In order to create a collective understanding of and commitment to success, the URJ’s Just Congregations was engaged to conduct Constituency Conventions.
During the Constituency Conventions, The Campaign held over 1,000 conversations with teens, educators, rabbis, youth workers, cantors, and lay leaders to hear stories of success from the grassroots. One theme clearly stood out: building meaningful relationships and Jewish community is what it takes for youth and their families to commit to Jewish life.
What We Heard
From teens at Greene Family Camp:
One youth worker told the following story:
A youth group advisor started working with a particular teen in 7th grade and now the teen is in 11th grade. The teen was troubled—struggling at school, home, and synagogue—but the advisor continued to reach out to the teen and help him stay involved throughout years. The teen had many mental health difficulties at the beginning of high school and was unable to participate in YG/NFTY for some time. The Advisor and TYG members continued to reach out to the teen and he re-joined activities as soon as he could. The teen later disclosed that TYG/NFTY were things to look forward to and support him through the recovery process. Three years later, the teen was nominated for a position on regional board and reports that YG changed his life.
A youth group advisor started working with a particular teen in 7th grade and now the teen is in 11th grade. The teen was troubled—struggling at school, home, and synagogue—but the advisor continued to reach out to the teen and help him stay involved throughout years. The teen had many mental health difficulties at the beginning of high school and was unable to participate in YG/NFTY for some time. The Advisor and TYG members continued to reach out to the teen and he re-joined activities as soon as he could. The teen later disclosed that TYG/
NFTY were things to look forward to and support him through the recovery process. Three years later, the teen was nominated for a position on regional board and reports that YG changed his life.
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