The Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater has been very busy in 5774. Between maintaining current outreach and engagement programs, adding new unique outreach initiatives, and rolling out signature leadership programs, it seems that not a week passes without a YAD program on the calendar.
Under the leadership of Rachel Shames, YAD Cabinet chair, YAD is enjoying an exciting growth period, within its participant base, its Young Leadership Campaign, and leadership programs. Two primary level leadership courses, which have been the mantle of the Division’s success in years past, are now being launched.
The Tidewater Couples Project, started again last month, is now in its fifth evolution of the program. A first level leadership program within YAD, Tidewater Couples Project creates a strong social network among couples who are loosely connected to one another (friends, colleagues, acquaintances) through a program designed to teach them about the mission of UJFT and its affiliated agencies, nurture their leadership skills and encourage their participation in the Jewish community. Held biannually, the TCP brings participants together monthly for 10 months to participate in various evening programs over dinner. The 2013–2014 TCP is the largest group since the inaugural group, with nine vibrant young couples committed to participating.
The Young Adult Division is also spearheading the Super Sunday Steering Committee, with Jennifer Groves, YAD Cabinet member, serving as Super Sunday Chair. The Super Sunday Steering Committee has been populated with 10 young leaders who were nominated to serve in a leadership capacity because of their expressed interest in deepening their involvement in the Jewish community, and their previous participation in YAD and other Jewish agencies. The Super Sunday Steering Committee will meet for leadership development sessions six times between the first week of November and Jan. 26. The Super Sunday leadership program will culminate with participants overseeing Super Sunday, Tidewater’s largest community fundraising day benefitting the UJFT’s Annual Campaign. For those young Jewish professionals living in Tidewater who are not engaged in a specialty leadership program, opportunities for involvement still abound. YAD continues to host HeBrew Happy Hours (upcoming on Nov. 25), cultural programs including Family Shabbat and Havdallah events, major holiday celebrations (Light It Up on Dec. 7), volunteer events with Hands on Tidewater, and casual Girls/Guys Night Out events. YAD recently launched an informal bi-monthly Men’s Basketball night that quickly garnered huge popularity.
Visit www.jewishva.org/YAD or www.FB.com/yad.ujft for more information on how to get involved in the Young Adult Division.