Leadership Exchange Programs
AJC Leadership Exchange Programs offer week-long leadership development experiences in either Germany or Poland. Through unprecedented access to top-level decision makers and analysts, participants gain exposure to the country’s complex past, culture, political atmosphere, and role in European and transatlantic affairs, while also meeting with local counterparts. On-the-ground, AJC leaders engage in discussion on a range of topics including foreign policy, particularly as it relates to Israel and the U.S., antisemitism and extremism, and Holocaust memory.
AJC’s Leadership Exchange Programs are an impactful step on one’s leadership journey at AJC, and upon returning from the exchange program, leaders join an esteemed group of alumni who gather periodically during the year to further deepen their ties to the respective countries.
Programs
AJC-Adenauer Leadership Exchange Program to Germany: June 9-17**
AJC Polish-Jewish Leadership Exchange Program to Poland: July 19-26
AJC’s partner, the Adenauer Foundation, covers on-the-ground expenses for the program in Germany, and AJC's partner Forum for Dialogue, organizes the program in Poland. AJC reciprocates each year by hosting a delegation of outstanding Germans and Poles in the U.S. Once the program begins, all internal travel, hotels and most meals are at the expense of AJC’s partners.
Selection Process
Outstanding leaders are nominated by AJC staff for consideration to either or both programs. The nominations are reviewed and decisions are made by a by a small Selection Committee of both lay leadership and AJC professionals. Each program has only 10-12 spots available and AJC receives 3-4 times that number of applications.
If you are interested in participating in a program, reach out to your Regional Office.
Eligibility Criteria
These are highly selective programs open to AJC leaders at the Emissaries level ($ 5,000 - $9,999) and above.
Demographic Characteristics
We seek leaders from around the country to build dynamic and diverse delegations. These programs are designed for rising AJC stars regionally and/or nationally.
Leadership Capacity
These opportunities are geared towards leaders who can advance the financial, institutional and mission-oriented goals of AJC and embody the tenets of an AJC leader. Successful participants are articulate ambassadors and have demonstrated both interest and ability in assuming robust responsibilities and a deepened engagement in leadership roles.
Additional Considerations
Preference will be given to nominees who have never traveled with AJC on a diplomatic mission or Leadership Exchange Program. If spouses apply, each will be considered independently. While not required, demonstrated interest or familiarity in the country, Europe, Transatlantic relations, and/or general interest in foreign policy is preferable.
**Adenauer Exchange Program: 40th Anniversary Trip
The 2020 Adenauer Exchange will be a unique trip, unlike any previous year, to mark the 40th anniversary of the program’s founding. The trip will begin in Munich on Tuesday, June 9th, 2020, and end in Berlin on Thursday, June 11th. At the end of the trip, participants will continue on to participate in the historic 2020 Global Forum in Berlin. At the Global Forum, Adenauer participants and alumni will play a critical role as ambassadors of the exchange program and will have the opportunity to join special programming. Because Global Forum will be a key part of the Adenauer experience, participants are expected to remain in Berlin for Global Forum – including the Shabbaton – until the conclusion of Global Forum on Wednesday June 17. Acceptance to the program is conditional upon a candidate’s agreement to participate in Global Forum. Participation at the Global Forum and accompanying Shabbaton will be at the expense of the participant.
Questions? Email leadership@ajc.org
