“It’s been really great meeting such interesting and thoughtful people, while expanding my network of professionals in related fields and growing my understanding of the sector.”

– Anya Metzer, London Members Circle

 

 

Are you a Jewish international development practitioner who is looking to connect your professional work with an inviting and international Jewish community? Then OLAM’s Members Circle is for you!

OLAM’s Members Circles offer an opportunity for Jewish professionals in the fields of international development, humanitarian assistance, and global service to connect, learn, share experiences with other Jews, and expand their professional network.

Following a successful pilot of in-person Members Circles in London and Washington, DC, we are excited to launch our first-ever Virtual Members Circle! The Virtual Members Circle is open to all individual members of OLAM who do not live in London or Washington, DC. (The 2nd cohort of in-person Members Circles will open in those cities in 2024.) Interested in joining a Circle but not an individual member? Learn about membership and register here!

The 2023 Virtual Members Circle includes 4 online sessions, from September to December:

  • Sept. 12 – New Year, New Connections: Celebrate Rosh Hashana, get to know OLAM, and begin connecting with your fellow Circle members. Drawing inspiration from Jewish texts, we’ll reflect on the experience of being Jewish in non-Jewish field.
  • Oct. 11 – Professional Proficiencies: Discuss key trends in international development and exchange valuable professional skills.
  • Nov. 21 – Humanity United: Engage in inspiring conversations about humanitarian aid and share your passions related to the sector.
  • Dec. 13 – Candles & Conundrums: Celebrate Chanukah and explore ethical dilemmas in our work.

Aside from participation in all Members Circle activities, all participants will have access to OLAM’s year-round exclusive programming.

Apply to join OLAM’s 2023 Virtual Members Circle.

Members Circle FAQs

The Members Circle is open to all OLAM individual members who do not live in the Washington, DC or London areas. Members in those cities can apply to join the 2nd cohort of our in-person Members Circle, which will open in 2024.

If you are interested in joining the in-person Circle, contact [email protected] (DC) or [email protected] (London).

(Individual members are: Jewish professionals with a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the fields of international development, humanitarian assistance, and global service, or have graduated from a degree related to international development.  Learn more and apply to become an individual member here.)

Apply to join the Virtual Members Circle by filling out this form.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and will close on August 18, 2023.

The Members Circle offers participants various benefits, including:

  • Developing a network of Jewish practitioners, enabling personal and professional connections
  • Practitioners who are in areas that are geographically remote from Jewish communities can connect with other Jews, and reflect on your experience of being Jewish in this sector
  • The opportunity to share skills and ideas, and collaborate with other practitioners
  • Gaining a deeper understanding of OLAM’s network of Jewish and Israeli organizations and individual practitioners of international development and humanitarian aid
  • A forum to reflect on your professional passions through a Jewish lens, and to celebrate Jewish holidays virtually, with peers from around the world
  • The chance to spend time with interesting people and OLAM staff via creative and interactive modalities!

Members Circle participants will also have access to all of OLAM’s year-round exclusive programming.

Participants of OLAM Members Circles must commit to:

  • Making themselves available to participate in all four sessions on the aforementioned dates, to the best of their ability. Please note that attending at least 3 of the 4 sessions is required for participation in the Circle. Due to differing time zones of cohort participants, sessions may take place during work hours and we ask that participants make necessary scheduling accommodations.
  • Helping to recruit two new members within 3 months of the close of the Circle
  • Joining at least one OLAM program (virtual or in-person) within 6 months of the Circle
  • Bringing your ideas, open mind, and passion for making the world a better place to Circle sessions

All Members Circle events are free of charge!

(The only cost involved is the $40 fee for new individual members.)

August 18, 2023

We are accepting applicants on a rolling basis so please apply ASAP to secure your spot.

Questions?

Email Yael Shapira, OLAM’s Director of Network Engagement and Programs: [email protected] or Emma Weleminsky, OLAM’s UK Community Manager: [email protected] 

Stay In Touch

Get information, news and updates from OLAM