Danielle V. Minson — Raising the Bar
Cincinnati 2020 in 2015: Q&A with Rabbi David Burstein: Guest Post by Barb Miller
How did you first get involved in Cincinnati 2020?
I was part of the first community meeting, and, now the second one, five years later. My role has continued as a voice for the teens and their education. I can remember entering the initial meeting of 2020 and being incredibly impressed that one city could have so many dedicated individuals who were interested in working together to improve the Jewish community.
What does Cincinnati 2020 mean to you, a convener and educator of teens?
We live in a wonderful city that has embraced collaboration and communal needs. I see so much potential here to create a world of opportunities for all Jewish teens in Cincinnati.
Why should Cincinnati 2020 be important to Cincinnati’s Jewish teen community?
When a community can come together as a whole, great things are possible. Such projects create a sense of hope for the future of Jewish life here. That directly affects the teens and their families and makes them want to stay here.
Has Cincinnati 2020 been a success? How do you measure its successes?
Over the last five years, in many different ways, I have seen the community come together. Collaboration and cross organization have become more evident and everyone can feel the difference. My hope is that our teens see this and realize what can be possible when dedicated people put aside their agendas and recognize the strength of community.
What do teenagers you interact with say when you tell them about Cincinnati 2020?
I think they need to understand just how unique their opportunities are here in Cincinnati. They are appreciative of the efforts being made on their behalf.
What does the future of teenage engagement look like through the lens of Cincinnati 2020?
We are in the beginning stages of a community-wide teen initiative that will put us at the forefront nationally of teen programming. It is an incredibly exciting time for teen programming in Cincinnati.
Did anything about Cincinnati 2020 or the collaboration itself surprise you?
I knew we had a passionate, active Jewish community in Cincinnati. But I’ve been so impressed by the number of talented and dedicated people who’ve shown, through their participation in Cincinnati 2020, just how deeply they care about building a strong Jewish future. As I have been able to get to know more of the members of this Jewish community, I feel more and more blessed to live in this city.
