Hillel took its first steps toward a bright new future last month with the recent release of its new Strategic Plan. The plan outlines new directions for all aspects of the organization – student and professional leadership, fundraising and communications, among others – as it aims to double the number of Jewish students who are involved in Jewish campus life over the next five years.

After two years of student and stakeholder surveys, focus groups and thorough research on the unique aspects of today’s college students – the “Millennial” generation – Hillel has begun a new era on campus with its comprehensive plan, available for download at www.hillel.org/future. By setting ambitious goals for its American campuses, Hillel’s leadership hopes to build on the organization’s successes of the past decade and cement its reputation as a warm, welcoming presence on campus for Jewish students from all backgrounds.

“This Strategic Plan is neither a departure from Hillel’s founding principles, nor does it deviate from the objectives of Jewish renaissance,” said Hillel President Avraham Infeld. “Rather, it is a response to the needs of today’s Jewish students and a realignment of the organization’s resources to better fulfill its historic mandate: to deliver the Jewish future.”

Guiding the plan is Hillel’s new mission – “To enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world” – and vision that “every Jewish student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.” To bring these hopes to fruition, the plan outlines five major organizational goals for the next five years:

• Hillel will double the number of Jewish students who are involved in Jewish life and who have Meaningful Jewish Experiences.
• Hillel will recruit, develop and retain highly talented professionals.
• Hillel will be regarded by the campus community and administration as an indispensable partner in enhancing student life.
• Hillel will embrace a culture of high performance, excellence and collaboration.
• Hillel will dramatically expand and diversify its funding sources.

Shepherded by Hillel President-Elect Wayne Firestone, the organization will begin the implementation phase of the plan this fall. Among the first priorities are the recruitment and training of excellent professional staff; the development of a system-wide fundraising campaign; a renewed focus on graduate students; and the revitalization of Hillel’s branding and marketing efforts.