Exploring the intersection between the world’s biggest needs, your deepest values and your greatest strengths

The REALITY Check Fellowship is a year-long program for REALITY alumni highly motivated to continue their development and become the most effective agents for change possible. Fellows will sharpen their sense of what values matter most to them, what they do best, and what issues most require their leadership. Currently in its pilot year, REALITY Check has selected 25 individuals to expand upon the themes and approaches from the Israel experience: meeting tremendous leaders, powerful self-reflective opportunities, a supportive community and the opportunity to make the most of your efforts for social change.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

REALITY Check is an intensive leadership development fellowship that enables REALITY alumni to explore, grow and synthesize their values, strengths and understandings of needs in order to have a lasting impact on the world. The program will enable fellows to:

• Zero in on a personal “theory of change” rooted in a deep analysis of root causes to inequity and learn from attempts to enact it;
• Identify, value and maximize personal strengths and acknowledge areas of weakness for the purpose of fulfilling leadership potential;
• Incorporate and adapt traditions and life decisions that reflect carefully considered personal and Jewish values and philosophies;
• Build community that can make fellows feel grounded, supported and part of a collective, ultimately deepening a commitment to the common good.

This opportunity is particularly valuable for individuals who are highly motivated to sharpen their personal and career trajectory but feel they need a supportive, intentional experience to do so. Everyone who joins REALITY Check must be prepared to explore themselves deeply and be willing to be challenged and supported by others—and do the same for the rest of the group.

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

REALITY Check Fellows will reconnect with their peers from the REALITY Israel Experience program through in-person and web-supported discussions, training seminars, guest speakers, mentoring opportunities, and shared experiences.

Fellows will also be responsible for completing several projects and commitments. These sessions will involve pre-work, including readings, reflections and gathering 360-feedback. REALITY Fellows will be required to fulfill all responsibilities and participate in all program components. These include:

• Two immersive retreats: 1) January 13-16, 2012, beginning at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center outside of Baltimore, Maryland and ending in Washington, DC; and 2) July 2012 (dates TBD) in Newark, NJ. The July retreat will coincide with REALITY Launch 2012, including a larger REALITY alumni community reunion and the departure of the newest REALITY members on the 2012 Israel Experience.
• Four participant and/or group-led projects, including a Passover initiative and creating your own Theory of Change.
• Local 90-minute programs with Fellows in your community (or virtual) to be held in February, May and June.
• A weekend gathering in your home town in March (exact date to be scheduled at your convenience).
• Fellows will each be paired with an individual mentor who can serve as a “life coach” during monthly conversations.

APPLICATION

Applications for REALITY Check 2012 are now closed.