Publisher's Notebook
jarc
www.jarc.org
Making Jewish Detroit
'Immigrant' Friendly
A
rmed with convincing data about job creation,
entrepreneurship, educational attainment and
productivity, Global Detroit recently unveiled its
Welcome Mat initiative to reach and attract immigrant popu-
lations to the Detroit metropolitan area.
Spearheaded and authored by
former state House leader Steve
Tobocman, himself a descendent of
Polish-Jewish immigrants, the New
Economy Initiative-funded effort
makes a compelling case for attract-
ing and retaining immigrants and
channeling their energy into revi-
talizing our depressed Detroit and
Southeastern Michigan economy.
The Global Detroit study contains
many stunning data points, including:
• 62 percent of all Michigan resi-
dents possessing a doctorate in engineering are foreign born;
• 33 percent of all high-tech startup companies formed in
Michigan have at least one immigrant founder;
• 10,000-plus immigrants from India have settled in Metro
Detroit in a recent five-year period, almost double that of any
other country and almost all for economic opportunity.
The Global Detroit playbook is chock full of ideas and
methodology, from marketing and communicating to pros-
pects to securing volunteer "cultural ambassadors" to helping
immigrants build social networks and navigate government
bureaucracies. This playbook should be the inspiration that
stimulates our Jewish community to craft its own bold, com-
pelling and sustainable plan to attract Jewish "immigrants"
... from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other American
cities ... and stabilize our declining Jewish population.
Where to begin? Here are some initial thoughts for you, our
loyal readers, to discuss, debate and refine with friends, family
and community leaders:
A Bold Vision
Envision and capture what would make Detroit and
Southeastern Michigan the best Jewish community in
America. Dream a little!
A Measurable Plan
Develop a rolling five-year strategic plan with measurable
goals and commit our community's considerable resources
to its implementation. Since our community's population has
declined to approximately 62,000 from 72,000 since 2005, let's
assume a population floor of 60,000. And, let's set a five-year
Jewish community "immigration" goal of 1,000 family units
(200 per calendar year.)
Aggregate And Expand Umbrella Services
Aggregate and expand umbrella services provided by the
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and its affiliated
agencies to include:
• A "job czar" who works directly out of the office of the
Federation CEO and owns, lives, eats, breathes and sleeps jobs
and identifying job opportunities exclusively for Jewish com-
munity natives and "immigrants." Employment must the No. 1
priority for our community in deeds, not just words.
• Relocation loans for new
"immigrants" that become
outright grants if they stay
for at least five years (other
Jewish communities, includ-
ing little Dothan, Ala., have
done this successfully).
• A venture capital fund to
invest in the entrepreneurial
ideas of community natives
and "immigrants" (The
Chaldean community is cur-
rently assembling a venture
capital fund to support its
entrepreneurs).
Steve Tobocman, author
• A volunteer corps of
cultural ambassadors who,
based on age, family status,
religious affiliation and social interests, are matched with
"immigrants" to ease their transition.
• Welcome Mat vouchers that "immigrants" can utilize to
sample Jewish goods and services, including synagogue and
JCC memberships, Jewish Ensemble Theatre tickets, Florence
Melton Adult Mini-School mini-school tuition, Jewish News
subscriptions, admission fees for CommunityNext-sponsored
basketball and kickball leagues, etc.
• A professional and properly funded marketing plan that
packages the attributes of living, and living Jewishly in Detroit
and Southeastern Michigan and communicates them to
potential "immigrants:'
Synagogue Commitment
As Federation's umbrella of current and expanded services
takes shape, convene the rabbinic and lay leadership of our
synagogues. With inspiration from Young Israel of Southfield's
recent success at recruiting families to the area, secure
pledges from each synagogue to mobilize its congregants and
resources to identify and recruit "immigrants" (many of these
recruits could be the children and grandchildren of members
who have moved away). With an annual goal of 200 new fam-
ily units, each' congregation must take responsibility for a por-
tion of that number.
Here's a suggested allocation:
• Temple Israel - 30 units;
• Shaarey Zedek — 15units;
• Adat Shalom — 15 units;
• Shir Shalom — 10 units;
• Beth El — 10 units;
• Chabad — 10 units;
• Young IsraellSouthfield — 10 units;
•Young Israel/Oak Park — 10 units;
• B'nai Moshe — 5 units;
• Beth Ahm — 5 units;
• Beth Shalom — 5 units;
• Temple Emanu-El — 5 units;
• Birmingham Temple - 5 units;
• Temple Kol Ami — 5 units;
• Shir Tikvah — 5 units;
• Other congregations — 5 units.
Denise Daskal (left) with Sarah Clay
"Twenty-four years ago I made
the best decision in my whole
life when I came to JARC.
My parents used to do
everything for me. Now 1 live in
a great condo, I go on wonderful
trips and cruises, and I love
going to basketball games.
I don't know where I would be
without my JARC family."
— Denise Daskal
Whether as a volunteer or donor,
your generous support will
benefit the men, women and
children JARC serves.
Help JARC continue...
EraSrt
15arrirc.
30T " ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
IVE1
THE FISHER THEATRE
O RY
CD
Argt-Ga
YOUNG ADULT PRE-GLOW!
4'1
before. fie skoli 5-7
Pm
FREE ADMI
ENJOY SUPPER
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
Jewish Detroit on page 6
www.jarc.org
October 7 • 2010
5