Glass Leadership Institute

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is one of the nation's premier civil rights organizations. ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals, and protects civil rights for all.

Participants in the Glass Young Leadership Institute are drawn from the community by nominations submitted by ADL Board members, rabbis, community leaders, past program participants and ADL staff. Nominees are then asked to submit a formal application and identify their current community involvement and interests as well as their reasons for wanting to get involved in ADL.

The Glass Institute runs September thru April, with sessions once a month that give participants an opportunity to learn about ADL’s resources and programs in the following areas:

• Anti-Semitism: Local, Regional, National & Global Incidents are discussed as well as the many ways in which ADL responds
• Church/State Issues: faith-based initiatives, religion in public schools, and more
• Creating bias-free schools, workplaces & communities
• Extremism & Hate groups
• Law enforcement resources, support & training
• Advocacy and support for Israel
• Security awareness for Jewish institutions
• Fundraising and its role in the ADL

The year culminates with a trip to Washington DC where the class will attend the Shana Amy Glass National Leadership Conference.  This conference has been a highlight for many in the program. The conference convenes over 600 participants, for 3 days of in-depth study with national leaders and a visit to Capitol Hill to lobby on ADL issues. Speakers at the 2010 Conference included Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Ambassador Dennis Ross, and National Council of La Raza CEO Janet Murguia. While there is no charge for the Glass Young Leadership Institute, all participants are asked to make a meaningful financial gift to ADL’s annual fundraising campaign. The suggested gift is $250.

It is our goal that when participants graduate that they should have achieved these three common characteristics of ADL leaders.

1. They have a broad understanding of ADL and commitment to its mission

2. They possess a willingness to make an impact and personal contribution to the organization

3. They are consistent and meaningful supporters of the organization and its programs.

The Glass Young Leadership Institute rewards both the participants and ADL by developing future leaders who will continue the fight to “stop the defamation of the Jewish people …to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike.”

Please contact ADL at 602-274-0991 with any questions or to receive an application.