2011 GA Program News

In a few weeks, our Jewish Federations movement will be convening at the 2011 General Assembly in Denver, Nov. 6-8, and we are looking forward to an inspiring series of events and speakers scheduled for this dynamic venue.

As always, the GA will offer a singular opportunity for thousands of professional and volunteer leaders to meet and debate the critical challenges and opportunities of our day, from advocating for Israel to promoting Jewish volunteerism – truly recreating "the original Jewish social network" and showcasing the best of the Jewish Federation movement.

Among the headliners scheduled to appear are global political leaders such as Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren and the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Daniel Shapiro; top journalists Peter Beinart (author of a much-debated article on American Jewry), James Carroll (author of "Jerusalem, Jerusalem") and Aluf Benn, editor of the leading Israeli daily newspaper Ha'aretz; leading-edge business thinkers such as the retired president of Starbucks, Howard Behar; the founder of the magazine Fast Company, Bill Taylor; and many other fascinating figures.

As in any conference, program changes arise. We have been informed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regretfully has had to cancel his appearance. The Prime Minister hoped to go to the GA, but unfortunately he will have to be in Israel during that week. The Prime Minister and his staff made considerable efforts to adjust his scheduling to allow for a visit to the GA, but in the end, this turned out to be impossible. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to Federation leadership and wished them a very successful conference.

This year's GA features new initiatives to make the GA experience especially engaging. The program, based on community proposals, is designed along five tracks: The Innovation Imperative; The Middle East 2011-2012; Inspirational Leadership; Community Building; and the Federation Philanthropic Forum. This way, participants can more easily personalize and select which activities to join.

The GA will offer exciting special events as well, including a young adult social action project, in conjunction with the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado's YAD. This wonderful opportunity, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, will include more than 20 projects throughout the Denver community, culminating with a party and concert by Jewish rapper Matisyahu, and musical guests Diwon and Y-Love.

Also on tap is the second Jewish Futures Conference at the GA, from 12:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7. The Jewish Futures Conference brings together visionary thinkers who will explore "the Jewish prosumer" and the future of Jewish education.

This year, the GA will additionally create a series of "Sidebar Salons" where GA participants create their own dialogue, guided by seasoned facilitators.

Other first-time GA offerings will include a GA App, soon to be available for free on iTunes (details forthcoming). The App will offer participants a convenient, fun and environmentally friendly way to navigate the GA.

For more information about all of these GA events and more, please visit the GA website: http://www.generalassembly.org.