A Year of Change
Verneé Green
CEO, Mikva Challenge
In many ways, 2022 presented Mikva Challenge with a return to normalcy. From resuming on-site programming with students and teachers to the many gatherings with our supporters and stakeholders, the renewed sense of normalcy was welcome.
However, 2022 also marked a period of transition and change. We continued to deepen and expand our nationwide impact through our partnerships with school districts across the country, and through our signature Youth Council and Fellowship work in Chicago and DC. We moved forward with our strategic planning process, ratifying our organizational values and developing our theory of change. And we welcomed new senior leadership, who are helping us reach our full potential as an organization.
Change can be many things: thrilling and challenging; overwhelming and exciting. But, as we continue navigating through this period of transition, I am reminded constantly that change is progress. Because, at its heart, Mikva’s work is transformational.
It is true for our students. We know that young people are transformed by Mikva’s programs. After participating in a Mikva program, 95.6% of students report wanting to try harder in school and 93.6% of students feel more confident interacting with people of different ages, political backgrounds, and/or beliefs.
The transformation rings true for our teachers, as well. Over 96% of teachers report having more positive relationships with their students as a result of Project Soapbox and 83.1% of teachers report the change was significant. With over 90% of educators reporting burnout and struggling with the lingering effects of the pandemic, the restorative value of relationships cannot be overstated.
In 2022, 95.2% of teachers reported that after participating in Mikva programming they were more energized and inspired about their work. We are proud to provide educators with professional development opportunities that cultivate a renewed sense of purpose and network of support.
Internally, at Mikva Challenge, 2022 presented us the opportunity to consider who we are and how we live by our values. As mentioned previously, we refined our theory of change and reaffirmed our organizational values. I am particularly proud of the way Mikva’s organizational values continue to guide our work – our work with young people, with teachers and the work advanced by Mikva boards and our staff.
During the 2021-2022 school year Mikva elevated youth voices across the country, with thousands of students participating in Project Soapbox showcases that took place at 14 sites across the country. We continued building community through our signature events that gather young people and adult leaders who share a passion for change. Through our Youth Councils, young leaders continued to advance equity and justice through policy recommendations for their schools and communities. We continued to advocate for civics education that prepares youth to lead, through movement building work with partner sites, school districts, and in collaboration with other national civics organizations. And, most importantly, we have always created space for our students, and ourselves, to reflect and grow.
Thank you. Without you our work wouldn’t be possible. With your steadfast support we will reach more students, engage more teachers and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy in the year ahead!
With gratitude,
Verneé Green, CEO Mikva Challenge
Our Values