The goal of the Federation's Young Leadership Council (YLC) is to reach out to every Jewish adult between the ages of 23-37 to help them become active members of Federation and Atlanta's Jewish community. YLC is not a membership organization and is open to anyone who wants to get involved.

To date, YLC has raised more than $600,000 for the 2003 Campaign for Community Needs, from nearly 967 pledges. The campaign, led by YLC co-chairs Rebecca Hoelting and Scott Horowitz, is running at a 39 percent increase over 2002.

"YLC teaches young adults like me the importance of Federation's mission and goals. Through YLC, I have seen first-hand the wonderful causes that Federation maintains, and I have learned the importance of supporting Federation," says Marc Alexander, YLC New Donor co-chair.

A recent new donors event held at EarthLink Live, featured a private performance by the Whole World Theatre Improv Comedy Troupe. More than 230 young adults came out to raise money and invite new YLCers to become active members of Federation. As a result, 96 people became first-time donors to Federation's campaign.

Alexander believes new donors get involved because it is easy for them to see the benefits of every dollar donated. "YLC really tries to make an effort to reach out in the community and get more people involved, but I think the real key is education, telling people the story and really letting them understand the value and where dollars are spent and how they directly impact the local community, overseas and especially the State of Israel."

In March, 28 YLCers from Atlanta participated in the United Jewish Communities Eastern Regional Conference in Pittsburgh. While at the conference, the group had the opportunity to discuss topics such as "Raising a Jewish Child," to "Helping Israel at Home" and "Translating our values into Action."

YLC also offers leadership training, a tool that Leadership Training Institute co-chair Greg Schwarz finds invaluable. "The Young Leadership Institute is designed to give participants a full picture of how Federation works and what Federation is able to accomplish. We have found that once someone understands and appreciates the amazing programs and organizations that Federation supports, they are ready and willing to become more active in what we are trying to achieve."

For more information about YLC, please contact Ronette Bloom at rbloom@jfga.org or (404) 870-1860.