First Person
From YAD Cabinet
In late spring of 2018, I received an invitation from Eliot Weinstein, Young Adult Division (YAD) Cabinet chair, and Jasmine Amitay, YAD director, to join the 2018-2019 YAD Cabinet.
I had already participated in two of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s YAD leadership programs: the Tidewater Couples Project and HINENI!. Both programs are designed to be building blocks for future leadership roles in the Jewish community.
So, when presented with the opportunity, without a doubt I said, “YES, HERE I AM!”
In the past seven months, I’ve learned a lot about the inner workings of the Young Adult Division. The YAD Cabinet consists of 22 devoted volunteers who work together to plan programming for the local Jewish community. We are a passionate and diverse group ranging from ages 22 to 45. We create diverse programming with events ranging from Happy Hours to momMe time.
But, social events aren’t all we plan.
Our mission focuses on education, social, cultural, and philanthropic programming to connect young adults to our thriving Jewish community. YAD is also an integral part of the Annual Campaign with Super Sunday. As a new Cabinet member, I was asked to serve as the Super Sunday vice-chair, helping to lead the event. Initially very nervous because I know how important Super Sunday is to our annual campaign, I was worried about taking on such a large project. However, my fears quickly disappeared and were almost immediately replaced by pure excitement and energy.
The YAD Cabinet, Jeremy Krupnick, Super Sunday chair, the steering committee, and the Federation were always available to help and open to any and all ideas we had for the event. We had one mission with unbelievable support from the community and were able to execute a successful Super Sunday. I can’t wait for next year!
I encourage anyone who is interested in participating or volunteering with YAD to say, “YES, HERE I AM!” I promise participants will develop long lasting friendships, have a ton of fun, and see first-hand how impactful donations are to the community.
I look forward to the Purim Party on Saturday, March 23 and hope to see some new people at the always fun event!
By Amie Harrell