At the core of our work is the Project Kesher Method- training grassroots activists in regional and national clusters, who return to their communities to initiate programs on a range of topics and implement them in a way that is engaging and relevant. For over 30 years PK-trained leaders have been the life source of the Jewish communal pipeline- from Sunday school student to youth group member to teen leader to Jewish camp counselor to women’s group leader and on. PK-trained leaders become the communities’ premier Jewish educators, program facilitators, song leaders, Jewish professionals, and lay leaders.

WE INVEST IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Leaders then build local networks of support. PK women inspire and mentor each other as they put Jewish values to work for social justice in their communities. Project Kesher Leadership Training offers a Jewish-content based curriculum. We prepare Jewish women and girls to take on major leadership roles in communities throughout the region. Participants learn Jewish values and are trained to pilot and manage grassroots projects, facilitate substantive areas of programming, advocate at the local, regional and national levels, manage media relations, fundraise, and secure resources. Upon completion of the Leadership Training programs, graduates continue to get support from Project Kesher staff and peer mentors through our on-line networking group.

WE INVEST IN RESPONSIVE PROGRAMMING

Leaders identify a need, research, pilot, then replicate programs throughout the region that address these needs. This methodology ensures practicality of programs without significant upfront, out-of-pocket costs. Programs are replicated and implemented in different age groups, women’s groups, Jewish communities, Mara Schwartz ORT Keshernet Centers, via webinar, and in interfaith/multicultural coalition groups, maximizing the impact of the initial program investment.