What is YP101?

YP101 is an impactful professional development program for Jewish Youth Professionals. This fellowship provides a cohort of youth professionals with training curated by experienced Jewish educators and youth professionals on the URJ Youth Organizing team.

The YP101 Cohort experience includes two meetings per month with a peer cohort to learn together in a special online classroom. Participants will also have access to "drop-in" meetings with members of the URJ Youth Organizing Team to ask questions, receive personalized coaching, and share reflections on their learning.

How do I sign up?

To register, email Rabbi Isaama Goldstein-Stoll at igoldstein-stoll@urj.org. She is happy to answer any questions and help you figure out if this cohort is right for you.

Who is this for?

This cohort is open to those in their first three years serving as youth professionals. This program is particularly geared toward supporting anyone working with teens (6th-12th grade). This includes those who work with teens in informal contexts like advising youth groups, and those working in more formal contexts: teaching confirmation, running madrichim programs, etc. We welcome full-time professionals, part-time professionals, and volunteers alike.

When?

The 2023-24 YP101 Cohort will meet from October 2023- May 2024.

Cohort meeting times TBA; cohort meetings will take place in the evenings to accommodate those who have other professional obligations during the day.

Why?

Those who participate in this cohort will develop new skills, grow professionally, expand their professional networks, and explore a wealth of new ideas that can enhance their work and ultimately better their teens' Jewish experiences.

What's new?

This year's YP101 curriculum has been updated through the lens of grassroots community organizing. These changes mirror the changes at the core of NFTY and the Reform Jewish Youth Movement. Together we will learn organizing techniques and explore their applications for teen engagement, enhancing turnout, developing teen leaders, and fostering a sense of community.

What will we learn?

Topics Include:

  • Defining Success: Goal Setting, Data Collecting and Reporting
  • Antibias Training and Creating a Diversity Affirming Space
  • Crisis Management
  • Setting Boundaries and Work Life Balance
  • Managing Up
  • Finance for Youth Professionals: Budgeting and Fundraising 101
  • What makes your youth group Jewish?
  • Community Organizing as a Tool for Youth Engagement and Increased Turnout
  • Identifying and Mentoring Teen Leaders

* Topics may be tailored to the needs and experiences of cohort participants.