What is it?
The Shapiro Fellowship for Emerging Reconstructionist Leaders is designed to engage young adults in the Reconstructionist movement and to prioritize and enhance their roles in shaping the future as the next generation of community leaders and organizers. We are seeking to bring together folks with entrepreneurial spirit who want to build Jewish community either inside or outside of existing Reconstructionist congregations or havurot, and who together will explore potential models of communities that go beyond traditional affiliation.
Applicants selected as 2022 Fellows will come together, in person, at the March movement-wide convention, B’Yachad: Reconstructing Judaism Together, and will continue meeting virtually throughout the year to study together, share ideas, and deepen their shared communal identity. Convention programming will cultivate tools and insights for effective engagement, community organizing and leadership development, all in the service of helping participants hone their vision and goals of particular projects that they will advance in their home communities. Micro-grants may be available to spark emergent projects.
Established through the generosity of Don and Arlene Shapiro, this fellowship will cover the full price of Convention registration for a small group of Reconstructionist-identified young people, as well as the cost of a hotel room and a travel allowance. For each of the four days of convention, Shapiro Fellows will convene as a cohort for a daily facilitated workshop session, and will also participate in the many offerings of the full Convention.
Who can participate?
If you’re between the approximate ages of 22-35, identify as a Reconstructionist, and are committed to offering your talent and energy to your Jewish community, you are invited to apply. We will make every effort to include appropriate representation of the range of views, interests, and demographic makeup of the broader Reconstructionist movement.
Though this application is for folks who are new to the program, if you were a 2018 fellow and would like to reconnect, please reach out to Tresa Grauer at TGrauer@ReconstructingJudaism.org.
Timeline?
Apply online by Feb 11, 2022. Applicants will be notified by Feb 18, 2022.
Application is available here.
Questions?
Contact Tresa Grauer, Vice President for Thriving Communities
TGrauer@ReconstructingJudaism.org
215-576-0800, ext. 144