One need only scan the headlines or listen to the news to know that waves of fear, anger and backlash have been sweeping the country. Change is too hard and too difficult for many people. Rather than adapting, building coalitions or finding coping mechanisms, many people wish to reset the clock and stop the inevitable. If only it were so simple.
We in the Jewish community have done our own share of hand-wringing and obstruction when we fear changes taking place. “We can’t, we won’t, we shouldn’t” are too easily voiced when confronted with difficult problems.
But not always. We at JPRO love to shine the light on those people, programs and services that neither fear change nor embrace it recklessly. These are the change agents who find solutions, partners and alternative means for problem solving. Challenges are opportunities, not roadblocks. That is why so many of our programs and activities are focused on new developments and best practices. This is why our 2016 JPRO Conference will challenge the assumptions and explore the opportunities that can lead to adapting and creating new realities.
Our roster of speakers and workshops have many presenters who are taking aging organizations and reshaping them for the future. Where do we want to be in 10 years? What is the Jewish community we will want—that we want for our children and grandchildren? Can we articulate and communicate our vision? Are we able to have productive discourse when we disagree within consensus organizations? Do we know how to build the coalitions that will strengthen our communities?
Will you join us in this opportunity to discuss the issues that we care about so passionately? Will you be around the table as we meet new colleagues and find ways to collaborate? Will you be inspired to go back to work with renewed energy and ideas to test?
Bob Dylan insists “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” True, the winds of change are all around us. Will you open the window to possibility? Please join us in Columbus, Ohio, May 22-24th