celebrating volunteers at the JVN Awards

On January 19th, an incredible 340 people gathered at The Grove Hotel in Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire, just outside London, for the highly anticipated Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) Awards. This annual event celebrates the tireless contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to charitable causes across the UK.

This year, The Together Plan was thrilled to nominate Carl Kaplan, an extraordinary volunteer who supports our work all the way from Boston, USA. Carl is a vital member of our Archive Services Project, where he works in a team that helps individuals around the world uncover family records in the Belarus archives. Through his dedication and passion, Carl has become an invaluable part of our team, helping families piece together the threads of their family stories.

Carl, along with our team in Minsk and archivists in Belarus, works to help people uncover family histories. Whilst this project can sometimes help people find living relatives, it also enriches our understanding of Jewish communities of the past. This work informs our ongoing development of the Belarus Jewish Heritage Route, which sheds light on the history and importance of Jewish Belarus and its communities today. With Carl’s help, we are able to connect to untold personal stories and hidden histories, which is helping us preserve and share the legacy of Jewish life in Belarus.

We were delighted that Carl travelled to the UK for the awards ceremony, where he proudly represented The Together Plan. During his visit, Carl also gave a fascinating talk at Finchley Reform Synagogue. He shared his personal journey into genealogy, offering insights into how anyone can begin to uncover their family history. He provided captivating examples of his own discoveries, including how his research led him to The Together Plan—a connection that opened new doors for his genealogy work and brought him into our community.

The event also featured Leigh Dworkin, Chairman of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain, who highlighted the tools and resources available to those exploring their family trees. Together, Leigh and Carl provided a wealth of knowledge, inspiring attendees to dive into their own genealogical research.

Carl’s journey—from knowing little about his family’s past to making extraordinary discoveries—reminds us of the power of perseverance and the incredible stories waiting to be uncovered. His passion for our mission now drives him as an integral part of our team.

We are immensely proud of Carl and grateful for his unwavering dedication. His recognition at the JVN Awards is a testament to the impact one volunteer can have on individuals, families, and communities.

If you’re curious about The Together Plan’s Archive Services, click here to learn more. And if you’d like to join our incredible team of volunteers, click here.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to JVN for the incredible work you do to support the charity sector. Your dedication makes an immeasurable difference, and we truly appreciate all that you do.