Teens are more than tomorrow's leaders

Teens are more than tomorrow’s leaders

Jewish Long Beach reinstates Youth Leadership Committee for Grades 6 - 10

Rachel Roberts | Manager of Marketing & Leadership Engagement

In the wake of Team Long Beach’s success at the 40th JCC Maccabi games, we are reminded that teens are strongest when they work together. Teamwork and collaboration uncover a new and special meaning to friendship. When people work together to achieve a common goal, it fuels a competitive spark that inspires creativity, confidence, and communication. Teamwork is hardly limited to sports, in fact, our teens constantly demonstrate how teamwork is integral to leadership. When Ruby Mayo, who currently serves as Miss Teen Long Beach, committed to acting against food insecurity, she relied on the teamwork of her club, Action Against Hunger, to organize swiftly and bring her ideas to life. (You can read more about Ruby’s experience in the Jan/Feb 2022 Chronicle). And while winning pageants and sports matches is thrilling, an equal reward lies in the shared experience of pushing your limits and helping others.

Left in awe of what our teens are capable of, Jewish Long Beach has renewed its commitment to kindling the youth leadership flame. We are proud to announce the reinstatement of the Youth Leadership Committee and are actively seeking outstanding teens in grades 6 – 10 who are ready to make a difference in our community.

The Youth Leadership Committee will equip participants to create positive change in our communities through Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam. Participants can expect to plan meaningful events that blend socialization with community service guided by universal Jewish values. By meeting throughout the school year both virtually and in person, the Committee will give teens an opportunity to work together to pursue projects they are passionate about, explore and develop their unique interests, and hone their ability to turn dreams into action. By preparing teens to have an immediate influence, the Youth Leadership Committee will prepare tomorrow’s leaders to start making their impact today.

By preparing teens to have an immediate influence, the Youth Leadership Committee will prepare tomorrow’s leaders to start making their impact today.

We are now accepting nominations for our inaugural Committee. Any middle schooler looking to make their presence known is welcome to participate, at no cost. You can refer emerging leaders to the program and learn more by visiting jewishlongbeach.org/teens. I personally look forward to getting to know each young leader, sharing in their passions, and helping them each realize their fullest potential.

Those interested in ensuring the future of teen programming are invited to sponsor this empowering initiative by contacting Kevin Giser at kgiser@ jewishlongbeach.org or visiting jewishlongbeach.org/ways-to-give