Selah Leadership Program

As Jewish interest in social justice has spiked across the country, Jewish social justice organizations have sprung up in increasing numbers to address the demand. The leaders of this movement, dedicated to changing the world, do not always have the skills and training to see their dreams through to reality. Selah has played a critical role in the growth of this sector by providing social justice professionals with leadership skills, organizational effectiveness training and Jewish learning. Selah is a collaboration between Jewish Funds for Justice and the Nathan Cummings Foundation, in partnership with the Rockwood Leadership Institute, to provide leaders with the skills and proficiency to match their entrepreneurial drives. 

Selah has trained more than 200 leaders from 165 organizations, creating a nationwide network of effective leaders dedicated to social change. Nationally, there is no other environment where hundreds of Jewish social justice leaders can meet, network and grow; therefore the most signi cant opportunity for Selah and the  eld is how to make the most of this increasing network of alumni. This year, Selah will create regional trainings for “Selahniks” and invest in other network enhancements to facilitate networking and ongoing learning. Going forward, Selah will also continue to expand to new markets, including San Francisco in 2010. 

The role played by Selah is, according to one evaluator, “a missing piece in the Jewish landscape. While leadership training is not unique, working with Jewish social justice leaders as their own cohort is inventive and valuable.” A Slingshot Fund member also conveys, “Slingshot invested last year in Selah because while their work is impacting the entire sector, they rely heavily on one foundation for funding. It would be nice to see other funders join Slingshot in helping Selah to diversify its income.”