Youth Forum Set to Launch Revolutionary Virtual JLGB Group
JLGB’s youth forum have been working on an exciting initiative to create a JLGB monthly group that is accessible to all, irrespective of location. The meetings, which are launching after Yom Tov, will take place over Skype and will enable those from remote communities in areas with little or no Jewish community, and those who are away from home at boarding school or university to become members and join the JLGB family. Youth forum Co-Chair Jordana Price, pictured pioneered the virtual group to ensure that all young people will have full access to all of the benefits of being a JLGB member including opportunities, support, camps, events, tours and accredited leadership development training.
During Skype sessions, young people will be given support and advice on how to plan activity sessions for young people. These will then be delivered at JLGB weekly groups and virtual group members will get feedback on their session plans. They will also be informed about upcoming events that they will be encouraged to get involved in and have the opportunity to run discussions on topical issues, including global issues and Jewish culture, to add to their leadership experience during these sessions.
Using digital technology to remove barriers to participation and to reduce isolation by increasing involvement from young people in hard to reach communities is central to JLGB’s values. This project follows the success of online programmes and training resources and JLGB’s ‘evolve – youth volunteering and skills initiative’, which is a digital platform that gives young people access to age appropriate and faith sensitive volunteering opportunities in their local area.
Our work in smaller Jewish communities such as Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow shows how the JLGB national network acts as a vital lifeline for isolated young people who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to meet and make friends with hundreds of like-minded Jewish teenagers from other communities. The creation of a virtual group is the next step in ensuring JLGB is even more inclusive and we are proud that this concept came from youth representatives on ‘The Voice’; JLGB’s platform for young members, to share their ideas on the direction of the organisation.
To register your interest in JLGB’s virtual group or to find out more about JLGB’s weekly groups around the country, please email getinvolved@jlgb.org or call 020 8989 8990.
