Background
The Kaplan Leadership Initiative is the first international JDC program that has set itself the goal of developing leadership in Jewish communities in Europe, the former Soviet Union (FSU) and Latin America (LATAM). The program is designed for professionals in mid-level positions in Jewish communities who aspire to strengthen their leadership skills and increase their impact within their organizations and communities. The program focuses on providing knowledge, skills and tools in four areas: community development, leadership, Jewish content and context, and management.
Goals
This report summarizes the findings of the follow-up study of the First and Second Cohorts of the program. The study sought to determine whether program graduates are still working in the Jewish community, if they have changed their roles since graduation, if they use the knowledge, skills and tools they gained through the program, and the extent to which they are staying in touch with each other.
Methods
The follow-up for Cohort 1 graduates (N=23) was conducted through semi-structured Zoom interviews in English and Russian. An online self-administered survey was used for Cohort 2 graduates (N=42) in English, Russian and Spanish. Research staff also sought information about the non-respondents from Kaplan Program staff.
Findings
Many similarities were found between Cohort 1 and 2 graduates. The vast majority indicated that they continued to work in the Jewish community, mostly in the same organization and in the same capacity as when they participated in the program. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, all program graduates working in the Jewish community maintained their positions or were promoted. While adapting to the health crisis, many graduates developed new skills.
Graduates reported using the knowledge, skills and tools they acquired in the areas of management and leadership in their daily work, but in the areas of community development and Jewish content and context they reported less use. Most graduates are part of regional networks which serve as platforms for communication and friendship,
both social and professional.
Graduates found the establishment of a Kaplan Global Alumni Network desirable and expressed interest in participating in such a network in order to be updated on areas of practice of fellow alumni and to benefit from mutual learning and collaboration. Graduates of Cohort 2 seemed to be more committed to a global network than their predecessors.
Recommendations
This report offers several recommendations for program improvement derived from the findings of the follow-up study concerning selection of program participants, strengthening of staff expertise in delivering the program, refining program content, supporting graduates after program graduation, and the formulation of methods and content conducive to building the Kaplan Global Alumni Network.