For Young Leaders: New 'Observers' Being Sought

UJA-Federation is now accepting applications for a new class of its Observership Program, a one-year experience designed to give emerging young leaders a chance to participate in the work of its task forces or beneficiary agency boards. 

“During your year as an observer, you will have the opportunity to participate directly in the Jewish community.”” said the program’s chair, Dori Konig. “This is a chance to see firsthand how UJA-Federation and its network of agencies function. You will have the opportunity to learn about board governance, and develop your own leadership skills while making an impact.”

If accepted into the program, observers are placed with a specific agency or task force and invited to attend the board and committee meetings as a nonvoting member. UJA-Federation also hosts several learning sessions for observers during the year.

After their time in the program, many observers have gone on to join task forces and boards as full members. Most recently, a former program participant was elected president of the agency where he had observed just a few years ago.

Candidates for the program should be between 22 and 45 years old, have the ability to commit time to regular board or task force meetings, and be willing to make a quality gift to UJA-Federation. For more information or to begin the application process, contact Hannah Toce by Monday, March 29, 2010, at or 1.212.836.1534.