The Center for Jewish Peoplehood Education (CJPE) is pleased to share JCC Global’s Strategic Plan (2025-2029). CJPE's research unit worked with JCC Global's leadership to support their strategic planning process. The process included extensive stakeholder engagement through online surveys, in-depth interviews, and discussions with staff and board members.
The resulting five-year strategic plan aims to enhance Jewish Peoplehood and global connectivity between Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) while strengthening local communities. The report is written by CJPE's senior researchers, Dr Ezra Kopelowitz and Dr Iris Posklinsky and is available for download: link.
Flow of Engagement with Global Jewish Peoplehood
The Flow of Engagement model in JCC Global’s strategic plan outlines a structured pathway for Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) to progressively deepen their involvement in global Jewish Peoplehood. It consists of three stages: Exposure, Connection, and Leading. Exposure introduces JCC leaders and professionals to JCC Global’s mission through light-touch programming such as virtual events and introductory networking opportunities. Connection fosters deeper relationships through mentorship, peer learning, and collaborative programming, enabling JCCs to integrate global best practices into their local communities. Leading empowers JCC professionals to take on leadership roles within the global network, driving initiatives that strengthen Jewish Peoplehood and resilience. This model ensures that JCCs can engage at their own pace while progressively building stronger ties to the global Jewish community.
Major Peoplehood related findings include:
1. Cultivating Global Jewish Leadership
Jewish leaders thrive when they engage beyond their local communities. Our research found that international collaboration enhances leadership effectiveness, enabling JCC professionals to integrate best practices and broaden their impact. Programs like the Amitim-Fellows leadership network facilitate meaningful, cross-community connections that reinforce Jewish Peoplehood at both global and local levels.
2. Enhancing Local Capacity Through Global Connections
A core principle of Jewish Peoplehood is the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience. JCC Global acts as a connector, facilitating partnerships between JCCs worldwide. Initiatives such as the Dr. Mark Ramer JCC Global Hubs provide platforms for peer learning, mentorship, and shared innovation, strengthening the capacity of local JCCs while reinforcing global Jewish ties.
3. Strengthening Community Resilience
Jewish communities face growing challenges, from rising antisemitism to geopolitical crises. Our research highlights JCC Global’s important role in mobilizing resources, facilitating emergency response, and fostering global Jewish support systems. Whether through joint commemoration events or crisis support initiatives, JCC Global ensures that JCCs remain interconnected and prepared to support one another.
Advancing Jewish Peoplehood
CJPE's expertise lies in research and evaluation for advancing Jewish Peoplehood initiatives. The insights from this strategic planning process demonstrate, how as JCC Global implements its “Flow of Engagement” model, we remain committed to supporting research-driven strategies that deepen Jewish belonging and global collaboration.
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