December 26, 2005

To: Federation Chairs and Professionals

Dear Friends,

Over the past three months, I have traveled the length and breadth of the country, attending steering committee meetings and other Partnership 2000 events. Each encounter opens my eyes to the incredible work that Partnership 2000 is doing throughout 43 different regions in Israel.  Each time, it reconfirms my initial impression that Partnership 2000 is not only making a national impact in Israel, but is strengthening the Jewish people as a whole. 

Moreover, it is equally striking how in most of the partnerships, dialogue has veered from one based on traditional philanthropic exchanges, to one of how, "together", WE, the Israeli and Diaspora partners, can help strengthen each other's communities; how, "together", WE can strengthen the Diaspora community; how, "together", WE can strengthen the Jewish people. This is not just a change in jargon or semantics. It is representative of the paradigm change that Partnership 2000 has infused throughout the Jewish world over the past ten years.    

As you all know, Partnership 2000 is a Jewish Agency program, and even though we have literally hundreds of partners in Israel and from across the globe, we are in the unique position to identify trends and developments in the partnerships; needs in the field; and programs of excellence worthy of sharing with the other partners. However, this also means that it is our responsibility to disseminate information, to identify such programs of excellence, develop models for consideration, and more.  In short, it is our responsibility to provide all of you with working tools as well as venues for the sharing of information.

I am therefore pleased to share with you the "Partnership 2000 Programming: Parameters for Funding and Success" document (See attachment at the end of this article).  This was developed upon request from one of your fellow partnerships which is currently contemplating in which areas to allocate its P2K dollars in the partnership. We were asked to outline what we believe are the main parameters that should be taken into consideration when choosing programs and evaluating their impact. We hope that you find it helpful in the work of your steering committees as well.

I would also like to take this opportunity to raise a mix of ideas and notes of information:

• Visits to Other Partnerships:  We believe that it would be useful and interesting to see firsthand how other neighboring partnerships work (how they do their business and which type of programs they support).  If you are interested in visiting other partnerships, please consult with your Partnership Director.  For example, we can arrange a meeting with one of your fellow partnership's Israeli lay leadership, Jewish Agency's professional staff and if the timing is right perhaps another joint P2K steering committee.
 

• Putting the "Spotlight" on Visiting Steering Committee Members or Mission Participant in Your Communities: One of the challenges in overseas communities is the limited participation and exposure to the important work of the Partnership. One way to expose Partnership is to have some of the more eloquent P2K visitors (Steering Committee members, P2K mission participants) speak at synagogues and other local venues. "Faces of Partnership" can help get the word out about Partnership as well as the great work of your Federation. If you are interested, please ask your Partnership Director to identify the appropriate individuals in up-coming visits/missions and help workout the details.

• Program Evaluation: The assessment of P2K programs and activity is key to ensuring sound investment in programs and activity. It is also a vital tool in learning about the strengths and weakness of programs when considering continued support. If you are interested in evaluating an existing program, the Jewish Agency is willing to be a partner: our staff will facilitate the assessment and, if needed, we can help share in the expenses.

• "Partnership 2000 (P2K)" – Time for a New Brand Name?:  "Partnership 2000" was named when the new millennium was on the horizon.  Partnership 2000 is still on the cutting edge of where diaspora-Israeli relations should be – but maybe we have outgrown our name.  If you have any inspiring ideas or brilliant suggestions for a new brand name, please share them with us. We would also be interested in knowing if you don't think that we should change our name.  Needless to say, before making any final decision on any, we will first consult with all of our partners…

Lastly, the international Partnership 2000 conference which was originally noted in my previous communiqué had to be postponed due to the Israeli elections currently scheduled for late March. The conference has been re-scheduled for May 7-8, 2006.  Please save the date! We will send all of you an official notice with additional details shortly.

Please feel free to contact me regarding the attached or anything else that you think I can be of assistance. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Chanukah!

Sincerely,
Andrea

Andrea Arbel
Director
Division of Partnerships
Israel Department

 c.c.
Lear Golan
Ornit Reshef
Benny Romm
Orit Braun
Directors of Partnerships
Community Representatives