Federation Fellows Brings New Leaders to the Community

Become a leader of the Jewish community.

Building on previous years of similar and successful programs, we’re excited to announce the launch of Federation Fellows, a leadership development program designed to attract, train and educate new and emerging leaders for the Jewish community. Participants' ages range from 20s - 40s and the program requires a commitment of two years, beginning summer 2012.

So what’s in store for our Federation Fellows?

• Following an in-depth orientation, participants will be placed as provisional members on the boards of our community’s agencies, organizations, and synagogues in the fall of 2012.
• During the second year of the program, Fellows will serve as an active committee member at the Federation.
• Over the course of both years, Fellows will participate in numerous leadership training programs, workshops, and seminars.
• Once one participates in the program, one is a Federation Fellow for life! A Fellow will continue to benefit from networking,leadership training, and educational opportunities offered by the Federation.

Both the Fellows and the community organizations they served have benefited tremendously from Federation Fellows over the years. Here’s a look at just a few of those who have been motivated, guided, and inspired by the program. 

Rabbi Doug Kahn, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council JCRC was a true beneficiary of the program - young, committed Jewish adult leaders eager to gain experience in the Jewish communal universe, bringing enthusiasm and commitment and taking away greater understanding of our role in the community. It is a win-win situation - good for our organizations, good for the Federation, and good for the community.

Jeff Maltz (Federation Fellow 2001-2002)  I was placed on the Board of the Institute of Aging (IOA) as it sought to navigate many issues facing its future. By being on the board, I learned about various strategies used for fundraising, how a board helps guide a CEO on organizational direction, and of course, about aging. I found that experience to be invaluable both professionally in terms of working with boards and non-profits, and in my volunteer life to better understand the challenges nonprofits face. Coincidentally, 10 years later I ended up starting a company in the senior space called SilverRide. My experience on the board of the IOA ended up proving to be very valuable, and actually helped guide my thinking when starting the SilverRide.

Lois Wander (Federation Fellow 1999-2000) I served as a Fed Fellow at A Traveling Jewish Theatre (now TJT), and then later as a full-fledged board member for several years. I learned a lot from the experience, including the basics from how board meetings are run, to some more impactful work such as fundraising, hiring executive directors, and securing loans. In addition to helping the community, you also learn important management and leadership skills. It was very valuable, and I encourage others to participate in this program.

Apply online today. Want more information? Read the full description of the Fed Fellows.

The Federation Fellows program has transformed dozens of individuals into exceptional leaders. This innovative program allows Fellows to make positive changes to JCF, the Bay Area Jewish community, and the San Francisco community as a whole For more information on how to participate, please contact Liza Meckler, Leadership Development Associate, at (415) 512-6260 or LizaM@sfjcf.org.