Inclusivity and Outreach

The issue of diversity does not rank as high for respondents with certain demographic backgrounds who might feel excluded. For 18-39-years-old, Jews of color, and those with disability, it ranks near the bottom of reasons for not being involved. But as detailed below, these groups put a premium on diversity and favor taking steps to increase inclusion.

A majority believe that institutions should do more to be inclusive and in touch

By nearly 3:1, American Jews believe that community organizations and institutions should consider becoming more inclusive and in touch with the community. Sixty-four percent (a 4% increase since 2019) favor change, including 38% strongly in favor of it, compared to only 18% who do not want change.

Do you feel Jewish institutions and organizations should be considering changes to be more inclusive and in touch with the community?

The interest in change of those already involved in the community is even higher. Seventy-four percent of engaged Jews want to see such changes considered. This is also supported by a 51% majority of the unengaged Jews, whereas 25% have no opinion.

Support for change is higher among the younger Jews (69%), non-white Jews (57%), and Jews with disabilities (75%). Support was below 50% among non-denominational Jews, over 60% among all denominations, and up to 72% among the Orthodox.

Three of the four proposals tested for this change were seen as at least somewhat effective by over 64%. The most attractive of the proposals we examined – bringing in more leadership from underrepresented groups – was seen as at least somewhat effective by 68%, and very effective by 29%. This was the top-scoring proposal across age groups, giving levels, and engagement levels, as well as with the Jews with disabilities and Jews of color. It was also top scoring across all denominations except the Orthodox, who ranked putting “more policies and decisions up to a vote of all members” as most effective (34% very effective). Even the least supported proposal was seen as at least somewhat effective by 44%.

The issue of diversifying the leadership of communal institutions was perceived as an effective way to increase overall inclusion within these organizations, across all age groups and denominations. Other suggestions supported by 20% or more were reserving leadership slots for volunteers and putting up more decisions for a vote. These suggestions were welcomed by smaller donors, Jews of color, and Jews with disabilities.

Change is not the solution, however. Only 29% said they would get more engaged if “Jewish institutions made some changes and showed they cared about people like me.” Forty-nine percent said that they were not going to become more engaged “…no matter how they change the leadership structure.” Again, those already engaged were more interested, with 31% saying that they would become more involved if changes were made.

Those who voiced an opinion gave their local organizations positive marks for dealing with the pandemic (over 43%), but just as many did not know how the organizations did. The engaged and Orthodox were overwhelmingly positive.

Did your local Jewish community do a positive job of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?