A presidential get-together
For the first time in recent years, leaders from across the Victorian community gathered for the Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s Council of Presidents.
The Council of Presidents, an initiative of the JCCV, allows Victorian Jewish organisations to discuss shared opportunities and challenges, network to prevent duplication, and encourage collaboration.
Leaders of our Orthodox and Progressive congregations, our oldest and newest social justice organisations, and some of the community’s largest and smallest community groups gathered around the same table last week.
In total, 20 organisations were represented, with all presidents given an opportunity to present their plans for 2023 and to identify opportunities and challenges.
“Clear themes emerged,” Daniel Aghion, President of the JCCV, noted. “Our community is diverse, vibrant and incredibly active thanks to the work done by all these organisations.”
Synagogue presidents shared the innovative methods they are using to encourage attendance.
Presidents meet
A number of community organisations spoke about their desire to provide education and programming ahead of the referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament later this year.
The constant challenge of attracting energetic and diverse volunteers was also raised by some presidents, as was the need to continue to work towards gender equality in leadership ranks.
“The objective of this first Council of Presidents in some time was to encourage conversation,” Aghion said. “The JCCV is uniquely positioned to bring our presidents together to share experiences and learn from one another.
Our community has a wealth of hardworking leaders working tirelessly to provide all the services we know and love – Jewish schools, synagogues, sports clubs, arts organisations and more. The presidents and their boards deserve our gratitude and our support.
We hope that the Council of Presidents will lead to innovation, collaboration and cooperation across our community. We look forward to welcoming even more JCCV affiliate organisations to our next Council of Presidents in September.”
