Boca Raton, FL (August 3, 2011) – Southern NCSY is pleased to be among more than 50 national leaders in Jewish education at the inaugural YouthCon 2011, taking place on August 21st.
YouthCon 2011 has already become a groundbreaking international one-day convention – the inaugural event has an unprecedented line-up representing more than 90 of the world’s leading informal and formal educational organizations across the Jewish spectrum – and an overwhelming registration already of almost 300 people from across North America, Israel, England, and Germany.
YouthCon, organized by NCSY, the Orthodox Union’s international youth movement and leader within the field of informal Jewish education, will address the challenges and opportunities of defining Jewish education within the 21st Century.
YouthCon 2011 will take place on Sunday, August 21 from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Stamford Hilton in Connecticut. The event is open to Jewish educators and lay leaders of all backgrounds.
“We are so excited to be a part of this momentous occasion!” stated Todd Cohn, Director of Southern NCSY. “Our focus has and will always be Jewish teens and a conference like YouthCon gives us the opportunity to discuss and learn how to address the growing challenges of the young Jewish population.”
YouthCon will consist of workshop sessions throughout the day, during which participants will be given six different track options to hear from leading speakers in various fields. The full schedule can be read at www.youthcon.org. The website also includes a blog which features various questions and answers posed to presenters of the day.
Rabbi Steven Burg, International Director of NCSY, explained: “Informal Jewish experiences, from summer programs and camps, to after-school activities and youth groups, are essential to the development of a strong Jewish identity. As leaders in the greater Jewish community, we are responsible for providing quality Jewish experiences for today’s Jewish youth, and that demands that we address the hottest topics, trends, and tools to innovate how informal Jewish education plays a role in the lives of our youth.”
He continued, “YouthCon 2011 will unite the leaders of their fields from inside and outside of the classroom, and provide one-on-one mentoring opportunities with the biggest names in all backgrounds to create stronger, more creative Jewish educators.”
YouthCon Chair Rhoda Weisman, a Los Angeles-based communications specialist focusing on the next generation within the greater Jewish community, explained, “The goal of YouthCon is three-fold: To discover how to digitally connect with youth in the 21st century; to learn from those creating a paradigm shift in Jewish education; and to network with hundreds of educators who shape the lives of Jewish youth on a daily basis. This is a groundbreaking moment not to be missed!”
About Southern NCSY
NCSY is a national youth group where Jewish teens are encouraged to grow into leaders. We strive to create an environment that empowers teens to make informed and educated choices that further their commitment to passionate Judaism. We provide a range of regional and local educational programs. We believe in teaching though example, and our hand-picked advisors and staff model a diverse, passionate, open–minded and enthusiastic approach to Jewish life. NCSY enables each teen to fulfill his or her personal potential as a Jew, as a leader and as a valued community member.
Southern NCSY represents the following areas: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Eastern TN.
NCSY is committed to provide a safe space where teens can celebrate their Jewish heritage; embrace Torah and Tradition; develop a positive Jewish identity; acquire invaluable leadership skills; connect with dedicated Jewish role models; and learn to live passionately Jewish lives.
For more information on Southern NCSY, visit http://www.southernncsy.com
