Dynamics of Growth- The Covenant of Membership, Inreach, Outreach, and Marketing: Large
The Dynamics of Growth: Outreach/Inreach, Marketing, Branding and the Covenant of Membership: Good growth isn’t only about numbers; if your congregation is to grow, it must focus also on dynamic changes, starting with the way you build and sustain relationships, both inside and outside of the congregational setting. How do we effectively and authentically articulate those thing which are deeply relevant to our communities in a way that encourages meaningful engagement? This session will share practical ways of applying your community's values to positively affect both internal engagement and outreach to potential members.
"In Reconstructionist circles, making our communities inclusive is one of our chief goals. We are acutely aware of the barriers that people encounter when they contemplate belonging to the Jewish community.. the Reconstructionist commitment to inclusivity is not only based on a desire to be warm and welcoming. It is deeply rooted in a commitment to democratic values and an understanding of the evolving nature of Jewish civilization." Exploring Judaism (200), Staub and Alpert, p. 118-9.
NOTE: To maximize communal learning, congregations are encourage to form a team (including clergy) and sign up for all three sessions designed for your congregational size, see http://jrf.org/pearl/sessions/2012
Expected Preparation (Written and Audio):
http://jrf.org/pearl/2011/Dynamics-of-Growth
http://jrf.org/pearl/2009/dynamics-of-growth
http://jrf.org/pearl/2010/Diversity-Sacred-Community
Additional resources: http://jrf.org/keruv-library
Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit, www.rabbizevit.com is a congregational consultant and Director of Outreach and Tikkun Olam for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. He is the Co-Director of the award-winning Davennen Leaders Training Institute and is a spiritual director for many clergy. A recording artist he has also written and developed resources in the areas of Community Building, Leadership, Prayer, Contemporary views of GOD, Jewish Men's issues ("Brother Keepers: New Essays in Jewish Masculinity), and Money and Jewish values ("Offerings of the Heart: Values-Based Approaches to Money in Faith Community". Rabbi Zevit moved to Cleveland in 2009 to be with his wife Simcha and family, continuing his work for JRF from there.
Halle Barnett is Associate Consultant for Congregational Services for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. A branding and marketing specialist, Halle, along with her husband, Benjamin, run media schmedia, a marketing and design company whose brand-focused insights, strategies and tools define and drive their clients' businesses and unleash their potential. Halle's extensive background in audience and membership development informs "the delicious work" of building image and awareness for, and engagement in organizations of all kinds. An active volunteer, Halle serves on the board of Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce, and as both a peer counselor and PR Director for the breastfeeding support organization, La Leche League of Ohio. Halle and Benjamin are the proud parents of two enthusiastic Camp JRF alumni, and members of Kol HaLev in Cleveland, where they are leading its branding effort. Halle can be reached at acornbaum@aol.com or words@media-schmedia.com.