Special Report
DEBATING PRIORITIES
From left starting on page 10:
JN Publisher Arthur Horwitz
and Randall Fogelman;
Adam Kaplan,
Dr. Rob Goodman and
Dan Cherrin;
Dan Cherrin and
Amy Carson Schlussel;
Horwitz and
Ben Falik;
Photos by Jerry Zolynsky
Lavie Golenberq;
Goodman;
Jeff Schlussel;
Renee Cherrin Erlich;
Jordan Glass; and
Jon Goldstein
Together from page 11
priorities from a slightly older generation.
Understanding that the oldest generation
of givers is, for the most part, committed
to more traditional needs, the idea was to
find those of an age in between who could
be energized and raffled.
Creation of a Jewish Chamber of
Commerce that could support Jewish-
owned businesses and promote network-
ing also was floated.
Frustrations Expressed
Just as ideas bubbled up easily, so did
frustrations. Many felt the status quo
was being maintained by community
leaders, who, they recognized, are jug-
gling to address dire problems created by
Michigan's poor economy. However, there
was a feeling no one was pushing for
ideas that would address concerns they
have as young adults about the future.
They agreed that many of their con-
cerns had been talked about and talked
about, but with little or no action.
There was much discussion about
Federation, ranging from the commu-
nity in particular and Federation by
extension having too many agendas and
"using too many Band-Aids" as needs
and priorities surface, to acknowledging
that Federation's CEO Scott Kaufman be
included in any follow-up to this group.
"Many people are frustrated by the lack
of progress; many have been involved in
similar processes and seen no action:'
said Daniel Cherrin of North Coast
Strategies in Royal Oak. "So I think it's
important to see some results and to gain
people's involvement in ways to move
forward."
It was clear the group saw itself as a
catalyst for action, somewhat of a grass-
roots movement that could grow. One per-
son suggested "giving it steroids:'
Going Forward
With Horwitz steering the discussion,
the young leaders outlined some ideas to
move their agenda forward.
Someone suggested taking a business
approach by creating a strategic plan and
12
April 29 • 2010
shopping around for funding. Another
person proposed building bridges
between themselves and the older corn-
munity to tap into its wisdom, and work-
ing to bring younger "quiet visionaries" to
their causes.
They urged proactive steps toward
job creation, with the thought of finding
major local backers to expand opportuni-
ties. They suggested an expanded net-
work of people who could share business
opportunities within the Jewish commu-
nity. And they want to encourage entre-
preneurs and start-up businesses.
To attain the long-term dividends they
hope to reap as they get older in this
community, they look toward setting an
agenda and creating a framework with
support— but not necessarily approval
— from Federation's far-reaching infra-
structure.
There was talk about needing a project
manager to keep things on track and to
reach out to others, affiliated and not, to
help make things happen. The consensus
idea was to move immediately and trans-
late all the talk into action.
"I enjoyed being part of the discussion
and listening to all the amazing ideas dis-
cussed:' Cherrin said. "I only hope that we
can continue the discussion with others
who can help make decisions to help move
our community forward. A lot of these
issues have been discussed in the past, but
nothing was done. We know the issues; we
know the path we need to go on. Now we
need the leadership to take us there.
"I want to be part of the process and to
create a strategic plan moving forward.
Enough talk; we need to see action."
Alpiner said, "This group hopes to
serve in a capacity that will drive and
inspire collaboration and instill a sense of
pride in choosing to live here. As potential
architects of Metro Detroit's future, we
will need to bring in the best consultants
— the people who invest themselves in
living here — to help guide us."
Falik agreed. "I'm not sure what the
next step is, but I know I want to be part
of it," he said. "We need to build on past
efforts — not reinventing the wheel,
but also not being afraid to take new
approaches to old problems, or maybe
even retry some things that didn't work
in the past. We need to get a lot of input
from a lot of sources but then distill it
into something actionable. Everyone is
hungry for action."
For a grassroots effort to work, Cherrin
says it needs outreach, accountability and
buy-in.
"I am more hopeful than before
because I see new leadership coming to
the table and the opportunity it gives:' he
said. "To start taking those steps to imple-
ment a new vision for the community, we
first need a plan and we need to hold each
other accountable for implementing that
plan. We need that accountability — in
today's economy you can't adhere to the
status quo.
"I suggest we identify stakeholders in
the community and create a framework.
Through discussion, we add and get buy-
in from each other. We need to reach out
and get buy-in from of lot people. And
then you have the drivers behind it to
keep people accountable."
Southeastern Michigan Jewish Alliance'
(SEMJA) initiative will unveil additional
ways to provide greater service and sup-
port for our community, especially to
those in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Our
future as a Jewish community depends on
success at creating an overall economic
and social climate in this region that,
in tandem with our Jewish communal
attributes, makes staying, returning or
relocating here desirable.
"It was refreshing and energizing to
listen to the ideas, feel the passion and
observe the mutual respect and encour-
agement the participants offered each
other;' Horwitz said. "The hardest part
about facilitating this group was they
were so eager to go well beyond the allot-
ted time to identify and prioritize ways
to enhance our region and Jewish com-
munity"
Perhaps Alpiner summed up this initial
discussion best:
"The bottom line she said, "is that this
group is ready, willing and able to get to
work on ensuring the Metro Detroit Jewish
community's survival and revival."
JN's Role
"I see the JN as the vehicle to carry on the
discussion and help bring positive change
to our community:' Cherrin said.
"The IN is the vehicle by which to
engage the community in discussion
in what we need to do. I don't have a
soapbox, but the IN can raise my voice
and I can be part of the solution. Rather
than talking at the water cooler, I can
be part of that change. The media raises
issues and holds [people] accountable for
their actions. The JN can raise issues for
changes that will better the community
and be the driver of that process."
Horwitz said, "The Jewish News intends
to expand its role as a convener, catalyst
and conduit for the ideas and passions
of young leaders who are committed
to a vibrant, vital Jewish community in
Detroit and Southeastern Michigan.
"In the coming weeks and months, our
Related Editor's Letter: page 5
❑
Roundtable
Participants
Karen Alpiner
Daniel Cherrin
Renee Cherrin Erlich
Ben Falik
Randall Fogelman
Jordan Glass
Lavie Golenberg
Gayle Gold
Jon Goldstein
Robin Goldstein
Adam Kaplan
Dr. Rob Goodman
Amy Carson Schlussel
Jeff Schlussel