Serving on the regional board was one of the most formative and edifying experiences of my life.  The gravity of that statement is not unintentional-I really believe that NFTY helped me discover my passions for education, social action, and Judaism and my ability to be a role model and leader among peers.  Fortunately, I have always been fairly self-aware and I recognized the impact that NFTY was having on my life as I was living it.  So, I submerged myself in the experience and grasped at leadership roles and opportunities to make a positive impact on the organization and my region.

And this weekend, I was able to join the "new generation" of NFTY leaders- who are in the same positions that I was in 5 years ago.  At URJ Camp Kutz, 100 high-school aged regional board members from across the country gathered to conduct NFTY "business," including selecting new social action and study themes and electing a new North American board for the upcoming year.

I was incredibly impressed with the students that I met.  Their professional approaches to the issues at hand, their energy, and their passion were admirable (and, at times, distinctly uncharacteristic of high school students).  And most importantly, these students were completely invested in the future of NFTY and the Reform Movement.

I can only hope that they will continue to be involved with Reform Judaism throughout college and beyond.  After all, three of this year's Legislative Assistants at the RAC are former regional board members!