Grateful. Sitting here right now, I have a new sense of gratitude. Since beginning my work toward launching Makom Community almost a year ago, I have met with one hundred and something people to bounce ideas around, learn from them, and ask them to connect me with other folks in our community who might add to the conversation.
All of these one hundred and some conversations have shaped my vision for Makom and helped me to build a plan for bringing this new venue for Jewish education to Center City Philadelphia.
The first handful were people I already knew who had some expertise to bear on the project– folks who have started non-profit organizations, parents in Center City, adults who grew up in Center City, and interested friends. From that handful, I asked who else they would suggest I talk to. And the amazing generosity of people who are three or more steps removed from me and took the time to talk with me is truly amazing. These are folks who are excited enough about the prospect of Makom and new models for Jewish education that not only did they share their time and expertise, they shared their networks, too.
In each of these conversations, I’ve asked some of the same questions, and I’ve invited each person to collaborate with me on this project. I asked them for general feedback on the Jewish afterschool enrichment model, I asked them about other smart people they think I should talk to, and I asked them whether they might know someone interested in helping underwrite a new venture like this one.
In each of these conversations, I’ve asked new questions, too. I’ve gotten to learn from executive directors of existing organizations about the legal decisions they have guided their organizations through. I’ve heard about strategies for fundraising. I’ve heard about unmet needs of parents and families with young children in Center City. I’ve heard from directors running programs similar to Makom in other parts of the United States. I’ve heard from directors and board presidents working with similar populations but in a variety of models.
All this brain picking and learning from the unique expertise that each of these people bring to the table has shaped the vision and plans for Makom, and I am so grateful to continue to find people who have expertise to share with me in the months and years to come. Are you one of those people? Be in touch– I’d love to hear from you.