jewish volunteering network NEWS

connecting the Jewish community to volunteering

Issue 6: Spring/Summer 2012

Last year in the Pe sa centred on the Bi ch edition of this newsletter, muc g Society. Indeed h comment was , th Minister for Civil Society, promoted e feature article by Nick Hurd MP, and discussed th implications of a Its hard to believe that the 19th September e basic principles Big Society. and 2012 will mark the 10th anniversary of However, the initi al enthusiasm fo the death of Yoni Jesner zl, killed in a r David Cameron back in 2010, ha s ag sw bus suicide bombing in Tel Aviv at just 19 robust Big Society aned. Since last year, evidence fo ship idea, created r the existence of , such as the leve years of age. Yoni was a truly inspirational a l of voluntary and pu blic sector, has sli volunteering and the health of th gure, and his enthusiasm for volunteering pped. (See the Bi article on the Big rcham Dyson Bell e Society on Page allowed him to achieve more in his 19 LLP 3.) Arguably however, years than many people do in a lifetime. it is still a agship vision of the curre a vision of a bette Yoni was the driving force behind the nt Go r UK people. One of the society which will lead to a more vernment rejuvenation of Glasgow Bnei Akiva, and fullled life for man tenets of a Big Socie y oering people th he committed his time to countless more e opportunity to as ty has been empowerment sume responsibilit charitable causes. He has also inspired y for their own ac Volunteering is ce tions. rtain an amazing outpouring of good deeds something for som ly empowering. It gives us the op portunity to do ebody else, not be through the Yoni Jesner Foundations cause we are com we choose to. pelled to, but beca scholarships and through the Yoni Jesner Award, which JVN is now running for a second year. use The motivation to vo reminds us that lunteer and support others is intrins The Yoni Jesner Award Scheme encourages young people ages 11-14 to commit to 20 hours of volunteering ic to as to choose to do Jews we were once not em Judaism. Pesach in the Jewish and wider community. Originally set up by the Yoni Jesner Foundation and the UJIA social powered, not good deeds - w free our history as a sla e responsibility department with Immanuel College, the Award is now in its 5th year and going strong, with over ve nation, it is incu were slaves in Egypt. Becaus e of mbent on us to re - both in the UK an 500 students having received it so far. JVN became the leading partner for the Award in 2010/11 organising mem d use their time for the rest of the world - who do not ber others today the biggest ceremony yet and now reaching even further heights. This year 2011/2012 is the rst time all themselves or for ha others. They are co ve the opportunity to to serve. seven Jewish secondary schools in London are participating; we have recruited a record number of students, mpelled, indeed fo rced, and we have created the Queens Jubilee Award for Innovation in Volunteering for schools! Freedom to choo se is a fundamen tal precept of Pesa volunteer is both ch an Also to mark Yonis 10th Yahrzeit, Bnei Akiva and StandWithUs held an Israel advocacy seminar in Jerusalem in Also prec remember and te ious and empowering. So this Pe d choosing to April. Yonis mother, Marsha Gladstone was among the speakers along with a panel of former Bnei Akiva leaders. ll the story of our sach, while we freed Big Society thing, Bnei Akivas Jonny Lipczer echoed the thoughts of many saying: Yoni was a role model for many young people focus on others om; lets do the responsible thing, the and volunteer. and has been greatly missed over the past decade. Leonie Director Continue reading on Page 3.
Chairman

Commemorating an inspirational volunteer

Freedom to V olunteer

Big S ociety

Susan

...and were o! JVN Olympic go

With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, the Jewish community is gearing up for this fantastic celebration. JVN is part of the Jewish Committee for the London Games (JCLG) and responsible for the Visit Jewish London website www.visitjewishlondon.com, which provides an invaluable source of information for foreign and national visitors who are in London for the Olympics. Friday night Kiddushim, kosher restaurants, hotels, Jewish museums and London Tours: the site provides information on anything Jewish relating to the Olympics. JVNs focus is on the volunteering and hospitality aspect of the Games to ensure that people visiting the UK receive a warm Jewish welcome! There will also be lots of Olympic-related volunteering opportunities available a truly memorable time to get involved.
JVN is also working in the wider community with LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) and in particular with the Changing Places team. The team has been creating opportunities to get involved in the London 2012 Games, not only near the Olympic Park, but in other local areas of Olympic London. We are not, however, the only ones that are doing things for the Olympics. Maccabi GB, the Jewish communitys leading sports provider is supporting a select number of events to help the community celebrate London 2012. Maccabi is also putting together a unique 2012 calendar of Community Sporting Events for the whole family to celebrate London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games. JVN cant wait for the London 2012 Games to begin. This is the time to volunteer, not only in our community but with the whole of Team GB as we host this great global sporting event.

www.jvn.org.uk

SEPTEMBER Lady Sacks JVN Coee Morning

Over 30 women enjoyed Lady Sacks hospitality and stimulating conversation at JVNs rst Ladies Coee Morning at the Chief Rabbis House. Norma Brier, outgoing Chief Executive of Norwood, was in conversation with Dame Mary Marsh, former Chief Executive of NSPCC and now Director of the Clore Leadership Foundation. Norma - in a deeply engaging exchange - explained that both she and Dame Mary were concerned about recent Government policy regarding its impact on the charity/voluntary sector.

OCTOBER

Israeli Paralympics Delegation Visit

JVN was delighted to host the Israeli Paralympics Delegation at the JHub in West Hampstead, as part of its work with the Jewish Committee for the London Games. The meeting was chaired by Frank Weinberg, National Chairman of British Friends of Israel War Disabled (BFIWD). JVN had already helped BFIWD nd 10 special volunteers to personally support each Israeli Paralympic athlete at the Games and is working with Magen David Adom and the Delegation to nd additional volunteer support for the sailing and rowing contingents.

European Year of Volunteering Tour

JVN was the only Jewish organisation to be represented at the European Year of Volunteering 2011 London Tour event which was held at Coin Street community centre on the South Bank. JVN was delighted to meet huge numbers of volunteers, as well as Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society, at the event which featured such major national charities as Guide Dogs UK, British Heart Foundation, the Red Cross, Marie Curie and Macmillan - a huge honour for our small charity.

NOVE MBER

DECEMBER
JFS 6th Form Volunteering Fair
JVN was delighted to arrange a very special JFS 6th Form Volunteering Fair with the Jewish Informal Education Programme team. For the rst time, every Year 12 student was to sign up to two one-o opportunities to be completed in the coming months. After JVNs introduction and presentation on the benets of volunteering, over 300 students met with eleven charities - JLGB, Jewish Care, Tikun, Maccabi GB, Kisharon, GIFT, AJR, Tzedek, Norwood, Mitzvah Day and for the rst ever time at any Jewish 6th Form Fair, Jewish Book Week - truly JVNs volunteer matchmaking in action!

JVN Trustee Drive

In partnership with the Adam Science Foundation and LEAD: Jewish Leadership Excellence and Development, JVN helped host its rst Annual Trustee Drive. The Drive was an opportunity for graduates of the Adam Science Foundation Leadership Programme to meet and match with Jewish communal organisations looking to recruit lay leaders. Over 20 community organisations took part, ranging from large organisations like British ORT and Langdon, to smaller organisations like Ren Cassin and the Jewish Military Museum, oering exclusive leadership opportunities for the Alumni. As a result of the Drive, over 75% of the Alumni have taken up a leadership position with at least one of the charities involved.

JANUARY

JVN Trustee Network event

JVN held its second Trustee Network event looking at the challenges of Trusteeship in small to medium-size charities at corporate sponsors HW Fisher & Company, featuring a funding Q&A with David Lerner of the Samuel Sebba Charitable Trust. This was held in response to strong demand from the rst event held in Trustees Week November 2011, which saw an audience of over 20 Trustees listen to presentations from Mike Redhouse, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at St Lukes Hospice, Elissa Bayer, Director of Private Clients at Williams de Bro, and hosts HW Fisher.

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Big Society - where is it now?

The governments Big Society initiative was launched with great fanfare in June 2010. Since then, the concept has been the subject of intense debate, and much has been written about what the initiative will actually mean in real terms for charities and the voluntary sector. 18 months on; what have been some of the key developments and how are these likely to aect voluntary organisations and their volunteers? Perhaps the most signicant development of recent months has been the passing of the long awaited Localism Bill, which nally received Royal Assent to become the Localism Act on 15 November 2011. The Act gives additional rights and powers to communities and individuals to enable them to control and challenge decisions being made at a local level. The powers enshrined in the Act include the community right to bid (giving local community and voluntary bodies the power to bid to take over local amenities such as shops and libraries), and the community right to challenge (giving local groups and parish councils the right to express an interest in taking over the running of local public services). Individuals and groups will also have the ability to more readily call Local Authorities to account regarding spending decisions, ultimately providing greater accountability and transparency as to how public money is being spent in their local area. Localism forms a key part of the governments agenda in building and shaping the Big Society, designed to oer greater power to individuals and communities to have a say in matters that aect them. It is likely that the Act will open up new opportunities for smaller charities and voluntary groups, who have a deeper understanding of what their community needs and so are best placed to inuence how services are run. However, it remains to be seen whether small charities will have the resources to be able to fully take advantage of the new environment, and what support will be available to them should they choose to do so.
A second upcoming development that will have a noticeable impact on organisations such as JVN is the governments decision to reform and remodel the Vetting and Barring Scheme. The existing scheme, which was set up in September 2009, received much criticism for the additional red tape it created for organisations that rely on volunteers to carry out their work. Following a review the government has committed to scaling back the scheme to more practical levels, for example making Criminal Record Bureau checks portable so that individuals will no longer need separate checks by each organisation they volunteer for. It is hoped that the proposed changes will have a big impact on volunteering organisations by reducing the unnecessary bureaucracy and delays that can be such a major barrier to encouraging individuals to volunteer their time. For now, the existing regulations remain in place, but it is anticipated that the reforms will become law later in 2012. A concept that has really come into its own over the last year has been that of social investment. Broadly speaking, social investment represents the range of ways in which individuals and organisations can invest in charities to deliver a combination of social and nancial returns. It is growing in popularity as a new way for charities to fund their services and has the potential to open up many new opportunities for charities and voluntary organisations. 2012 is likely to see many developments in this area. The concept of Big Society and what it really means for the sector has been one of the most debated social issues of recent months. Whilst certain initiatives have been welcomed, the topic still polarises opinion, with many believing the concept is lacking in focus and remains dicult for the general public to grasp. What is clear is that issues such as localism, community engagement and the transfer of power to local communities will remain high on the agenda in 2012.

Continued from Page 1.

JVN is also really proud to report that this year we also have a new record for the number of volunteering opportunities on oer. age group It is especially hard to nd chances for people of this in charitable organisations due to a to formally volunteer However, combination of practical and insurance limitations. and the students through a combination of JVNs hard work lives on, enthusiasm and determination, Yoni Jesners legacy of young people are undertaking essential and large numbers . voluntary work and making a dierence to the world you dont Because, as Yoni often said to those he inspired: If do it, who will? can do! Check out the back page to see what you

February and March to sup t hell and high water, that JVN made two visits to Manchester in port regional volunteerin g in the UKs second large st Jewish city. In February, nearly the en tire JVN team met with representatives from org Manchester JSOC, UJIA, anisatio The and the wider communit Fed, JLGB, Manchester Jewish Rep Council, Morris ns including y in an action-packed an d snowy day. The aim of Feinmann Home the challenges of voluntee the ring in Manchester and consider ways of attractin trip was to discuss enable organisations to meet and learn from eac g volunteers and to h other. Building on the meeting an Regional Development Ma d in distinctly more sunny weather JVNs Dir ector nager Es Rosen held a ser representatives from The ies of inter-communal me Leonie and Fed the citys largest soc ial care organisation Int etings with serving the needs of the erlink, the organisation regions Charedi commu nity and young professio UJIA leadership develop nals participating in the ment programme. JVN was delighted to ag ree to co-partner Manchesters Annual Volunteer Awards in con junction with the Jewish Telegrap h an the Rep Council a great d wa to celebrate and encourag y e volunteering in the city. Check out our excitin g Regional Volunteerin g Opportunities on Pa ge

Through driving snow , ra a little bit of sun JV in and just N visits Manchester It was through blizzards , if no

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ntry? impact in a developing cou the amazing opportunity Do you want to make an volunteers aged 19-29 and dedicated Tzedek is oering enthusiastic na this summer. Volunteers can work in schools, small months in Tamale, Gha are. On return, Tzedek to spend two of the poverty cycle and healthc initiatives which help people out UK home communities for 10 months, sharing business ir skills in their volunteers continue to build the and raising awareness. experiences by organising events their knowledge and nd? Can you oer a helping ha volunteer to oer ish Refugees is looking for a Association of Jew The day weekly or fortnightly. Publicity department for half a admin support to its Claims and nmore and full support and training will be given. in Sta Their friendly oces are based y to paid work? Want to volunteer your wa in volunteer for their adm Jewish Care is looking for an elie House, Jewish Cares Maurice and Vivienne Wohl artment to work at Am to become Property Dep week. This is an ideal opportunity rking in an , Golders Green for two days per of wo Campus n experience a friendly department and gai rk. involved with a small team in e for someone seeking paid wo ping ston oce environment a great step t fundraising? Are you passionate abou igrant supporting disadvantaged imm or at home, One to One, the charity who could work in their oce a fundraiser families in Israel is looking for whichever is most suitable! ernship? . Looking for an exciting int and communications department for an intern for their marketing WIZOuk is looking part of a team, get in touch! er literate and able to work as If you are a self-starter, comput a charity supporting Would you like to help in in Israel? Help list items disadvantaged children their growing eBay operation. unah needs help supporting at a time convenient British Em a friendly oce or from home each week on eBay, working in for sale ential. Or if you like designer but basic computer literacy is ess for you! Training will be given, to good use as they also your know-how could be put clothes or are an antiques expert, goods, pack parcels and to help with collections. source need more volunteers to help

r and support adults with Would you like to empowe ir skills for employment? the their disabilities in developing a clean driving license to drive someone with a bit of time and don. You will accompany Kisharon is looking for Lon eting cards to oces in North Nosh on the Rush boxes and gre ce snack boxes and greeting card stands and collect the o ir Kisharons adults to replenish the h is going from strength to strength and with your help it for the week. Nosh on the Rus money can be taken to the next level. hts? ucate others on human rig an Want to campaign and ed sent their Hum dent speakers to pre Ren Cassin is looking for con synagogues. They are also looking for speakers willing to mme at local speaker Rights Shabbat progra t assured they will provide all the children about human rights. Res h the content. speak to school feel comfortable wit material and training so that you

le remember? Do you want to help peop are is Britains largest and the Squ a Young Volunteer The Wiener Library in Russell ion. The Library has developed est Holocaust Memorial Institut ding tours, helping at events, worlds old who want to get involved in gui gramme for people aged 16-25 Pro or joining the fundraising team. contributing to the online blog e? nt Do you want to be a Truste for new Trustees. The commitme nselling is currently looking ada Bereavement Cou imately and no experience rox Ah e four meetings each year app be useful, but far more needed in terms of time isnt hug of PR and/or fundraising would is necessary. Knowledge group that has a great of counselling lingness to get involved with a is enthusiasm, energy and a wil new territory. important expanding into proven track record and is now er

se and oth jvn.org.uk to nd out about the w to apply? Log on to www. Ho exciting volunteering positions.

Regional Volunteering Opportunitie s

Do you enjoy the Arts? Makor, the Cent re fo Entertainment fo r Arts, Culture and r th in Leeds is lookin e Jewish Community g for an Intern to help with the Leeds Intern Arts Festival. ational Jewish Performing Are you intrig ued by Jewish history? Manchester Jew ish Museum is lo for new voluntee oking rs and to show visi to work in its shop to building. If you rs around its historic are interested in local history and enjo y this opportunity meeting new people, co you. If you have uld be suitable for teaching experie Museum is also nce, the lo teach its school oking for volunteers to learning progra mme. For more region UK or to register al opportunities across the with JVN to nd your regional organisation Esmond@jvn.or volunteers, email g.uk or call 020 7443 5102

www.jvn.org.uk