Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in either the Jewish community, the civic community or both, possess strong leadership qualities and be committed to social justice.

Through interaction with community leaders, political officials, rabbis, scholars, visionaries and activists, last year's group learned about the history and current status of San Francisco's diverse communities, Jewish and non-Jewish, and came to a greater understanding of the needs and gaps in social services. They also explored community programs, finding creative ways to apply their leadership skills.

"One of the cornerstones of Judaism is the commandment of tikkun olam, a mandate to work toward social justice both within and outside of the Jewish community," said Marla Kolman, coordinator of the program.

"The New Leaders Project brings this mandate to life by providing participants with the tools and resources they need to become educated, involved members of both the Jewish and civic communities in the Bay Area."

A hands-on community service project complements the educational workshops, during which participants, working in small groups, link with city organizations or agencies to develop and implement short-term projects.

After completing the program, participants are expected to continue their activism in the Jewish and civic communities.

Kolman said, "Perhaps one of the nicest benefits of the program is the close sense of camaraderie and community that develops among class members, creating an ever- increasing network of Jewish leaders who are involved in everything from politics to business to the non-profit world."

For information, call Kolman at (415) 957-1551, or e-mail to [email protected] (put "Marla" or "NLP" in the subject line).