The Center for Leadership Initiatives (CLI) was established in 2006 through the support and vision of philanthropist Lynn Schusterman , to support current and emerging leaders in the global Jewish community. Through the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation (CLSFF), Lynn had already been searching for ways to network and train individuals leading or rising in the ranks of her grantee organizations. Over the years, Lynn and the CLSFF staff noted that organizational leaders are often isolated in their work, driven by long lists of to-do items and challenged to sustain their vision and well-being. By offering new and veteran leaders an opportunity to network with each other, to discuss issues affecting their organizations and the Jewish community as a whole, and to take time outside of their daily lives, CLI would strengthen them, retaining them in the field and ultimately building the capacity of the Jewish community.

CLI’s first programs focused on CLSFF’s grantee organizations, but quickly expanded to include new and innovative voices emerging in the communal landscape. This vision turned international, as the ROI Community grew to include young leaders from over thirty countries. Melding skills development, peer-to-peer support networks, Jewish text study and cutting edge leadership development tools, the CLI network of participants rapidly grew to include over 1,000 individuals. In order to broaden its reach, CLI began to partner with leading organizations in the Jewish and general community internationally, including Birthright Israel Next, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Jewish Week, Teach for America and others.

CLI believes that crafted gatherings - retreats or conferences that bring together exemplary participants and incorporate skills trainings, networking and reflection - are highly effective vehicles for intensive work with individuals and groups. Our approach blends virtual modalities and social networking, face-to-face interactions and trainings that center on cohorts and teams. CLI often exposes participants to train-the-trainer approaches, which allow them to integrate CLI methodologies into their daily work and organizations. By upgrading the nature and level of conversations, trainings and meetings overall, CLI strives to help the Jewish community evolve into an increasingly effective and engaging place to live and work.