Stop reinventing the wheel. Let's co-create!

Even though the 2024-2025 school year isn't quite over yet, it is time to start thinking about how we can strategically design welcoming spaces and opening activities for our teens this fall.

As a follow up to Erica Frankel's 'user experience' webinar in January, let's learn from each other and share best practices from our own communities. Paige (virtual programming focus) and Celeste (in-person programming focus) will open the session by sharing ways that they create a welcoming space for their teens and share their favorite connection activities. Then the floor will open for participants to do the same.

Whether you operate primarily in an in-person, hybrid, or virtual setting, there will be a lot to learn and a lot to share with colleagues from around the country. You will enter with one or two ideas, and (hopefully) leave with 10+ ideas! Whether you are in a youth group, Hebrew high, teen leadership, teen philanthropy, madrichim program or any other teen serving Jewish organization, this interactive webinar is for YOU!

Here's what YOU need to bring:

1. Type up a way that you have successfully created a welcoming space for your teens (or how you might do so). Is it the signage? Is it the theme of the food? Is it door greeters? Is it a volunteer job for early arrivals?
2. Type up a fun, creative, and/or engaging connection activity (aka ice breaker!) that teen enjoy in your program.
3. And bring any questions, thoughts, or support that you want to discuss with colleagues...consider them your Personal Help Desk!

Here's the flow of the session:

• Erica Hruby will welcome and frame the conversation
• Paige GoldMarche will present her best practices for welcoming and connecting in a virtual environment
• Celeste Albert will present her best practices for welcoming and connecting in an in-person environment
• We'll open a virtual discussion room and an in-person discussion room led by our facilitators
• Participants from each room will share their ideas (2-3 minutes each) and then add their ideas directly into a shared document
• Once sharing is done, then it is time for the Professional Help Desk! 
  We'll end together as a whole group and everyone will walk away with access to the shared document!

RSVP appreciated, but not required. The webinar will not be recorded, so join us if you are able. Reach out to Erica Hruby at ehruby@jewishedproject.org with any questions.