In late September, 10 Chapter Presidents from both the East and West coasts came together for an engaging and informative training session led by Rabbi Ilan Schwartz, USY’s new Director of Leadership Development. The session was designed to equip these young leaders with the tools and insights they need to lead their chapters effectively.
The training covered essential leadership topics, starting with how to run a productive meeting from managing time and setting clear goals to ensuring everyone has a voice. Rabbi Schwartz also emphasized the importance of overseeing officers, offering strategies for collaboration, delegation, and fostering a positive team dynamic.
A key focus of the session was working with adult professionals and synagogue lay leaders, exploring how to build strong, respectful relationships and leverage their expertise to enhance chapter programming and growth.
The group also discussed the practical skills necessary for success, such as setting a clear and effective agenda that aligns with the chapter’s goals and values. Rabbi Schwartz helped clarify the true role of the chapter president, highlighting the balance between leadership, responsibility, and accountability to the community.
By the end of the training, the Chapter Presidents felt empowered, inspired, and ready to take on the challenges of the year ahead. This session was an invaluable opportunity for future leaders to connect, learn, and grow within the USY community.
Though Rabbi Ilan Schwartz is new to his role as the Director of Leadership Development, USY has been a huge part of his life for many years. He was an active USY member and leader, participating in USY on Wheels, Israel Pilgrimage, and Nativ. During college, Ilan served as a staff member on these programs before becoming director of USY on Wheels from 2007-2010. He knows what it takes to be a leader in USY and beyond. As he puts it, “You don’t become a leader by filling a role; it requires engaging in learning and growing opportunities, it takes skill to do specific things. The hard skills are important and teachable. Our goal is to provide opportunities for the teens to learn.”
He is already looking forward to his next leadership webinar on Sunday, December 15, all about cultivating community partnerships for Youth Engagement. The series continues with another webinar in February. Our teens are very fortunate to be able to learn from his example as we continue to shape USY for the next generation.
