Join us for a fascinating conversation with Nicky Golding and Rachelle Lazarus from the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) as we delve into the deep-rooted ethos and contemporary approaches to volunteering within Jewish communities. We explore the unique values that drive their commitment to service, alongside practical strategies for reward and recognition, fostering crucial connections between organisations and communities, and shaping modern thinking in the world of volunteerism. Nicky and Rachelle also highlight the indispensable role and tremendous value of Volunteer Experience Managers in creating meaningful and impactful opportunities.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Jewish Ethos of Volunteering: Discover the core principles and historical context that underpin the strong tradition of volunteering within Jewish communities. What are the key values that inspire this dedication to service?
• Reward and Recognition in Volunteering: How does the JVN approach the crucial aspects of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of volunteers? What innovative strategies can organisations adopt to make volunteers feel valued?
• Building Bridges: Connecting Organisations and Communities: Explore successful models and strategies for creating strong and sustainable links between volunteering organisations and the diverse communities they serve. How can these connections be mutually beneficial?
• Shaping Modern Volunteerism: Nicky and Rachelle share their insights on how the JVN is influencing contemporary thinking in the volunteer sector, including adapting to modern challenges and opportunities.

Nicky has been the Chief Executive of JVN since January 2019. She has worked professionally in the Jewish community for over 40 years in leadership, volunteering and community development, family education, HR, youth and student work, engaging volunteers in each role.

She has volunteered throughout her life, particularly at Bushey United Synagogue for 30 years, as well as co-leading Shabbat and festival services on Jewish Care’s Sandringham campus.

Nicky is a member of the Executive of the Alliance of Jewish Women and their Organisations (AJWO) and is a trustee of the Alan and Sheila Diamond Charitable Trust.

She has an MA in Jewish Communal Service from the Hornstein Program at Brandeis University, Boston, USA (1992) as well as being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (FCIPD). In 2020-21, Nicky participated in the first UK cohort of The Growth Project, a leadership programme for charity and business leaders and she was one of the first cohort of Sacks Scholars(2023-24).

Rachelle Lazarus Charity Engagement and Volunteer Manager

Rachelle brings extensive experience and passion for volunteering to the role, having worked throughout her 30-year career in community work. Rachelle began volunteering in Leeds, where she ran Jewish Youth Voluntary Services. From there, she worked in Los Angeles at the Survivors’ of the Shoah Visual History Foundation early in its inception where she devised and built their volunteer programme before moving to the Museum of Tolerance to manage their volunteers.  After she moved to London, she began working at Jewish Care, managing several of their services, working with the Survivor and refugee communities, developing social, cultural, therapeutic and educational programmes. 

Rachelle was also involved with the establishment of Yom HaShoah UK, and sits on the council of her Synagogue.  There she extends her support to families with young children as well  as an inclusion programme for individual living with dementia.

Links & Resources:

• Jewish Volunteering Network Website: https://www.jvn.org.uk/
• Time for Impact : www.timeforimpact.co.uk

Keywords: Volunteering, Jewish Volunteering Network, Community, Reward, Recognition, Volunteer Management, Volunteer Experience, Community Engagement, Nonprofit, Social Impact, Volunteer Marketing.