Stewards of Democracy. Catalysts of Change. LeadersInLightInstitute.org
Executive Committee Shakila Ahmad Kevin Aldridge Debbie Brant Bret Caller Karyn Cohen Brendon Cull Bobby Fisher Beverly A. Grant Brian Jaffee Jerry Kathman Gloria Lipson Danielle V. Minson Ronna Greff Schneider Sherri Goren Slovin John Stein Eric Ward Sarah L. Weiss Nancy and David Wolf Ashlee Young Dr. Gary Zola
Major Funders
Dear Reader, Tuesday, September 14 was launch day for Leaders in Light. And it wasn’t a day too soon. We are living in a time when extremist rhetoric and conspiracy theories spread quickly and pervasively across social groups and media platforms and make both civility and governance a challenge. Polarization and contempt in our social interactions fuel these divisions, as we label and dismiss "the other" as worthless. We are seeing the dangerous effects of these trends: increasing racism, anti-Asian hate crimes, Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, and more. Antisemitism today is at the highest level since 1979, when the Anti-Defamation League started keeping records. Effective solutions to these critical problems have to come from local leadership; and not just the politicians, but the educators, religious leaders, the media, nonprofits, the arts, and the business community. Our leaders need an opportunity to reflect, to learn, and to connect with one another to examine the crisis points and to learn about new and innovative strategies to combat these forms of hate. This is why we created the Leaders in Light Institute. A first-of-its-kind pilot project, Leaders in Light is committed to the idea that meaningful change can come at the local level. The Institute’s nine-month leadership academy is bringing together changemakers across a diverse spectrum of Cincinnati to explore the real challenges of extremism and polarization; and the relationship between extremism, antisemitism, racism, and inclusive democracy. On September 14, 27 committed Cincinnati leaders from across the political and ideological spectrum, representing the fields of politics, religion, the arts, education, media, the nonprofit sector, and business gathered for the first of nine monthly sessions of transformative learning. Along the way, seed funding will support the cohort in the implementation of these tools and approaches in community. The goal is to build skills for effective leadership in a polarized time, and to catalyze community change. These are the leaders we need today—to light the way for our community. Thanks to your support, they are well on their way. In the included Leaders in Light October Update, you'll find news about what we've accomplished so far, and where we’re headed. With gratitude, and with excitement for what is to come,
and Generous Individual Donors
Brought To You By
Jackie Congedo Director Jewish Community Relations Council
In Partnership With