Incubator program elevates the ideas, voices of the next generation of Jewish leaders
22 Apr 2021NEW YORK — In an effort to recognize, engage, and assist the next generation of Jewish leaders, World Jewish Congress (WJC) and the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) are partnering to launch NextGen Inc., a new incubator project for “start-up” programs to thrive with expert guidance and resources.
NextGen Inc. encourages young Jewish leaders between the ages of 16 and 26 from around the world to submit ideas for events, activities, or initiatives that include new and innovative approaches to advocacy. Projects should focus on topics that relate to strengthening the future of the Jewish people such as combatting antisemitism, furthering Holocaust education, supporting local Jewish communities or Israel, and promoting interfaith relations.
Offering support and expertise, including social media skills training, event planning, and marketing, the incubator program will facilitate accepted individuals in connecting with WJC and WUJS staff experts to learn and seek guidance in how to effectively launch, implement and promote their events and initiatives. The incubator will function on an application process to be open year-round, and projects will be admitted on a rolling basis.
“On and off campus, young Jewish adults are facing new and evolving challenges related to embracing their religion and supporting Israel,” said Daniel Radomski, Head of WJC Strategy & Programs. He will oversee the Next Gen Inc. program. “The World Jewish Congress is excited to continue our global work supporting future Jewish leaders in learning skills and becoming educated on critical issues, while working to better their communities,” said Radomski.
Jonathan Braun, president of the World Union of Jewish Students and a member of WJC’s executive committee, added, “In today’s world, it is very easy to get support once your project is alive and healthy. We are offering students the opportunity to get there. We will identify and support the challenging and innovative ideas brought by the leaders of tomorrow. The Next Gen is coming.”
NextGen Inc. is a core component of the newly launched WJC NextGen program focused on developing and training the next generation of Jewish leaders and providing them the education, resources, and tools to succeed in their advocacy work today and in the future. Additional projects of WJC NextGen include the Ronald S. Lauder Fellowship, and the Start-Up Nation Mentorship.
Applications are now open for NextGen Inc. Those interested in submitting a proposal for consideration should apply at nextgeninc.org. Financial grants will be available to accepted programs.
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About World Union of Jewish Students
The World Union of Jewish Students is the central, global, democratically elected Jewish Student leadership network, led by students for students. WUJS serves as an umbrella organization, uniting and representing independent Jewish student associations working in over 50 countries around the world. We strive to promote the unity of Jewish students worldwide and to ensure their participation in the realization of the aspirations, continuity and development of the Jewish people in terms of religion, national, spiritual, cultural and social heritage.