The Shalom Institute join the collaboration for the 2016 LaunchPad Retreat. Together, these organisations are making it a top priority to invest in the future of Jewish life in Australia and build inspired and enduring Jewish communities.