Impact Year Leadership Program
A Deeper Dive into Jewish Learning, Leadership, and Community Impact
כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה
“All of Israel is responsible for one another.”—Talmud, Shavuot 39a
Our new Impact Year Leadership track invites teens to live this teaching by exploring Jewish identity, leading service events throughout the year, and reflecting on what it means to be connected to—and responsible for—others within the Jewish community and beyond.
Program Overview and Calendar
This leadership track asks for a greater commitment of time and energy. In return, teens become part of a dynamic, Bay Area-wide cohort—learning, leading, and growing together.
Our monthly mifgashim (gatherings) provide a platform for leaders to learn about a topic connected to their Jewish identity. Leaders then help plan and facilitate a service event with guidance from YouthFirst staff.
We kick-off the year with an immersive overnight retreat at URJ Camp Newman, and host two Bay Area-wide summits focused on issues that matter most to teens today.
2025 – 2026 Impact Year Leader Calendar:
Coming Soon.
Why Join as a Leader?
Being an Impact Year Leader helps teens better understand the needs in their communities while building valuable leadership skills. With the support of YouthFirst staff, leaders collaboratively plan and lead service projects for their local communities.
Over the course of this eight-month commitment, Impact Year Leaders will:
Lead
Plan and run original service projects for teens—addressing real needs in your community.
Learn
Participate in interactive monthly workshops, two Bay Area-wide summits, and an overnight retreat—exploring what it means to be a Jewish teen in today’s world.
Grow
Join a Bay Area-wide leadership cohort—expand your worldview, get to know teens from across the region, and exchange ideas.
Build Community
Form lifelong friendships with like-minded teens who care and take action.
Stay Connected
Follow YouthFirst on Instagram for updates, stories, and events.
Contact Us
Have questions or want help deciding how to get involved? Reach out to us below!
