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Lee I. Sherman
President/CEO
There have been several recent articles about the large number of non-profit executives who will be retiring in the next 5-10 years. Some surveys are projecting a turnover in excess of 60%. All of us probably know at least one or two individuals who have announced their retirement in the coming year. In our AJFCA network, for the 14 month period from January 2011 through February 2012, we know of 8 retirements, and there could be more. This transition to new leadership highlights the need for organizations to be proactive in their succession planning and in assessing the qualities that are required in an organizational leader.
After striking the rock for water in our Torah reading a few weeks ago, Moses learned that he would not be permitted to enter the Promised Land. In this week's parashah, Pinchas, Moses asks God who will be succeeding him as the new leader of the Jewish people. God identifies Joshua as the successor, a man with ruach, "an inspired man." Joshua has demonstrated his dedication to God and the people, and their quest, as one of only two spies who was positive in his report. Clearly, a man with his passion for the cause and his willingness to vocalize his views is the right person to succeed Moses.
When our organizations are transitioning to new leadership, we must rely on human, rather than divine leadership of our search committees. Nevertheless, we can learn much from the way in which God chooses Joshua. A passion for the work from someone who is filled with spirit and who can inspire passion in others is a crucial element in the selection process. Commitment and strength of vision were essential to lead Israel in Biblical times and they will be equally valued by our organizations that will be selecting new leaders in the coming years.
Shabbat Shalom
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Help More Families Get Healthy This Summer
Food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) make it possible for over 44 million Americans to pay for healthy groceries. And medical insurance programs, including Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provide over 65 million adults and children with free or low-cost medical care.
To help connect more eligible working families with these programs, the National Human Services Assembly, of which AJFCA is a member, has put together a new 3-minute slideshow/PSA that can be emailed to your networks and shared with clients, employees or anyone who may benefit from knowing about them. |
 Learn to organize, or learn to train others in organizing. You can watch videos of training sessions or download the PowerPoint presentations, trainers' notes, and worksheets. NOI has included everything you need to run a training in your own community. NOI wants to help you use these materials to do something big. They also offer many different types of events and trainings throughout the year, and research and tools to make your job easier. Check out NOI's Organizing Toolbox.
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2010 Purchasing Point Report
In 2010 the AJFCA network purchased a total of $199,278.04 through Purchasing Point vendors. With an average overall savings of 20%, we can estimate 2010 collective savings of nearly $50,000 for AJFCA and its Member Agencies. 
Purchasing Point recognizes that while saving money is great, it is no one person's job. That said, Purchasing Point discounts can - and have - produced significant savings for non-profits of all sizes. These savings can be redirected to mission-related programs, effectively increasing impact. And isn't that what working for a non-profit is all about? This manual will provide the program information and the tools necessary for your office and your organization to succeed in cutting costs.
Still have questions? Purchasing Point - Frequently Asked Questions |
Constant Contact
Constant Contact®, Inc. helps small businesses, associations, and non-profits, like AJFCA, connect with their customers, clients, and members. Constant Contact's leading email marketing, online survey and event marketing tools-supported by its expert personal coaching and support-help all types of small businesses and organizations create professional-looking email newsletters and insightful online surveys. More than 450,000 customers worldwide use Constant Contact to help them connect with their audience. To learn more regarding growing contact lists and building bridges with social media, click here. |
Webinar: How Non-Profits Can Work on Ballot Questions
We wanted to share with you an opportunity to participate in a timely webinar about ballot questions. At times, our communities are faced with state and local ballot initiatives that impact policies important to us. This timely webinar will discuss how non-profits can take action and engage on these issues, and explain the regulations surrounding lobbying in this arena.
Laws on the Ballot: How Nonprofits Can Take a Stand on Ballot Questions
Thursday July 28th, 2:00pm-3:00pm EST
RSVP
Many states put laws and constitutional amendments on the ballot, asking voters to make critical public policy decisions at the polls. Often, non-profits have a vested interest in the outcome because many ballot questions directly affect our organizations and communities. Learn how your non-profit can take action and benefit from engaging the public around ballot measures. Laws on the Ballot will address why your work on ballot measures is considered "lobbying," rather than "electioneering" and what non-profits can do in their advocacy efforts for or against ballot measures. |
Empower A Teen-Fill A Backpack! Every year in August, right before school begins again, Jewish Family & Children's Service of Phoenix hosts the Foster Care Youth Convention with their partner, Child Protective Services (CPS). Nearly 100 JF&CS teen participants soon to "age-out" of the state foster system will attend this overnight 'lock-in' convention. A whole night of fun and educational activities are planned for the teens in hopes to better equip them for their transition to adulthood!
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Women of Vision, the Jewish Women's Foundation of Greater Philadelphia announced grants in support of programs that have a positive impact on Jewish women and girls. The organization awarded its first multiyear grant in the Philadelphia region to Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia. Read the entire article to learn more about "Rumors, Secrets and Cyberspace," JF&CS's innovative new program.
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FEATURED AGENCY Jewish Community Services of Baltimore won the Darrell D. Friedman Institute's "Challenge of Innovation" Award with their ifIknew.org website. The website ifIknew.org was designed  by and for teens and is a multi-media prevention education project of Jewish Community Services of Baltimore, dedicated to raising awareness about the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, the spread of HIV/AIDS, and other risky behaviors that can profoundly impact lives. This is a space to engage the community in activities and conversations that increase knowledge about risky behaviors and their consequences, and that help youth make healthy life decisions. Read more about JCS of Baltimore and their award-winning website. |
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