How Might We 2019?
After a recent meeting convened by JUF and the Associated Talmud Torahs, I walked to my car with a pocketful of business cards for schools interested in learning more about JCC Chicago and our program offerings. Turns out, most in attendance didn’t know we provide on-site after-school care and enrichment classes. “How might we work together?” they asked.
“How might we” questions are a way to generate ideas and are often used for launching brainstorms. Perhaps you’ve exercised this strategy in a meeting or around the dinner table. At JCC Chicago, we embrace this inquiry. In fact, this very question has led us to be innovative and nimble and has contributed to our agency’s growth in recent years.
How might we teach children with special needs how to swim? How might we bring Jewish film to Chicago? How might we support young families in their parenting journey? How might we expand the most extensive Jewish camping program in the country? How might we support health and wellness for the community we serve? How might we provide volunteer and leadership opportunities to Jewish teens?
We have responded to each of these questions—and so many more—with the advent of new programs and services, conversations with community partners and excitement for what is possible. In just five years, our reach has grown by 30,000 community members. That figure is both thrilling and daunting, as there is so much more to do and accomplish.
With 2019 upon us, we are looking forward through the “How might we” lens. Nearly six months into my tenure as CEO, my community tour is in full swing. Every meeting, without exception, is valuable and vibrant. How might we bring resources to Chicago Public School students and how might we best serve our Orthodox day school students and families? How might we ignite the Lake County JCC and reimagine the Bernard Horwich JCC? How might we engage with Keshet, the Kollel and congregations? How might we provide a JCC pathway from infancy through retirement?
“How might we” statements encourage us to be inspired and look for ways to build upon or remix ideas. Please bring your own ideas forward, email or call me anytime and I will happily add you to the tour. Your J is ready for the next phase of opportunity and impact—together.
Addie Goodman
President & CEO
agoodman@jccchicago.org
224.406.9215