2012 ROI Summit - Peer-Led Skill Sessions
The ROI Community is dedicated to providing quality professional development workshops for each ROIer at our gatherings. This year, we have gone above and beyond, and we are pleased to reveal a multitude of sessions and networking opportunities for you. These include:
To register, please fill out the 2012 ROI Summit Professional Development Registration Form.
Skill Sessions Round 1: Tuesday, June 12, 10:00 am-11:15am
1) Avraham Shandrovsky presents Creating Moments...Creating Movements!
Ever wonder why some messages are heard and absorbed while others get discarded into the trash bin of our minds? Join Rabbi and Co-Director of Self Discovery Avraham Shandrovsky for a session offering hands-on techniques for effective and powerful communication through the wisdom of experiential education. The session will be divided into four components:
This Skills Session is designed to be interactive, fun and eye-opening. Come and experience it for yourself!
2) Itta Werdiger Roth presents Think Global, Cook Local!
Hungry for seasonal, local cooking? Join personal chef Itta Werdiger Roth as she leads a discussion on the benefits of sourcing ingredients locally – for the body, the economy and the environment – before breaking out the ROI test kitchen. Everyone will have a hand in throwing together a fantastic dish using ingredients from Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market. The session will include learning ways to bring this model of menu planning based on what is nearby back to your home kitchens.
3) Janelle Eagle presents How to be an Ally to the Jewish Queer Community
Are you interested in attracting Jews of Color, Jews by Choice and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community to your Jewish events? It's not enough to slap a rainbow on your flyer – there are certain steps you can take to be inclusive, provide a safe space and encourage full participation to the often ostracized and underrepresented members of our broader Jewish community. Let Jewish queer advocate Janelle K. Eagle, the founder of the 2wice Blessed Project, be your advocate and guide.
4) Laura Baum presents Building Online Community
So you're comfortable using Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest - but what about using technology for a bigger purpose? To connect people. To educate. To build community. To share messages. Whatever your goals, Laura Baum – an expert on social media and one of the founding rabbis of OurJewishCommunity.org – will lead this interactive session on the most effective ways to use technology and social media to carry out your vision. Participants will leave the session with more tools – and ideas for how to apply those tools – effectively!
5) Nadav Stark presents Guerrilla Strategies for Social Change
The summer of 2011 was a time of great change in Israel with hundreds of thousands of citizens taking to the street in protest. Following these intense protests, the Tel Aviv University student union (the largest of its kind in Israel), took it upon itself to lead the campaign to lower the cost of living in Israel. This campaign specifically targeted food corporations, as rising food costs were one of the major reasons for the protests. Join Nadav Stark, from Tel Aviv University’s student union, who will share key principles and strategies from guerrilla warfare theory to more successfully create non-violent campaigns. This session is for activists or anyone interested in shifting the policies of big businesses or large organizations who are looking for inspiration from someone who has been in the trenches – and won.
6) Sid Efromovich presents How to Motivate Yourself and Others
Sidney Efromovich was the man behind the plan for Hug Don't Hate (now called I Embrace You), which has inspired hundreds of volunteers. He also created and produced the Peace Dove shirt, which has taken off across the world. Join Sid for a session covering a host of essentials any leader needs before embarking on a mission-– from compassionate leadership and decision making to volunteer management and keeping motivated and evolving as a leader.
7) Uri Levin presents Improvisation as a Tool for Conflict Resolution
When we think about theater games and improvisations, the first thing that comes to mind is often sketch comedy. But what if we use these methods to strengthen our internal dynamics and sharpen our communication? In this session, Uri Levin, an experienced producer and theater manager, will help participants find relief from frustration and conflict through simple theater exercises in a fun and supportive environment. The goal is to take these tools and methods and apply them to everything from the workplace to our personal lives. Come with comfortable clothes, open minds and a positive spirit.
8) Will Schneider presents Attracting 'Next Generation' Funders
As the Executive Director of Slingshot, Will Schneider nurtures an important group of next generation funders who are constantly seeking out ways to support innovative Jewish projects. In this session, Will will share several applications that successfully led to funding from these next gen philanthropists, point out commonalities and best practices and offer insight into how to best craft messages to attract funding from this demographic. Be prepared to make an elevator pitch for your organization as the group will review several examples from session participants.
Skill Sessions Round 2: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 11:45am-1:00pm
1) Danny Harris presents Spruce Up Your Storytelling
“So, what’s your story?” Journalist and storyteller Danny Harris has made a career out of asking that question, listening to the answers and chronicling the stories of the people who call Washington, D.C., home. Now it’s time to tell your story – with the help of the man who has made storytelling his life’s passion. This Skill Session offers pointers and guidance on how to tell a better story, whether it’s to impress friends over drinks or to more effectively communicate your message. Danny will incorporate case studies from a range of clients from his extensive work in storytelling and story branding to teach storytelling techniques from conception to presentation.
2) James Grant-Rosenhead presents The New Pioneers: Urban Activist Kibbutzim
There is a new generation of pioneers (halutzim) building up the State of Israel. Join James Grant-Rosenhead, founding member of the biggest urban kibbutz in Israel, as he shares his insider knowledge about a new, 21st century Zionism: communities of young people who are settling throughout the periphery of the country to strengthen the weakest and most disadvantaged populations from within. After presenting background information, James will open up the conversation to the group to delve deeper into the best ways to pioneer social justice and community today – and to turn crisis into creativity.
3) Jeremy Balkin presents Raising Capital: Secrets from a Successful Fundraiser
What’s the best way to turn a brilliant idea into a marketable concept that donors will be eager to support? Because without sufficient seed capital, ideas remain just that - ideas. But with sufficient resources, dreams can become a reality. Join Jeremy Balkin, a passionate social entrepreneur and financier based in Australia who has personally raised millions of dollars for various philanthropic causes, for a session on successful fundraising. The session will include practical skills and inspirational stories that will assist participants in inspiring others to Give While You Live (for more information see Jeremy’s website www.givewhielyoulive.com).
4) Jonathan Riftin presents Online Marketing in the Modern Age
Want to upgrade your online marketing? Join Jonathan Riftin, a finance and telecom industry analyst for Google’s Tel Aviv branch, for an informative session on marketing tools for the modern age. Jonathan will focus on Google products such as, Adwords, Search, Google Display Network and Youtube. He will also cover trending tools like "insight for search," which demonstrates the will and intention of the crowd by analyzing search queries – and other special tools analyzing trends.
5) Mike Savatovsky presents Attracting Media Attention: Getting Your Project Noticed
If you build it, they will come. But what about the media? What are concrete steps you can take to attract media attention and cultivate media relations for your programs and projects? Mike Savatovsky, Director of Young Adult Outreach and Engagement for Montreal’s Federation CJA, will introduce you to the basic elements needed to launch a thorough information campaign – from planning a media strategy to creating press kits for electronic dissemination. This hands-on workshop will cover structuring and writing press releases and examine what appeals (and doesn’t appeal) to the media.
6) Renato Huarte Cuellar presents Text Study: What Was Once Old, Has Become New
What’s more Jewish than a meaty discussion? A meaty discussion rooted in Jewish text! Join Renato Huarte Cuellar, a faculty member at Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) and Hebraica University, for a text-based session open to people from all backgrounds and knowledge. Where will the discussion end up depends on the participants. But one thing is certain: "Old" texts still have something “new” to say.
7) Ruth Ouazana presents How to Attract, Keep and Motivate Volunteers
Most of our organizations are voluntarily run. What is the best way to find, keep and motivate volunteers? Join Ruth Ouazana, founder of Limoud France, for step-by-step guidance on everything from understanding the psychology of the volunteer to how to meet their needs and cultivate their leadership. This session will direct you on every step of the way, including covering such crucial components as human resources and organizational structure.
8) Zhenya Plechkina presents Art Education As a Catalyst for Self-Reflection
Zhenya Plechkina is a Ukrainian born, Brooklyn based artist and teacher. As the founding Director of Zshuk, an artist-run project that uses art to connect to Jewish stories, she will lead a session on the best way to use art to connect to Jewish stories, ideas, texts and tradition. Participants will be invited to a discussion about the role of art in our lives and ways that art and creativity should be taught. Several works by famous artists will be chosen as a starting point. Participants will then have the opportunity to create a work of art of their own and to share and reflect with the group. The goal of this session is to evoke a conversation based on the philosopher and social critic Theodor Adorno's timeless reflections on education after the Holocaust.
- Peer-Led Skill Sessions,
- A 1-Minute Video Pitch and,
- Our esteemed Master Classes.
To register, please fill out the 2012 ROI Summit Professional Development Registration Form.
Skill Sessions Round 1: Tuesday, June 12, 10:00 am-11:15am
1) Avraham Shandrovsky presents Creating Moments...Creating Movements!
Ever wonder why some messages are heard and absorbed while others get discarded into the trash bin of our minds? Join Rabbi and Co-Director of Self Discovery Avraham Shandrovsky for a session offering hands-on techniques for effective and powerful communication through the wisdom of experiential education. The session will be divided into four components:
1) Identifying the Problem: Why is our message not being heard? Why is communicating through conventional "classroom" lectures not working?
2) Finding a Solution: Introducing the core principles, wisdom and tools of experiential education as the key to transmitting powerful messages.
3) Demonstration: Transmitting a core Jewish value through a live demonstration of experiential education.
4) Final Workshop: An interactive workshop/brainstorming session to enable each participant to tailor the wisdom and tools of the session to their individual cause.
2) Finding a Solution: Introducing the core principles, wisdom and tools of experiential education as the key to transmitting powerful messages.
3) Demonstration: Transmitting a core Jewish value through a live demonstration of experiential education.
4) Final Workshop: An interactive workshop/brainstorming session to enable each participant to tailor the wisdom and tools of the session to their individual cause.
This Skills Session is designed to be interactive, fun and eye-opening. Come and experience it for yourself!
2) Itta Werdiger Roth presents Think Global, Cook Local!
Hungry for seasonal, local cooking? Join personal chef Itta Werdiger Roth as she leads a discussion on the benefits of sourcing ingredients locally – for the body, the economy and the environment – before breaking out the ROI test kitchen. Everyone will have a hand in throwing together a fantastic dish using ingredients from Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market. The session will include learning ways to bring this model of menu planning based on what is nearby back to your home kitchens.
3) Janelle Eagle presents How to be an Ally to the Jewish Queer Community
Are you interested in attracting Jews of Color, Jews by Choice and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community to your Jewish events? It's not enough to slap a rainbow on your flyer – there are certain steps you can take to be inclusive, provide a safe space and encourage full participation to the often ostracized and underrepresented members of our broader Jewish community. Let Jewish queer advocate Janelle K. Eagle, the founder of the 2wice Blessed Project, be your advocate and guide.
4) Laura Baum presents Building Online Community
So you're comfortable using Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest - but what about using technology for a bigger purpose? To connect people. To educate. To build community. To share messages. Whatever your goals, Laura Baum – an expert on social media and one of the founding rabbis of OurJewishCommunity.org – will lead this interactive session on the most effective ways to use technology and social media to carry out your vision. Participants will leave the session with more tools – and ideas for how to apply those tools – effectively!
5) Nadav Stark presents Guerrilla Strategies for Social Change
The summer of 2011 was a time of great change in Israel with hundreds of thousands of citizens taking to the street in protest. Following these intense protests, the Tel Aviv University student union (the largest of its kind in Israel), took it upon itself to lead the campaign to lower the cost of living in Israel. This campaign specifically targeted food corporations, as rising food costs were one of the major reasons for the protests. Join Nadav Stark, from Tel Aviv University’s student union, who will share key principles and strategies from guerrilla warfare theory to more successfully create non-violent campaigns. This session is for activists or anyone interested in shifting the policies of big businesses or large organizations who are looking for inspiration from someone who has been in the trenches – and won.
6) Sid Efromovich presents How to Motivate Yourself and Others
Sidney Efromovich was the man behind the plan for Hug Don't Hate (now called I Embrace You), which has inspired hundreds of volunteers. He also created and produced the Peace Dove shirt, which has taken off across the world. Join Sid for a session covering a host of essentials any leader needs before embarking on a mission-– from compassionate leadership and decision making to volunteer management and keeping motivated and evolving as a leader.
7) Uri Levin presents Improvisation as a Tool for Conflict Resolution
When we think about theater games and improvisations, the first thing that comes to mind is often sketch comedy. But what if we use these methods to strengthen our internal dynamics and sharpen our communication? In this session, Uri Levin, an experienced producer and theater manager, will help participants find relief from frustration and conflict through simple theater exercises in a fun and supportive environment. The goal is to take these tools and methods and apply them to everything from the workplace to our personal lives. Come with comfortable clothes, open minds and a positive spirit.
8) Will Schneider presents Attracting 'Next Generation' Funders
As the Executive Director of Slingshot, Will Schneider nurtures an important group of next generation funders who are constantly seeking out ways to support innovative Jewish projects. In this session, Will will share several applications that successfully led to funding from these next gen philanthropists, point out commonalities and best practices and offer insight into how to best craft messages to attract funding from this demographic. Be prepared to make an elevator pitch for your organization as the group will review several examples from session participants.
Skill Sessions Round 2: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 11:45am-1:00pm
1) Danny Harris presents Spruce Up Your Storytelling
“So, what’s your story?” Journalist and storyteller Danny Harris has made a career out of asking that question, listening to the answers and chronicling the stories of the people who call Washington, D.C., home. Now it’s time to tell your story – with the help of the man who has made storytelling his life’s passion. This Skill Session offers pointers and guidance on how to tell a better story, whether it’s to impress friends over drinks or to more effectively communicate your message. Danny will incorporate case studies from a range of clients from his extensive work in storytelling and story branding to teach storytelling techniques from conception to presentation.
2) James Grant-Rosenhead presents The New Pioneers: Urban Activist Kibbutzim
There is a new generation of pioneers (halutzim) building up the State of Israel. Join James Grant-Rosenhead, founding member of the biggest urban kibbutz in Israel, as he shares his insider knowledge about a new, 21st century Zionism: communities of young people who are settling throughout the periphery of the country to strengthen the weakest and most disadvantaged populations from within. After presenting background information, James will open up the conversation to the group to delve deeper into the best ways to pioneer social justice and community today – and to turn crisis into creativity.
3) Jeremy Balkin presents Raising Capital: Secrets from a Successful Fundraiser
What’s the best way to turn a brilliant idea into a marketable concept that donors will be eager to support? Because without sufficient seed capital, ideas remain just that - ideas. But with sufficient resources, dreams can become a reality. Join Jeremy Balkin, a passionate social entrepreneur and financier based in Australia who has personally raised millions of dollars for various philanthropic causes, for a session on successful fundraising. The session will include practical skills and inspirational stories that will assist participants in inspiring others to Give While You Live (for more information see Jeremy’s website www.givewhielyoulive.com).
4) Jonathan Riftin presents Online Marketing in the Modern Age
Want to upgrade your online marketing? Join Jonathan Riftin, a finance and telecom industry analyst for Google’s Tel Aviv branch, for an informative session on marketing tools for the modern age. Jonathan will focus on Google products such as, Adwords, Search, Google Display Network and Youtube. He will also cover trending tools like "insight for search," which demonstrates the will and intention of the crowd by analyzing search queries – and other special tools analyzing trends.
5) Mike Savatovsky presents Attracting Media Attention: Getting Your Project Noticed
If you build it, they will come. But what about the media? What are concrete steps you can take to attract media attention and cultivate media relations for your programs and projects? Mike Savatovsky, Director of Young Adult Outreach and Engagement for Montreal’s Federation CJA, will introduce you to the basic elements needed to launch a thorough information campaign – from planning a media strategy to creating press kits for electronic dissemination. This hands-on workshop will cover structuring and writing press releases and examine what appeals (and doesn’t appeal) to the media.
6) Renato Huarte Cuellar presents Text Study: What Was Once Old, Has Become New
What’s more Jewish than a meaty discussion? A meaty discussion rooted in Jewish text! Join Renato Huarte Cuellar, a faculty member at Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) and Hebraica University, for a text-based session open to people from all backgrounds and knowledge. Where will the discussion end up depends on the participants. But one thing is certain: "Old" texts still have something “new” to say.
7) Ruth Ouazana presents How to Attract, Keep and Motivate Volunteers
Most of our organizations are voluntarily run. What is the best way to find, keep and motivate volunteers? Join Ruth Ouazana, founder of Limoud France, for step-by-step guidance on everything from understanding the psychology of the volunteer to how to meet their needs and cultivate their leadership. This session will direct you on every step of the way, including covering such crucial components as human resources and organizational structure.
8) Zhenya Plechkina presents Art Education As a Catalyst for Self-Reflection
Zhenya Plechkina is a Ukrainian born, Brooklyn based artist and teacher. As the founding Director of Zshuk, an artist-run project that uses art to connect to Jewish stories, she will lead a session on the best way to use art to connect to Jewish stories, ideas, texts and tradition. Participants will be invited to a discussion about the role of art in our lives and ways that art and creativity should be taught. Several works by famous artists will be chosen as a starting point. Participants will then have the opportunity to create a work of art of their own and to share and reflect with the group. The goal of this session is to evoke a conversation based on the philosopher and social critic Theodor Adorno's timeless reflections on education after the Holocaust.
