KESHET INC
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July 6, 2009
As a staff person at a foundation, I spend lots of time thinking about social change, how its made, which models are strong and which aren't as strong. Keshet is one of a handful of organizations (i.e. fewer than five) that is in the top tier in terms of strong social change models among all of the foundation's grantees. In addition to excellent execution, which is a prerequisite, the aspect of Keshet's model I find most compelling its combination of two strategies. On the one hand, they work with individuals, helping folks see that there is a way to integrate the GLBT aspect of their identity with the Jewish aspect of their identity. On the other hand, they work with mainstream Jewish institutions (e.g. synagogues, JCCs, camps, schools) to help them recognize a) that they may not be as welcoming and inclusive as they think they are, and b) how to be more welcoming and inclusive. Either of these approaches by themselves would be important work. The combination of the two is far more than the sum of the individual parts. The fact that Keshet has chosen to "grow" by spreading/sharing what its learned rather than scaling up its infrastructure in multiple cities is another smart, resourceful decision by the organization. Finally, institutions that come to realize that they weren't as welcoming and inclusive as they thought they were in terms of GLBT folks are, in my opinion, highly likely to ask the obvious next question. Namely, "Who else doesn't feel as welcome and included as we might think?" Interfaith couples, Jews of color, folks with physical, mental or learning differences could all appear on the institution's radar in a new way. Because of this ripple effect, I think of Keshet not simply as a GLBT organization, but as an organization that's bringing about a more inclusive, welcoming Jewish community in general. Any funder that is looking forward to the day when the Jewish community welcomes, includes and helps unleash the potential involvement of every individual has a great investment opportunity in Keshet.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the growing numbers of GLBT folks who have a Jewish outlet and the growing number of institutions that are becoming more welcoming and inclusive of GLBT folks.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
July 6, 2009
Keshet has made fabulous strides in outreach to the Jewish Community. The educational programs have created important dialogue in moving toward more inclusivity for all.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff and volunteers are committed and professional. Their events and outreach are commendable.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
July 6, 2009
Idit Klein is a visionary leader, someone who has brought consistent and thorough leadership to the Boston community in general and to GLBT in particular. Through her work at Keshet she has expanded the network of communal understanding and empathy, education and focus to a growing awareness for inclusion. To be part of the network of support enhances our understanding of an organization who has managed growth and vision simultaneously to produce great results. I am honored to be part of the effort.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
expanding its' base of support
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Getting to work with idit.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Superb, intelligent, hard working dedicated
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
COntinue to expand its' horizons and help more young people negogiate the shoals of inclusion
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
July 6, 2009
I have seen Keshet come from a local Boston non-profit for the benefit of the Gay/Lesbian/Bi/ Trans community into a nationally known organization , educating, servicing and supporting the young LGBT person and also the general Jewish community. I support their successful efforts financially and spiritually.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
thier reaching out to the larger non-Gay communiity and educating
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
they have alsways included me in their projects
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Warm,welcoming and intelligent.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
save many lives and change many minds.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
July 1, 2009
Keshet is a wonderful organization that works to make the larger Jewish community more welcoming and inclusive of the GLBT community. I first became acquainted with Keshet when I attended a speed dating event they held many years ago. It was really fun, and whaddaya know? - I met my partner there! So, yes, I am one of several (dare I say, "many?") love connections that Keshet has made. Also, at this point, Keshet really is my primary tie to the Jewish community, and of course to the Jewish GLBT community in Boston because Keshet is the foundation of the Jewish GLBT community in our city. So, I am indebted to Keshet in many ways, and I applaud their work - their mission, their trainings, "Hineini," etc. Because of Keshet, I am able to live more openly in both my Jewish and queer identities.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its diverse programming and at the annual Keshet Cabaret, where one can see the Keshet community and its loyal supporters.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how there's a place for everyone.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
energetic, dedicated, smart, innovative, creative, and kind.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make the world much safer and even more welcoming for the Jewish GLBT community, especially the youth.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 30, 2009
Keshet is an amazing organization whose work has made a huge impact on the inclusivity of the Jewish community. The consultations and trainings that Keshet conducts with clergy and lay leaders help to ensure that GLBT Jews can fully integrate their identities. Moreover, the Hineni film and curriculum guide have been used to discuss issues of diversity, pluralism, and the changing nature of Jewish law in Jewish camps, day schools, and congregations.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
passionate, intelligent, and committed. Keshet's achievements and impact are directly related to the enthusiasm and drive of the executive director, Idit Klein, and the incredible staff she has assembled.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 26, 2009
I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE KESHET ORGANIZATION AND ITS MISSION. I KNOW IT WILL HELP MANY AND I PREY THAT MORE WILL PEOPLE WILL GET INVOLVED IN ITS CAUSE. GOD BLESS.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
MANY PEOPLE BENEFIT FROM THIS ORGANIZATION
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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Ways to make it better...
MORE PEOPLE WERE TO GET INVOLVED
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 26, 2009
I am very happy and honored to be able to help Keshet help people find happiness and fulfillment in the Jewish Community. Keshet employees are hard working, dedicated and are performing Tikkum Olam.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
talking to employees.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their warms.
Ways to make it better...
it ncould not be better!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 25, 2009
I love Keshet--they are doing amazing work both locally in Boston and nationally. Keshet is at the forefront of the civil rights battles of ours time: equal marriage and transgender equality.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
their effective political action at the state level, and national education initiatives through the Safe Schools project.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
continue the great work that Keshet does and expand the national programs.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
opportunities for political action.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing people!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its reach across the country and set up local affiliates in states across the country
Ways to make it better...
they had more resources to do their great work.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding, funding, funding.
One thing I'd also say is that...
funding is always a challenge for non-profits that rely on donors and foundation support. Keshet has done a good job of building a diverse funding base.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 25, 2009
I'm always thoroughly impressed with Keshet's work and look forward to their upcoming projects. I guess that's pretty similar to my feelings on Seth Rogen, but he doesn't do an amazing job with community outreach and LGBT inclusion. Though he should!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the community
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
friendly attitude
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
extremely helpful and well versed in their jobs
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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