Summary and Highlights

The Bay Area Teen Philanthropy Retreat was an astounding success. Nearly 100 teens from all over the Bay Area came together to learn about philanthropy, explore Jewish values, and hear about issues facing both the local community as well as populations abroad. With mission statements in hand, they will work together with their respective boards to fundraise and make grant allocations to organizations that confront a wide range of issues and challenges including international medical needs, educational opportunities, and emergency needs.

Kicking off the weekend’s carefully planned programming was the Values Café, an opportunity for the teens to choose and discuss which Jewish values would guide their work on the Jewish Community Teen Foundation board over the year. Watching the teens sit at candle-lit tables conversing about Jewish ideals like areyvut and tikkun olam was truly an incredible experience.

Saturday morning brought a new day as well as an opportunity to hear Sirak Sebhat’s inspiring journey from the villages of Ethiopia to Israel during Operation Solomon. Every teen walked away with a newfound knowledge or understanding of the great struggles Ethiopians faced during that time and the hardships they continue to endure as a minority population.

Workshops came next on the day’s agenda with fourteen different issues being presented by local agencies. The workshops offered relevant fundable topics for the teens to learn about and consider. Wendy Rothenberg and Emylene Aspilla from Jewish Vocational Service discussed the hardships Bay Area residents face in locating jobs during this declining economy. Alan Scher from the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and a PJA board member informed the teens of sweatshop and child labor conditions existing around the world and demonstrated why shopping consciously should be on everyone’s mind. Kenny Johnson, a reformed ex convict, explained the injustices of the legal and court system in this country and touched on ways that reformative justice can better meet society’s needs; and Shira Skolnik from Jaffa Institute in Israel came to share the face of poverty in the Jaffe area.

Sunday concluded the weekend with two signature programs, the Foundation Simulation and the Mission Statement exercise. During the Foundation Simulation, each teen played a role as either a foundation board member evaluating proposals and making allocations or an organization’s representative requesting funding for their non-profit. It was fascinating to watch our teens pitch proposals and make funding decisions. Many guests were able to see this event unfold as part of the first ever Teen Foundation’s VIP Reception.

With Jewish values outlined, issues presented and discussed, and the lessons learned in the Foundation Simulation, the teens were now well prepared to craft a mission statement for their foundation. After much deliberation, a consensus was reached and a statement decided upon. While each one of the foundations focused on helping people help themselves, they will tackle different issues like medical needs or education.

Each and every participant reported that they had great time while learning so much about themselves and the world. This year’s teens are energized and excited to begin their work and will surely be an inspiration to us all.

Special thanks to a very hardworking teen foundation staff including: Gilad Salmon, Sara Nesson, Sheila Devore and Elana Isaacs. Special appreciation also goes to Judy Bloom and Lisa Gurwitch for attending and supporting the VIP reception and the Parent Orientation, and to Mark Reisbaum and Carrie Sullivan for their support of the overall Youth Philanthropy Initiative.