Fostering Relationships with Outlying Jewish Communities: A Professional Challenge

1. Fostering Relationships with Outlying Jewish Communities: A Professional Challenge Rachel Heilbronner PDI Capstone Presentation May 25, 2011

2. Research Question How can BBYO Regions most effectively work to maintain their outlying chapters in order to keep smaller and outlying communities engaged in Jewish life? Beyond that, what are the costs and benefits of having paid Field Professionals in these outlying areas? If there are ways to be successful without paid FPs, what does that success look like? Are there communities that would potentially support BBYO chapters, and how do we know we can successfully generate new chapters in outlying areas?

3. “KolYisraelareivimzeh le zeh” “Every Jew is responsible for one another.” - Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 39

4. Methodology • Staff Conference session • Surveys to teen members • Interviews with Field Professionals • Interviews with Advisors • Research on specific outlying communities (using jewishdatabase.org, bjpa.org and other websites) • Cost-Benefit Analysis research

5. Elements to consider • Changing community demographics • BBYO Field Professionals (FPs) need help • “Cookie cutter” approach cannot work • BBYO is uniquely positioned to help these communities grow; the need is symbiotic • Focus Communities and Cost Benefit Analysis • Albuquerque, NM • Eugene, OR • Dayton, OH • Madison, WI

6. Changing Landscape of the American Jewish Community “In 1960, according to data in the American Jewish Year Book, 67% of American Jews lived in the Northeast, 14% in the Midwest, 9% in the South, and 11% in the West. By 2000-01, according to NJPS, the percentage of Jews in the Northeast had declined to 43% while the percentage in the Midwest had dropped slightly to 12%. In contrast, the percentage of Jews living in the South had increased to 22% and the percentage in the West had also risen to 22%.” - Geographic Differences Among American Jews United Jewish Communities Report, 2000

7. BBYO Field Professionals • Staff conference session in January proved that this topic is of great importance to the field • Conversation about successes and challenges … 

8. Current Successes • Using college students • Teens taking on bigger leadership positions- good for the community • Using unaffiliated synagogues, or another community org, as a “home base” for chapter • Small financial stipend for advisors • Consistent communication • Building relationships with parents • Using Regional Board to focus on outlying chapters

9. Current Challenges • Heavy reliance on Advisors (with or without paid staff) • Financial issues • Field Professionals have limited time • Starting a chapter • Incentive to pay membership dues • Consistent communication in a helpful way • Nothing replaces face-to-face contact • Regional board members are distant • Communities have limited Jewish resources

10. “The Right Ingredients” • Critical mass of teens/interested teens • Supportive community • Advisor potential • Physical space

12. General Costs and Benefits Costs - Training (advisors, teens, professionals, etc) - Staff/advisor turnover - Securing funding - Travel time and money - Preserving the BBYO Brand - Starting an outlying chapter (many costs) Benefits - BBYO creates partnerships and meaningful relationships (potential to save money) - Opportunities for teen leaders - Teens in outlying areas have an opportunity to connect to a meaningful Jewish experience

13. Recommendations • Each Region should conduct a geographic assessment • Further research to find out cost per teen in central/big communities vs outlying; how far do our dollars go? • Study on partnerships with JCCs or other organizations- is our brand being compromised? • Continue to compile best practices and keep discussion going