The J recently launched a new program for adults with young families designed to enhance leadership skills and encourage future volunteer leadership within The J community.
The application process for the new Building Community Leadership Council (BCLC) is now open, with the first two-year cohort beginning in October. Selected participants can enjoy benefits such as a discounted membership at The J.
The BCLC’s aim is to build community among young adult parents (ages 25-40), prepare them to engage more deeply with The J, and connect them with other leaders in the organization. Selected participants in each cohort will meet to network and connect with J leaders, learn about J operations, and collaborate on group projects with the support of board leadership.
“The mission of this new program,” co-chairs Julie DeVoe and Andrew Kaplan said, “is to create engaging learning and connection opportunities while building camaraderie among this cohort, all while continuing The J’s mission of building a strong, vibrant and inclusive community for the future.”
Sessions will orient the cohort to the work of The J; demonstrate and coach leadership skills through various presentations by staff, community and lay leaders; and culminate in a collaborative group project with support from The J’s board leadership.
The first cohort will comprise between eight and 15 individuals who have young families, are involved in The J in some capacity and are looking to grow their community. Interested individuals do not need to be Jewish, and they do not need to be current members of The J.
Participants will get a 50% discount on membership at The J for the duration of the program. Additionally, BCLC members will enjoy additional exposure and engagement to J programs and events as well as mentor opportunities by current J board members. Following the completion of the two years on BCLC, individuals will be encouraged to continue their involvement at The J through a J committee of their choosing.
Members should expect to commit to at least eight meetings – approximately one each quarter – over the two-year program, beginning in October and ending in October of 2025 with a graduation celebration at The J’s annual meeting.
Each of the planned eight meetings will be during the week in the evenings and include dinners beforehand. Free childcare for children ages 3 months to 12 years will be provided at The J Clubhouse. The sessions will cover topics such as breaking down conversational barriers while promoting camaraderie, learning about leadership styles and individual strengths, understanding the operations of The J and discussing why community is so important. Additionally, the cohort will be encouraged to coordinate and attend J-sponsored social hours between sessions.
Interested individuals should fill out the application form at thejkc.org/bclc and submit it by Aug. 1. Any questions can be directed to Samantha Hammontree, chief operating officer at The J, at .