Ambassadors Fellowship
Designed for those called to cultivate connection, care, and community
A selective leadership experience for those called to cultivate meaningful connections at the Den among folks in their 20s–40s across our community. Fellows will receive training in relational community organizing, spiritual listening, and community network weaving — drawing on the wisdom of Den leaders and select outside professionals who bring expertise in building inclusive, values-driven communities. This fellowship equips participants with exceptional tools—like active listening, connecting others, and moving from relationship-building to collaborative action—that are valuable in professional settings and beyond. Ambassadors join a trusted circle of Den leaders committed to fostering belonging, care, and purpose in every interaction.
What You’ll Receive and What You’ll Do
Monthly gatherings (1-2 times per month)
Ambassadors meet 1-2 times each month for training, reflection, and peer support. Most sessions are in person, with a few virtual gatherings woven in.Receive training in relational community building and spiritual listening
Gain thoughtful, professional training to develop skills in connecting meaningfully with others—whether welcoming new members, reconnecting longtime participants, or being present to people’s evolving needs, helping them ground and find connection. You’ll be equipped to hold one-on-one conversations that help people feel seen, valued, and deeply rooted in community.Partnering with the Den staff to meet community needs
Ambassadors work closely with the Den team to expand our capacity for care and connection as our community grows. While the rabbi continues to provide pastoral care, life cycle support, and guidance through major transitions, Ambassadors play a key role in offering touchpoints and helping folks find their place.Hands-on relational leadership
Engage actively by connecting one-on-one with individuals reaching out to the Den. Ambassadors serve as network weavers, offering connections to community members, Den experiences, and opportunities in the broader Jewish community.Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Meet regularly with a small group of peers to share experiences, practice skills, and grow together as relational leaders.Tools and frameworks for community building
Access practical resources rooted in Jewish values to guide your work—spiritual listening, relationship mapping, intentional follow-up, and more.A trusted circle of community weavers
Join a cohort of peers committed to building a culture of care, belonging, and connection across the Den.At the successful completion of the Ambassadors Fellowship, you will be awarded a Certificate of Community Building and Leadership from the Den Collective in recognition of your commitment to cultivating connection, care, and growth within our community.
Fellowship Requirements
Participation in the Ambassadors Fellowship is a commitment to active engagement, growth, and partnership in building community. Fellows are expected to:
Attend all cohort sessions consistently, with active participation (primarily in person, with some virtual gatherings)
Engage regularly with your Community of Practice (CoP) between sessions to share insights, practice skills, and support peers
Provide ongoing one-on-one outreach and relational connection to individuals reaching out to the Den—welcoming newcomers, reconnecting longtime members, and offering support during transitions
Serve as a network weaver by connecting community members to Den programs, experiences, and broader opportunities
Co-host or support Den events and gatherings as a welcoming presence at least 2–3 times during the fellowship year
Integrate training and mentorship into your relational leadership practice, reflecting on and deepening your role as an Ambassador within the Den community
Everyone who is officially admitted into the fellowship will be asked to please contribute $360 in order to support the creation of this 8-month cohort experience. If this amount is cost prohibitive for you, please contribute what you are comfortable with. Cost is not a barrier for entry.
Goals and Learning Outcomes
Develop a strong foundation in relational leadership within a contemporary Jewish community by:
Understanding and embodying the role of an Ambassador as a trusted connector, listener, and community builder
Building skills in spiritual listening and one-on-one engagement that nurture belonging and support individual growth
Cultivating the ability to hold space for others’ evolving needs with empathy, presence, and respect
Applying Jewish values, texts, and wisdom to guide relational practices and deepen community connection
Growing confidence and resilience through mentorship, peer support, and ongoing reflection
Strengthening your capacity to weave networks and foster meaningful connections across diverse community members
Building a foundation for sustained leadership that supports the Den’s culture of care, inclusion, and belonging
Transformational Experiences
Practical experience connecting one-on-one with community members, supported by real-time feedback from mentors and peers
Building deeper relationships within a trusted cohort of fellow Ambassadors dedicated to relational leadership
Opportunities to engage in community gatherings and events as welcoming hosts and network weavers, embodying Den values of care, inclusion, and belonging
Reflective practices that help you refine your unique relational leadership style and deepen your presence
Integration of Jewish wisdom and spiritual listening techniques to guide your work in fostering connection and support
Community and Support
Join a peer-led, relational leadership cohort grounded in Jewish values and Den culture
Access ongoing mentorship and consultation from Den staff, rabbis, and experienced community leaders
Collaborate with Den staff and fellows to welcome, connect, and support community members during and beyond the fellowship
Build lasting relationships that sustain your growth as a trusted connector and community weaver within the Den
Key Dates & Timeline
August 5 — Applications open via our community email
August 20 — Fellowship Applications due
August 20–29 — Applications reviewed by Den Staff Team and members of the Innovative Leadership Team (ILT)
August 29: All applicants will be notified of their status. If you are selected for an interview, you will meet with Rabbi Aderet and a few members of the ILT for a virtual 45 minute interview.
September 2-19: Interviews will be held for selected applicants
September 30: Applicants will be notified of their status, and acceptance emails will be sent out. If you are granted acceptance into the Den’s Sacred Facilitators or Ambassadors Fellowships, you will receive an agreement to sign, affirming your full commitment to the fellowship experience, including attendance at all sessions. We understand that unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or other life events, may occasionally arise, and we ask that you be in touch with us promptly if such situations arise.
Schedule
Fellowship sessions begin in October 2025 and continue monthly through May 2026, with a communal celebration in June 2026.
Sessions will mostly be held in person in locations throughout the DC Metro Area. We will gather 1-2 times per month, creating a steady rhythm of connection, learning, and growth. We will come together one Tuesday a month, and some months will also include an additional Tuesday evening or a Sunday gathering and/or Shabbat/Holiday experience as a fellowship cohort.
Upon acceptance to the Den’s fellowship, you will receive a full calendar.
the Den Collective® welcomes the participation of people of all abilities and backgrounds, levels of religiosity, gender identities, and sexual orientations. the Den Collective® fosters inclusive community and strives to accommodate all needs whenever possible.