BTW informing change » Service and Civic Engagement

The Worth of What They Do

aphilips — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:00:53 +0000

As part of its efforts in building the field of Jewish service-learning, Repair the World commissioned BTW to conduct an exploratory study on the impact of short-term immersive Jewish service-learning (IJSL) on the organizations and communities that host these groups.

The study included interviews with representatives of host community CBO/NGOs involved in IJSL projects in the US, Israel, Nicaragua, Ghana and Ukraine as well as an in-depth review of recent relevant research and writing about best practices in secular and faith-based service learning. BTW found that when short-term IJSL projects are well planned and executed, negative impacts are anticipated, and potential problems are addressed proactively, then positive impacts for host communities predominate.

The Cost of a Volunteer

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:05:38 +0000

BTW conducted an examination of 21 volunteer programs nationwide to assess the true cost of organizing a high-quality volunteer program. The study helped the field better understand the implications of the President’s Call to Service for the nonprofit sector.

Read the results of the review and find out what it really takes to provide quality volunteer experience.

Jewish Service Learning: What Is and What Could Be

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:13:41 +0000

In the fall of 2007, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Jim Joseph Foundation commissioned BTW to assess the landscape of Jewish Service Learning.

BTW examined the current capacity among Jewish Service Learning practitioners and the support required to expand that capacity. We also looked at the relevance of secular national service and other faith-based service traditions in defining the potential and development of Jewish Service Learning.

This report summarizes that research and offers a suggested action plan for growth based on our findings.

The Nature of Leadership: Lessons from an Exemplary Statesman

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:05:47 +0000

Senator Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson was an extraordinary political leader and public servant. With help from BTW, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation conceptualized and produced a new publication to document Senator Jackson’s legacy of leadership in public service.

In The Nature of Leadership: Lessons from an Exemplary Statesman (July 2008), interviews with 15 of Jackson’s colleagues and staffers shed light on the qualities of leadership embodied by Senator Jackson.