Don’t change your calendar yet!

I was eagerly awaiting the JFN 2020 conference in Florida and was discouraged and disappointed when the coronavirus pandemic forced us to cancel.

Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus, we can’t risk traveling and meeting face to face. The thing is, in these turbulent times, we can’t afford NOT to meet. It’s important that, in this time of crisis, we share our perplexities, our fear, our ideas, and our hopes. Above all, it’s critical to discuss what we, as funders, can do to help the community and each other. That’s why we are convening virtually on March 23 and March 24.

On those days, please reserve 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (16:30-21:30 in Israel) so that the JFN community can come together online for several relevant sessions, mostly focused on the current situation, using videoconferencing technology. More programming will be available in the coming weeks and all along the spring as we ramp up our virtual sessions.

I know the Internet can never substitute for a real-live conference in which you can share meals, schmooze in the hallways, and maybe even get a Florida tan. But even so, we expect these sessions will be engaging, will include opportunities for you to get to know other members of the JFN community and will provide critical information. Above all, they will offer a place to think together about the challenges and the uncertainty we face.

Stay tuned in the coming days for more details about this special programming, which is open to all conference registrants and JFN members.

At times like these, it is important to remember that JFN is much, much more than a conference. We are a family, and even if we can’t get together in person as often as we’d like, we continue to stay in touch. Together, we are stronger and more effective than any one of us is alone, especially when we share ideas, inspiration and best practices with one another.

I look forward to seeing you online, both this month and throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

Stay healthy, and be certain that, as King Solomon wisely said, this too shall pass!