The Alumni Program began with 309 members and three key programs: the Facebook Group, the Professional Development Fund, and the Speakers Bureau. Amber became the Manager of Alumni Relations. The original Facebook group still exists today with more than 1,100 members. It provides a venue for people to share opportunities, ask for recommendations, and most importantly, connect. The first applicant for the Professional Development Fund was author Chris Stedman, who needed a headshot for his book “Faithiest.” Amber, an evangelical Christian, recently reminisced about listening to the Christian band Jars of Clay while reviewing Chris’ book on how atheists can engage in interfaith work. The Alumni Speakers Bureau helped the organization share the story of interfaith cooperation, fulfilled the many requests IFYC received for speaking opportunities, and provided leadership development opportunities for the alumni. It was a win-win.
Fast forward a little more than 10 years, the network has grown to more than 2,000 people primarily in their early 20s to late 30s, from a variety of professional sectors, racial identities, religious and non-religious worldviews. They are rabbis, pastors, imams, doctors, nurses, professors, scientists, elementary school teachers, politicians, lawyers, community organizers, case managers, small business owners, journalists, graduate students, and much more. They are applying their interfaith leadership skills in their careers and communities.
We have the honor of supporting our network with many opportunities such as the Interfaith Leadership Fund, the Racial Equity and Interfaith Cooperation Awards, the Sacred Journey Fellowship, and the Interfaith Innovation Fellowship.
As we become Interfaith America, our network of young professionals will be renamed “Emerging Leaders of Interfaith America.” This new name captures the essence of the people in our network who are out in the world carrying out our mission of building Interfaith America.
The Emerging Leaders Network inspires, equips, and connects members of our network and the institutions they serve. We inspire by sharing stories of Emerging Leaders creating change in their communities. We equip our leaders to make an impact with grants and learning resources. Finally, we connect them with each other through convenings and fellowships.