 |
|
 |
Soref Advancement Initiative Provides a Big Step for Campuses with Small Jewish Populations
March 27, 2006Comments (0) | Add | E-mail this to a friendIt's a problem that all Hillels would like to have – an increasing demand for Jewish student life on their campuses. For many Hillels at colleges and universities with small Jewish populations, however, they lack the financial and human resources necessary to keep up with the needs of enthusiastic students. But thanks to Hillel's Soref Advancement Initiative, now in its second year, eight Hillels will get a boost toward strengthening their programs during the next year with a $5,000 grant and a nationwide network of student leaders and advisors.
To kick off their participation in the initiative, students and advisors from the Hillels at Bowdoin College, Butler University, CUNY City College, Colorado College, Louisiana State University, SUNY New Paltz, the University of San Diego and the University of Toledo traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this week for a two-day seminar at Hillel's Charles and Lynn Schusterman International Center. The seminar gave participants the opportunity to meet with Schusterman International Center staff, undergo skills training, share ideas with one another and set goals for the upcoming year.
"We really have a flourishing Jewish community at Bowdoin. There's more interest now than there's ever been before," said Bowdoin College freshman Shelley Barron. "The Soref Advancement Initiative can give us an idea of how to grow, expand and engage people we haven't been reaching."
"This seemed like a wonderful way to give students the leadership expertise to realize their goals," added Sherrie Bergman, the faculty advisor to Bowdoin College Hillel.
University of San Diego law student Hollie Bierman noted that while, unlike many smaller Hillels, her campus is lucky to be part of the strong regional Hillel of San Diego network, she believes the significant number of Jewish students at USD can leverage their numbers into a stronger on-campus presence.
"Jewish students get lost in the shuffle at this Catholic university, and they don't have to be," Bierman said. "There's a lot of potential for a vibrant Jewish life on campus."
Participants said they appreciate the chance to work closely with a group of similar Hillels throughout the year, so they can learn from one another what can work well on a smaller campus – and which programs and strategies aren't so successful.
"You don't have to make all of the mistakes yourself," joked David Rumschitzki, the advisor to CUNY City College Hillel.
After returning to campus, the participants will continue to share ideas and consult with Hillel professionals through regular conference calls, listservs, Web-based seminars and on-site and telephone consultations. In addition to the $5,000 grant, Jewish students at SAI campuses will also benefit from special funding that allows them to attend student leadership programs, such as Hillel's Charles Schusterman International Student Leaders Assembly and the Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer B'nai B'rith Hillel Forum on Public Policy.
Students like Irene Berman, a Butler University junior who is the president of her campus Hillel, believe the extra opportunities the initiative provides will not only benefit the current students at Butler, but also help more prospective students and their parents take a closer look at the school when making their final decisions on where to attend college.
"I've been getting lots of e-mails from prospective students, and I've been telling them, 'Hey, we've got these great things coming up,'" Berman said. "It's been a great draw for them and their parents."
The Soref Advancement Initiative, a program led by Hillel's Soref Initiative for Emerging Campuses, began in 2005 on six campuses, and the participating Hillels have since reported a tremendous growth in Jewish life on their campuses. All have increased attendance at events, enhanced their programming content and engaged new students to fulfill leadership roles. Improved relations with the local community and university have led to increased fundraising efforts, press coverage and ongoing co-sponsorship with other student organizations.
|
 |
|
 |