What were you looking for when you found NFTY? Was it a stronger connection to Judaism? A way to better the world around us? Or was just it a simple friendship? All of us here today have found what we were looking for, in some way or another – and all of us have found unexpected treasures along the way which have enriched our lives and helped us grow into the leaders we are today.
We all know that we are truly part of something great. It’s quite an achievement to have risen to the top ranks of a 10,000-member organization. But, as the leaders and role models we are, it’s now time to take a step back and look from a broader perspective. For example, how many of these members are the kind of NFTYites who attend every regional event? A significant number, but not enough. How many of them are willing to fly across the country to attend Convention, Biennial, or Kutz? Even fewer than that.
Because I come from a relatively small region, I have witnessed firsthand the reluctance of NFTYites to try far-away North American programs their friends might not attend. Participating in Kutz and Convention has had such a significant impact on me that I feel compelled to encourage my younger friends to try these programs. Although one person can inspire others on a small scale, it’s time for NFTY, as a whole, to step in.
One year ago, I found myself lost in the Los Angeles Hilton, engulfed in a sea of strangers from CWR, Mo-Valley, SoCal, and STR. The situation was somewhat intimidating, but it gave me an idea: what if we could use NFTY’s current demographic to make positive change in the future?
If I am elected NFTY President, I would like to begin a “Big Brother/Big Sister” program among regions. In such a system, large, involved regions would be paired with one or two smaller, less-involved regions.
Close your eyes and picture next year’s Convention in Philadelphia. For the first time, the members of NFTY Michigan get to meet the ones in NFTY Northeast they’ve been exchanging letters and souvenirs with. The regions’ treasurers have worked together to design a “BFF” T-shirt for the members of both regions to wear. Faces are recognized from pictures. New friendships are sparked. Inspired, would-be shy NFTYites find themselves approaching kids from other regions and starting conversations. To me, that sounds like the ideal NFTY we dream about.
Another good way to reach out to newcomers is a surprisingly simple one: if online groups and mentor programs are instated, older NFTYites can answer questions and provide support to those who are hesitant to try something based on a pamphlet alone.
Reaching out to its regional components is one of NFTY’s most important functions. However, our organization must also reach upwards to Nezter Olami. Programs being worked on right now include “snif paring,” the “NFTY Regions twinning program,” and an increased exchange of participants between NFTY and other Netzer snifim. As we form these bonds, we can truly become “one people with one shared future,” as Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stated in his address to the URJ Biennial.
Another connection that NFTY needs to strengthen is its relationship with the URJ. Currently, only 11 out of 19 regional presidents sit on their respective regional Board of Trustees. From my experience on my synagogue’s Board of Directors as a TYG president and then on the Pacific Northwest Board of Trustees as a regional president, I know that adults will listen to us if we speak up. They badly want our input and are ready to implement our ideas, but they are often unsure of how to approach us. I know that all of you are intelligent young adults who have strong opinions and clear voices. Make them heard in your community.
After I participated in the NFTY Leadership Track at this year’s Biennial and last year’s Convention, it became clear that, for the most part, the adults were running the show. NFTY, in my eyes, is run for NFTYites, by NFTYites. I believe that it’s imperative to get participants, especially regional board members, involved in conducting programs and leading our peers. This is what makes us a movement instead of just a passive group.
As President, I would work with my board and my network to ensure that each part of NFTY is the best that it can be. I would ensure that programs, as well as guides to social action and religious programming will be posted online to help inspire each budding educator, activist or rabbi.
In addition to helping NFTYites become more involved on a North American level, I would also work to get younger kids involved. To do this, I hope to create a program with my network so that they, in turn, can aid their networks in creating or strengthening JYGs in their regions. Regional presidents will work with TYG presidents to establish a JYG for each one of their temples.
The connections that we can make are endless. It is crucial for us to reach out to our regions. To Netzer. To the URJ. To those younger than us. And to each other.
As NFTY President, I will work to not only make and strengthen all of these connections, but I will ensure that the bonds formed will stay intact. It is my hope that NFTY as a whole entity will become a place for everyone – not just one for regional boards, Kutz, and EIE alumni, but a place that anyone looking for friendship, spiritual growth, or anything else imaginable will turn, like I have, to NFTY.
Ken Y’Hi Ratzon. May it be God’s will.