Real world experiments

AWP identified best policies and practices for advancing gender equity and women’s leadership, from corporations, academia, and other professional fields. We then partnered with prominent Jewish organizations to adapt these proven strategies to their specific contexts. In each case, our real world experiments led to measurable change:

Action research at Jewish Federations of North America (2003-2007)

Our action-research projects explored gender equity and women’s leadership in the federation system, including talent cultivation, professional development, and work-life policy. Discussion of our findings across JFNA eventually led to improved work-life policies and a new selection process for executive development programs.

Work-life fit at Hillel (2001-2011)

We analyzed work-life challenges throughout this national system of campus centers. Among the outcomes were training sessions at annual conferences, a work-life coaching project, inclusion of these issues in annual performance assessments, a salary study, and the launch of a women’s network.

Flexibility at Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (2003-2004)

We collaborated with senior managers to develop guidelines for flexible work arrangements. The goal was to support diversity and productivity within this large network of social service agencies. The experiment went forward in multiple departments and influenced other Jewish organizations to establish flexible work arrangements.

Search process for women rabbis in the Conservative movement (2003-2010)

With the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), we supported the consultative role of regional directors in the search process, to improve recruitment and selection for women rabbis. Among the outcomes was a research study about gender variations in the salary and careers of Conservative rabbis, conducted by the Rabbinical Assembly. This led to coaching and education programs to help women rabbis negotiate and navigate their career pathways.