CLI is an immensely professional organisation with visionary goals with a team determined to get there. The ROI 120 programme is a feat of organisation executed with standards far above and beyond participants' expectations that inspires leaders to push themselves to the next level. As a former participant in ROI and also having worked with the CLI team in a professional capacity I am always inspired and motivated by their focus and drive, more so than with any other non-profit I have partnered with.
I have been an invitee to two Center for Leadership Initiatives programs. Through these events, my personal network of young, innovative Jews has expanded greatly. This has enabled partnerships and collaborations that have great potential to strengthen the Jewish community and beyond. CLI continues to foster these relationships long after the actual programs are over. I have no doubt that the people I have met, shared, and brainstormed with through CLI will play influential roles in future projects across all disciplines.
The CLI runs terrific programs in general and in specific, their ROI program is absolutely transformational. The vision of the Schusterman Center to invest in the "twenty-something" space puts them way way ahead of any Jewish organization on the planet as no one else is really looking globally at the next generation. In a world dominated by 20th century federation thinking, we are all at risk from a system that essentially in only interested in chopping down trees (fundraising from current donors) rather than the seedlings that must be planted for every tree cut down. We all agree that the environment should not be treated this way, and yet we are doing this to our own communities. The CLI is leading the way in creating the kinds of program and opportunities for idea exchanges that makes them not only innovators, but highly effective ones at that.
CLI put on a tremendous conference in Israel that was instrumental in the development of my own initiative. Every aspect of the conference was meticulously crafted to suit the needs and interests of the participants. The staff and workshop facilitators were very informed and provided great insight into community building as well as achieving an impact.
I was lucky enough to participate in the ROI summit this past summer in Tel Aviv. The program was fantastic, the workshops were informative, and I walked away from the short experience with a wealth of knowledge that is continuing to benefit my organization, and the participants we serve! In addition, through the ROI community, this learning experience continues to grow. I'm still exchanging ideas, contacts and information with the friends and contacts I made during the program. The Jewish community needs more organizations like the CLI to enhance the quality and quantity of professional development opportunities for our communal professionals. Thanks CLI for running a great program!
When I first started in Jewish nonprofit, there were no structures for developing young initiatives, or young professionals with an eye toward contributing to the Jewish world. CLI, through some of its initiatives, most notably Kivun, the ROI Summit and the network known as the ROI Community, are making solid investments in innovative minds and ideas, giving them the support structure to succeed and providing resources, training and development to enhance the overall package that each innovator brings to the communal table. Of equal importance, CLI connects these young innovators with their peers, encouraging them to cross-collaborate, information-share, and socialize. This opportunity to connect with people from other cultures and countries creates a wider understanding of global Jewish peoplehood. Additionally, it creates an international community of people who support each other, and embrace and develop the changes that will shape the Jewish community of today and tomorrow.
