By George T. Caplan and Steven Windmueller Excerpted from: The Wind Report ... Today, our federations sadly reflect the general political polarization afflicting our country. This is particularly detrimental to the effectiveness of the federation movement and its community relations’ function, locally and nationally. We as a community must resist polarization and stress the need for seeking common-sense solutions. The changes that have … [Read more...] about Federations in the Public Square: Our Community’s Stake in Our Fight for Civil Rights and Social Justice
the ghosts of JFNA
Failing to ‘Make the Case,’ JFNA’s Big Gamble is Closed Down
Earlier this summer, JFNA's leadership quietly killed the Global Planning Table (GPT). You remember the Global Planning Table? Passed in the closing hours of the 2011 Denver GA, with zero public discussion, this federation attempt to build another hierarchical monstrosity was doomed from day one. It was embraced by JFNA's then board chair, Kathy Manning, as a new power base for herself and JFNA Israel against JDC and The Jewish Agency; backed … [Read more...] about Failing to ‘Make the Case,’ JFNA’s Big Gamble is Closed Down
Is JFNA Helping Federations Succeed in their Own Communities?
“The myth that federations represent 'the' Jewish community is as mythic as the notion that such a community exists in the first place.” Jay Michaelson As the self-selected leaders of the Jewish federation world gather together in Washington DC for 3 days of self-congratulations and high-5's, eJP turns its attention specifically to the national organization: The Jewish Federations of North America (aka JFNA). As we have written before, and … [Read more...] about Is JFNA Helping Federations Succeed in their Own Communities?
Federation Leaders Speak, cont’d
We continue the discussion with Federation leaders; as a reminder, the questions posed: How does Jewish Federation differ from its many philanthropic competitors, foundations, donor advised vehicles, private philanthropic consortiums and individual direct service agencies? What is it that only Federations represent, only Federations do and only Federations can provide? What is or should be the unique added value of today’s … [Read more...] about Federation Leaders Speak, cont’d
Why Federations should Remain Neutral
Federation boards are well advised to think and act carefully with a clear sense of both history and their role. By Robert Hyfler The "contract" Federations have with their stakeholders - donors, agencies, synagogues and the community at large - is one explicitly based on philanthropy, community building and the concept of Jewish unity. It is not nor has it ever been represented as primarily a political contract. No Federation board … [Read more...] about Why Federations should Remain Neutral
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