What's Happening?
The JCC Association of North America is actively working to enhance inclusion within the Jewish community by implementing strategic initiatives and partnerships. Recently, the organization co-hosted the second annual JCC Movement Early Childhood Inclusion
Summit with the Sheva Center, focusing on advancing inclusion in early childhood centers. This summit is part of a broader effort to develop the Sheva Framework 2.0, which aims to integrate inclusion as a fundamental pillar. The JCC movement, which serves 1.5 million people weekly across nearly 150 JCCs and camps, has established Eight Guiding Principles on Inclusion. These principles are designed to embed inclusion into all aspects of the movement's work, from educational programs to professional interactions. The movement also hosts a quarterly Inclusion Peer Community gathering, where nearly 200 professionals explore various inclusion topics, including adaptive fitness and vocational education programming.
Why It's Important?
The JCC movement's focus on inclusion is significant as it addresses a critical gap in Jewish communal life, where people with disabilities and their families participate at lower rates compared to secular counterparts. By embedding inclusion into the core of its operations, the JCC movement not only strengthens the Jewish community but also sets a precedent for other organizations. This approach challenges the notion that inclusion is resource-intensive and non-revenue-generating, as demonstrated by successful fundraising efforts like those at the Posnack JCC in Fort Lauderdale, which raised over $3 million for inclusion initiatives. The movement's efforts highlight the importance of systemic change and shared responsibility in creating inclusive environments, which can lead to broader societal acceptance and integration of individuals with disabilities.
What's Next?
The JCC movement plans to continue expanding its inclusion efforts by providing training and resources to ensure all JCC professionals view themselves as inclusion advocates. Future initiatives include the development of the Sheva Framework 2.0 and the ongoing growth of the JCC Maccabi Access program, which offers opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The movement aims to foster a culture of inclusion across the Jewish community, encouraging other organizations to adopt similar practices. By maintaining centralized leadership and shared language, the JCC movement seeks to empower professionals to actively participate in inclusion efforts, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and vibrant Jewish community.
