Comments on: The Next Big New Idea is Neither Big Nor New. Discuss. http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-next-big-new-idea-is-neither-big-nor-new-discuss/ Connect. Educate. Innovate. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:12:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Stephen Bisk http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-next-big-new-idea-is-neither-big-nor-new-discuss/comment-page-1/#comment-99408 Stephen Bisk Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:21:00 +0000 http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/?p=6164#comment-99408 I think that search for "The unifying theory" of the Jewish future also needs to be tempored by the appreciation that much of what needs to be done is being done, and often well. I think there is too much pressure on non-profits to do unique, innovative projects, that there can be a bias to do different for the sake of different and not for the sake of better. This can lead to inefficiencies (redesign for the sake of redesign, extra features that are not needed, great ideas that need to be cloned or scaled being left behind for a new idea, etc.). It can lead to straying from strength and can lead to leaving behind services and projects that should be funded, but aren't considered to be new-wave sexy enough. While we do need innovation, to stay in synch and capitalize on new realities, and to access greater efficiencies and effectiveness, there is a lot of what needs to get done in the tried and proven. We need the layups, dunks and high-percentage shots most of the time. We need flashy play when opportunities or obstacles justify it (Harlem Globetrotters are more entertainment then basketball). This is relevant for the funder, the non-profit and the facilitator. I think that search for “The unifying theory” of the Jewish future also needs to be tempored by the appreciation that much of what needs to be done is being done, and often well. I think there is too much pressure on non-profits to do unique, innovative projects, that there can be a bias to do different for the sake of different and not for the sake of better. This can lead to inefficiencies (redesign for the sake of redesign, extra features that are not needed, great ideas that need to be cloned or scaled being left behind for a new idea, etc.). It can lead to straying from strength and can lead to leaving behind services and projects that should be funded, but aren’t considered to be new-wave sexy enough.

While we do need innovation, to stay in synch and capitalize on new realities, and to access greater efficiencies and effectiveness, there is a lot of what needs to get done in the tried and proven. We need the layups, dunks and high-percentage shots most of the time. We need flashy play when opportunities or obstacles justify it (Harlem Globetrotters are more entertainment then basketball).

This is relevant for the funder, the non-profit and the facilitator.

]]> By: Idea #3: The Next Big New Idea is Neither Big Nor New. Discuss. | 28 Days, 28 Ideas http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-next-big-new-idea-is-neither-big-nor-new-discuss/comment-page-1/#comment-49998 Idea #3: The Next Big New Idea is Neither Big Nor New. Discuss. | 28 Days, 28 Ideas Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:47:04 +0000 http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/?p=6164#comment-49998 [...] Avedon and Shawn Landres of the Los Angeles-based incubator Jumpstart weigh in with “The Next Big New Idea is Neither Big Nor New. Discuss.” “Creating economic value — or, beyond the corporate world, social value – [...] [...] Avedon and Shawn Landres of the Los Angeles-based incubator Jumpstart weigh in with “The Next Big New Idea is Neither Big Nor New. Discuss.” “Creating economic value — or, beyond the corporate world, social value – [...]

]]> By: Deborah Coltin http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-next-big-new-idea-is-neither-big-nor-new-discuss/comment-page-1/#comment-49984 Deborah Coltin Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:45:17 +0000 http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/?p=6164#comment-49984 I disagree with the assertion that there is no one big new idea that will transform Judaism and Jewish life for the better. Fully subsidized, community based teen Israel experiences has the potential to reverse the trend of assimilation, ultimately transforming Judaism for the better. If more teens experience Israel and their connection to and responsiblity for the larger Jewish Family, Jewish life will be strengthened. The only way to get more young people to Israel, as proven by birthright israel and by the Lappin Foundation's fully subsidized teen Israel trip, is to remove cost as a barrier to participation. Young people will participate en masse, and truly great things will happen. It is this experience during the impressionable and formative teen years that will energize our young people like no other. Why hasn't the national Jewish community caught on yet? I disagree with the assertion that there is no one big new idea that will transform Judaism and Jewish life for the better. Fully subsidized, community based teen Israel experiences has the potential to reverse the trend of assimilation, ultimately transforming Judaism for the better. If more teens experience Israel and their connection to and responsiblity for the larger Jewish Family, Jewish life will be strengthened. The only way to get more young people to Israel, as proven by birthright israel and by the Lappin Foundation’s fully subsidized teen Israel trip, is to remove cost as a barrier to participation. Young people will participate en masse, and truly great things will happen. It is this experience during the impressionable and formative teen years that will energize our young people like no other. Why hasn’t the national Jewish community caught on yet?

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