NCJWA Vic commends Mizrachi for participating with forum facilitators to deliver a report on, amongst other things, female participation within the organisation. We encourage Mizrachi to heed the feedback and strive for greater diversity at a leadership level. NCJWA Vic is determined to support Gender Equality pledge takers, including Mizrachi, to improve their organisational culture and governance so that all members of our community feel welcome to participate in decision making forums and have their contributions and skills respected.

Our #MakeSpaceForHer campaign supports organisations with resources and education and in the next phase of our campaign we will be developing a database of women speakers and eligible board members. It is intended that this database will be made available to community organisations who are seeking to attract and engage women leaders, speakers and advisors.

There is great potential all around us. We need to work together to encourage and elevate the many amazing women in our community who have skill, talent and offer broader perspectives which will enrich our Jewish community.

Thank you, The Australian Jewish News, for following up on your investigation “which uncovered alarming experiences of gender inequality and harassment in Jewish organisations”. This important article highlighted our work in the Gender Equality space – in particular our Gender Equality Pledge and the #MakeSpaceForHer campaign.

The article included information on our future plans. “The next phase will see a database of accomplished Jewish women who can serve as speakers for events, chairs for committees and sit on boards to lead other organisations, be offered to the community”.
“No longer will the answer be, we wanted a woman but we couldn’t find one,” enthused CEO Alexandra P. Silver (She/Her).

“We are not here to shame anyone … We are here to engage, educate and inspire men and women to speak up for the women of our great community, the mothers, the daughters, sisters and wives.”

The Jam Project 2021 is officially underway! Last night, we welcomed 20 new Buddies ​who are joining NCJWA Vic as volunteers. 

“Despite social distancing, the group came together to discuss their roles as volunteers; how to enhance their listening skills; and what makes a positive role model. We are so excited to be heading into the 5th year of the program with such strong, passionate women to emotionally guide Year 9 female participants through a year of change” said Naomi Swart, The Jam Project Coordinator.  

Buddies, see you back on Wednesday to complete the second part of the training.  

The Bayside Baha’i Community recently hosted an event and discussion entitled “Advancing the Role of Women in Society”. Various community groups were invited to contribute to the conversation, including NCJWA Vic. Representing our organisation was Debbie Strauch, Honorary Life Member and Immediate Past Vice-President.

“The discussion focussed on the organisations’ programs, support for women and families in these communities, Gender Equality, developing female mentors and leaders within each cultural group, and the preservation of culture and heritage” said Debbie.

Other organisations and communities represented included Wizo, the VCA (Vietnamese Community in Australia), the TARA Institute (representing the Tibetan Buddhist community), as well as the Lebanese community.

NCJWA Vic is honoured to be part of social cohesion initiatives, promoting Gender Equality and advancing women in our society.

“I am so happy! … We have waited for so long to come back!” Last week, our seniors and volunteers reunited for the first time in months. The Seniors’ Club, operating every Tuesday and Wednesday, has returned after months of hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. There were big smiles and laughter.

As part of the Tuesdays and Wednesdays clubs, the participants play Bingo, Red Aces and Rummy Tiles. They enjoy freshly made light lunch, prepared by our dedicated volunteers.

“Who is winning?” asked our CEO, Alex Silver. “Everybody!” answered one of the participants.

If you wish to join our Seniors’ Club contact our office for more details.

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? This is your chance to join the Caring Mums family! Our volunteers provide emotional support to pregnant women and mothers of newborn babies.  

A new volunteer training round will take place during April and May 2021. Limited spaces available.

Building positive relationships; empowering others; enhancing listening skills; and identifying red flags for mental health issues – are only some of the topics covered in this specialised training. 

For more information and to apply email: cmvolunteers@ncjwavic.org.au

We are excited to announce that Caring Mums is expanding! The City of Boroondara is now part of the program’s catchment area.  

Late last year, the Caring Mums team met with the Boroondara Maternal and Child Health Nurses via Zoom. “We look forward to working closely together and promoting Caring Mums to health professionals in the pre-natal sector in Boroondara” said Michelle Kornberg, Caring Mums Coordinator. 

Caring Mums is a free, confidential, non- denominational, service providing emotional support to mothers of newborn babies and pregnant women. We believe that no mother should have to feel alone on her journey of motherhood!  

If you are a mum, or know of a mum, who would like to be part of Caring Mums please contact the team on caringmums@ncjwavic.org.au.  

Thank you, The Australian Jewish News, for featuring The Jam Project in this week’s paper. Apply now to become a Jam Buddy www.ncjwavic.org.au/jam

The Jam Project, a National Council of Jewish Women Australia (NCJWA) (Vic) initiative, is searching for buddies to join the yearlong program that sees year 9 female participants individually paired with a trained buddy in their 20s. Fortnightly catch-ups allow for personal discussions to take place which supports the young women in navigating adolescence.

The regular and consistent contact between the buddies and the year 9 participant inspire the development of confidence, self esteem, resilience and leadership skills.

Heading into its fifth year in 2021, Jam Project Buddies are accomplished, determined and motivated women who are engaged in the community – standing as role models for teens during a formative time in their lives.

The Jam Project coordinator Naomi Swart enthused, “Are you in your 20's and looking for opportunities that provide self-development and meeting like-minded women? Do you want to learn skills that will enable you to be a buddy and a role model to a female in year 9? The Jam Project is the perfect fit for you!”

The regular ‘catch-ups’ between buddies and participants allow connections that are based on trust and respect to form. This can provide a safe space in which meaningful conversations and interactions can occur.

Additional group sessions are also conducted throughout the year on relevant and current topics crossing over both age groups – often with guest speakers.

APPLY NOW www.ncjwavic.org.au/jam

We are excited to share that The Jam Project was recently awarded with a grant from VicHealth, as part of their "Reimagining Health: A VicHealth Partnership Grant".

VicHealth is supporting our community by providing funds to enrich our Jam Sessions; assist with promoting the program; and more.  

Thank you, VicHealth, for your support of The Jam Project. 

The Jam Project, a program powered by NCJWA Vic, is currently recruiting young women in their 20’s to become Buddies in 2021.

The Jam Project Buddies - young, accomplished, determined, and motivated women who are engaged in the community - stand as role models for teens during a pivotal and formative time of their lives.

Heading into its fifth year in 2021, this project pairs a Year 9 female Participant with a trained Buddy. Training specifically for the 20's age group has been developed to focus on skills in communication, interaction, and relationship building.

“Are you between the age 21–28 years and looking for opportunities that provide self-development and meeting like-minded women? Do you want to learn skills that will enable you to be a buddy and a role model to a female in Year 9? The Jam Project is the perfect fit for you!” said Naomi Swart, The Jam Project Coordinator.

Additional group sessions are conducted throughout the year on relevant and current topics crossing over both age groups – often with guest speakers.

Fortnightly ‘catch ups’ with the matched participant allow connections that are based on trust and respect to form. This can provide a safe space in which meaningful conversations and interactions can occur. The regular and consistent contact inspires development of confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and leadership skills in both yourself and your match. The Jam Project can provide a solid base for confidence and leadership in your future.

APPLY NOW!