Women have traditionally served in volunteer roles as activists and care-givers. Until recently, few have viewed themselves as philanthropists with the power to shape the future of the Jewish community. Statistics tell us that over the next few years there will be a great shift of wealth to the women of the Jewish community. It will then be incumbent upon us to assume the mantle of responsibility to make practical and often difficult decisions about how to fund the institutions that we love and that our community needs.

Bringing People Together
Like all members of the Federation family, Women's Division believes that every Jew is part of, and responsible for, a larger community that includes our families, extended Jewish community and the family of Jews worldwide. Our agencies work to broaden and fortify our community through programs that bring people together. Through these programs, Federation helps to combat anti-Semitism strengthen inter-group relations, reach out to inter-faith families, serve immigrants and support social and recreational programs for all ages.

Shaping the Future
Federation is the Jewish community's hub for long-range planning. Women's Division enables women from many backgrounds to help shape the character and direction of Federation through fundraising and, through the Community Planning and Allocations department participation, a careful process of identifying needs, prioritizing services and allocating resources. The Women's Division offers women opportunities to share their knowledge with others, learn from mentors, and hone managerial and leadership skills.

Strengthening Jewish Life
Through our fundraising efforts, Women's Division helps Federation agencies bolster Jewish identity in the lives of young people and adults. We help support local programs that reinforce ties with Israel and the global Jewish community, experiences in Israel for Jews of all ages, Jewish education for children and families, summer camping and other cultural programs for youth, resettlement services and Jewish acculturation for immigrants.

Caring for the Vulnerable
As women, we play a special part in Federation's mission of giving voice and comfort to the vulnerable and helping to heal the world every day. The funds we raise support programs that meet basic human needs, such as senior centers and services for the elderly, hot meals for the hungry, counseling services for children and adults, early childhood services, foster care, and programs for the sick, infirm, and institutionalized.

• Women inspire others to translate their Jewish caring into giving that makes a difference.
• Women are knowledgeable philanthropists who understand how to exercise their power to make a difference through giving.
• Increasing women's campaigns demonstrate women's leadership. Women's giving is the launching pad for future Tikkun Olam.
• Women's giving demonstrates dedication to, and acceptance of, responsibility for the needs of the global Jewish community.
• Money is influence; the more women give in their own name, the greater their credibility and power as leaders and policy makers.
• Women's giving is fiscal evidence of the influence women exert as full partners and decision makers in the family, the community, and nation building.
• Women can impact Jewish political power. US Government leaders count the number of givers when they measure support for Israel and local communities.
• Women have an obligation to practice tzedakah; no one can perform a mitzvah in another's name.
• By giving as individuals, women can stand up and truly be counted.