Gatherings Overview

ROI Gatherings

Members of the ROI Community greatly value the relationships and the connections they establish with their fellow members. While technology enables instant communication and collaboration regardless of geographic distances, we have found that there is no substitute for face-to-face encounters.

ROI Community Gatherings give inspired Jewish leaders and innovators the chance to interact in person, solidify friendships, think differently and seize new opportunities. These gatherings open the door to mutual exchange and spark incredible creativity and collaborations.

Over the past few years, ROI Community has supplemented its annual Summit in Israel with regional gatherings across the globe. These gatherings reflected the realities of the regions in which they were held, offering participants a chance to hone in on topics that are most relevant to them and their communities. ROI Regional Gatherings have been held in Europe and Latin America (in Spanish): Cancun, Mexico; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Vilnius, Lithuania and Uppsala, Sweden. For more information about these gathereing, click here. In addition, local gatherings have been held in North America and Israel.

ROI Connection Points

In February 2012, ROI kicked-off training for 16 ROI members from across the globe – our ‘Connectors’ – who have been instrumental in crafting and developing local ROI gatherings and events (2012-2013). Trained in everything from budgeting to PR, ROI has charged its Connectors with the task of meeting the needs of their home communities across the globe. ROI Connection Points, gatherings run by Connectors, bring ROI Community members together and increase members’ networking circles by broadening participation to non-members. Find out more.

ROI Meet-Ups

Beyond gatherings, ROI Community brings its members a host of event opportunities throughout the year, some of which are planned by ROI and/or by its members. In addition, ROI selects various events at which it aims to establish and facilitate an ROI presence. "ROI Meet-Ups" range from social networking through to professional development seminars and classes, some of which are organized exclusively for ROIers and others that are open to broader participation. For more information about ROI Meet-Ups, click here.

Testimonials

ROI Summit

“It hadn’t been since college that I'd really done anything Jewish, so I didn't know what to expect when I came to ROI. Who would have thought that it would have turned into one of the most meaningful Jewish, professional, and personal experiences of my life?!”

Brian Elliot, USA

Founder & CEO, Friendfactor, a web-savvy LGBT rights organization.

“For me, ROI is redefining Jewish Peoplehood by providing the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, brilliant, genuine community of young Jewish people from around the globe. My entire life has been about creating a bridge between Israel and the Jewish communities in the world, both professionally and personally, and this community has inspired me to continue to develop this passion and expertise in my current studies in the Mandel School for Educational Leadership. I feel very fortunate to be part of this exciting network and I look forward to continuously learning and contributing to it.”

Michal Ben Dov, Israel
Co-director, Kesher-Cham/Camp USA

Summer of Change – European Gathering

“This Gathering was one of the most inspiring moments of my life. Five days of creativity, innovation and connection with so many wonderful people from all around Europe, it was like a dream. I can definitely see myself working and collaborating with my fellow ROIers to create and build a great future for the Jewish community in Europe and the world.”

Sarah Simha Benkemoun, France

Board Member, Limoud France

Ibero-American Gathering in Argentina

“The Regional Gathering in Argentina allowed me to share my love for ROI with my Jewish Latino brothers and sisters. It was an amazing event with participants from almost every country in Latin America. Today, we continue to stay in touch regularly, which allows us to improve the quality of our institutions and our Jewish identities. And do not forget ... Latinos are more fun!!! And having a Gathering in Spanish rules!!! I love ROI! VIVA EL ROI!!!”

Gabriel Buznick, Argentina
Lawyer