Recognizing Volunteers

By Leah Berry
Director of Engagement and Leadership
THE ASSOCIATED

As we wrap up the current fiscal year, it is important that we take the opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, recognize our lay leaders and volunteers for their efforts and identify their next steps for involvement.

When recognition is done successfully, it is ongoing, personal and thoughtful.  People don’t always take the time to say thank you because they busy, don’t always have an attitude of gratitude ingrained in them. Being thankful and expressing gratitude is a profound Jewish value. As Jews, every morning we wake up and recite Modeh Ani expressing our gratefulness for all that we have been given. In Judaism, the word for thank you is todah which comes from the word, l’hodot, to praise. Hakarat hatov is another way that one expresses thanks which literally translates as recognizing goodness.

Power of the personal thank you note
A handwritten note goes further in many cases than a public honor. Notes should be personal and meaningful. Let’s use Dayenu as a great example of a wonderful expression of appreciation. Dayenu is broken up into specific components to help the reader realize the many miracles that took place in the Exodus story. Dayenu teaches us to be specific, detailed and break down the different aspects of what people have done for us, when we are expressing our gratitude.  Take advantage of unexpected moments to send a thank you (during an experience with a volunteer versus at the end of the year when they might be expecting it).

Creating a culture of appreciation and gratitude
As it states in Psalms, Olam Chesed Yibaneh, the world is held up/built on kindness. As lay and professional leaders in the community, we need to create an ongoing culture of gratitude. Everyone has different life experiences and some individuals don’t feel comfortable giving and/or receiving gratitude. We need to orchestrate an environment where people feel good about giving and receiving appreciation. When someone decides to take on a project, they are not always expecting to be appreciated but there is minor disappointment when they don’t feel appreciated. People need to feel appreciated and a sense of belonging.

What’s next for the outgoing leader?
Creating plans for outgoing leaders helps to ensure their future involvement while gleaning
important lessons learned from their tenure in their leadership position.

• Meet in person with your chair(s) to thank him/her, discuss the year as a whole, accomplishments, challenges, their overall experience, etc. Also discuss his/her interests going forward. (If he/she is concluding the term, determine what the individual wants to do next. Get a range of interests. If he/she is not completing the term, it is never too early to begin this general conversation.) Following the meeting, should the individual require a new placement, work with the appropriate person in your organization to follow-up on the various interests.

During your transition meeting, consider asking the following questions:

• What did you learn during your tenure in this leadership position?
• Are there particular aspects of the work, or new things that you saw/learned that piqued your interest? What should we be aware of in future planning?
• What do you think is next for you?

THE ASSOCIATED offers the “cultivation form” to help you with this process. Download the form now>>

Volunteering Helps Young Adults Connect to Judaism

By Sam Stern
Jewish Volunteer Connection   

Young adults are eager to volunteer. It’s true! I might even go so far as to say that volunteerism is one of the best ways to keep young adults interested in Jewish communal life.

During my time at Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC) I encountered a variety of Jews at our young adult events, all of whom knew exactly why they wanted to be there and often why they brought their friends along. In her commencement address a few weeks ago for the Brandeis University Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program, Dr. Erica Brown mentioned that “For the past decade, the tagline of Jewish life has been Tikkun Olam – go fix the world,” and growing up in this culture, many of today’s Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s are doing just that.

With the drop-off in Jewish engagement for people in their 20s, alternative methods to the classic ‘synagogue membership’ are required. Volunteer programs like JVC are important to sustaining our community, because they fill the need for many young adults to go out and make the world a better place.

Young adults today want to work with multiple demographics, from seniors to impoverished people to individuals with special needs. Providing young adults with a wide range of groups to work with helps keep them interested and motivated.

At every JVC event for young adults, we strive to make sure that we incorporate components that increase their Jewish identity. We created new Jewish learning flyers, and if time allows, we hold a discussion. The topic of the Jewish learning is a section of Jewish text that relates to helping others, or specifically the group we are serving that day. We want to remind all of our volunteers that while helping their community by itself is terrific, there is a Jewish purpose to volunteerism.

Volunteers make a difference in our community, in our city, in our nation and across the world.  We are fulfilled by the desire to express our Judaism in ways that make sense to us. Celebrate our strong young adult community in Baltimore and maybe try volunteering if you have a little time.

Check out JVC’s upcoming young adult volunteer opportunities>>

Making Facebook Count

By Elizabeth Schuman
Senior Women’s Associate
ASSOCIATED Women

Seven Naval officers, the majority in military fatigues, are grouped in a semi-circle, holding red, white and blue U.S. Mail packages with signs reading: The U.S. Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Forward November is ASSOCIATED! Thank you!

Though admittedly a patriotic moment, it’s the story behind the photo that’s worth a thousand words. One of the men pictured sent the photograph as a thank you to his Baltimore friends in THE ASSOCIATED’s Young Leadership Council (YLC) for their overwhelming support.

What did YLC do? The group sent 11 care packages, crammed with food and treats, to him and his colleagues on active duty in the Middle East. By email, he wrote:
Seeing how much care and love went into this project was awesome. Reading the thank you cards was quite humbling for me, as I realized people that my sailors and I don’t know appreciate what we are doing 7,000 miles away from home. Please let everyone know that their packages have been distributed to our troops in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman and the UAE. You have made some overworked and tired sailors happy with this generous taste of home.

We’ve posted the photo and an excerpt of his remarks on the ASSOCIATED Women Facebook page. Thanks to social media, the story doesn’t dwell in a letter. Nor does it lie dormant in a report. Instead, with a click, everyone on the ASSOCIATED Women Facebook page knows the feel-good story. Technology makes it simple to link people and stories.

So, too, is how we come together as a community of ASSOCIATED Women. Where once our communication was limited to a letter or phone call, now we reach visually, verbally, instantly with Facebook and Twitter. We align ourselves with “likes” thanks to Pinterest and Foursquare. We discover something new with a sweep of our finger across a miniature screen.

In November, ASSOCIATED Women launched its Facebook page. Our overarching goal was to provide a vehicle for instant, constant communication. One of our first projects was documenting the Women’s Community Mosaic, a series of tiling sessions culminating in an exquisite mosaic at Sinai Hospital.

Photographs from the sessions were posted. We saw more than 300 women and girls create this magnificent piece of community art. Online, participants shared their joy about the experience. Together, our online community watched the mosaic come to life with the support and guidance of the team at Art with a Heart. The project lives on – not only as a centerpiece in the real world, but as a touchstone in the virtual one.

Our Facebook page welcomes sharing programs, ideas and stories that connect us all. Good thing, since our shtetl has grown exponentially. One of the major trends shaping today’s and tomorrow’s Judaism is globalization. No longer is the next generation primed to stay local and live in the same zip code where their parents live. Instead, people expect to travel across borders – time and place are irrelevant. People expect to communicate myriad ways – in person and online.

No matter how fast the speed or new the medium, however, what does not change is the need to connect and stay connected. And that brings us back to Facebook and the growing repertoire of social media tools.

We have nearly 200 members in our online Facebook community. Inspired by friendships that build slowly, we hope to become stronger and grow larger day by day. By design, we’ve created a closed group, meaning that only members can view and post messages. ASSOCIATED Women Facebook is here for announcements, event postings, and messages to one another. Please join us as we take the next steps in our communal and personal Jewish journeys.

Because whether you are right next door or a world away, we invite you to share your story … and perhaps, a photograph or two.

How to join ASSOCIATED Women on Facebook

• Log into Facebook or join Facebook by following the online instructions
• Search for ASSOCIATED Women
• Click on the button in top right and ask to join
• Wait for your confirmation
• Read. Post. Enjoy.

Log onto ASSOCIATED Women on Facebook today>>

RELATED ARTICLE: Camp Tzedek: Little Hands Doing Big Things>>

Eleven Days

By Sophia Goldman
Diller Baltimore Teen Fellow, 2011-2012

Eleven days was all it took for me to make 19 new best friends. And when I tell you that I could write a whole book describing the North American Seminar (NAS) much less a blog post, I’m telling the truth. At a glance, 11 days seems like such a short amount of time, and looking back, I definitely wish we all had more time. However, the 11 days we got together were packed full of community service, Judaism, seminars, pictures, laughs, smiles and hugs (there were a lot of hugs). And while the Israelis were jet-lagged for most of their stay, they rarely showed it and instead were full of spirit and excitement, which only pumped up the Baltimore cohort more. By the end of our first weekend together spent at a retreat at Capital Camps, we had completely achieved “Ashkemore,” our perfect blend of Ashkelon and Baltimore.

While the Israelis toured Baltimore, we were able to tag along when possible. And while it was usually troublesome to get out of our school activities, it was always worth it. Even the small trips, like going to Quarry Lake, were so much fun for the sole reason we were together. However, we each had responsibilities too. The Baltimore teens were broken into groups of four and were responsible for certain parts of the week, like the opening seminar, or the retreat at Capital Camps. Likewise, the Ashkelon teens were broken into groups of four and were responsible for explaining certain parts of their tour, like when we visited Washington, D.C.

Eleven days and we had a new family. And everyone could feel it, from each teen in the groups, to our junior counselors. When asked in our maagals (circle discussions we had after an event) if we had been experiencing any problems our groups were silent. It was simple, we were too happy with each other and with how perfectly everything was managing. And another reason the NAS was so special was the bonding our Baltimore group experienced. I am counting down the days until our turn to venture to Israel to connect with our second family again!

Learn more about THE ASSOCIATED Teen Programs>>

For Leadership Training and Learning Turn to Dor Tikvah

By Randi Hertzberg
Chair, Dor Tikvah, 2010-12

“Dor Tikvah has been a great experience for me.  It really opened my eyes to THE ASSOCIATED and the enormity of what they do in Baltimore and around the world.  It also gave me the opportunity to meet many great leaders in the area to hear about what they do and what is needed to be a leader myself.  I really enjoyed getting to know the women in my group who share my passion for the Jewish people and desire to be involved in their future.”
- Cheryl Abrams, Dor Tikvah Class 2010-12

This spring, 19 women from Jewish Baltimore will graduate from Dor Tikvah, a transformative women’s leadership program through THE ASSOCIATED.  No, they won’t be wearing caps and gowns. And they won’t march down an aisle to Pomp and Circumstance.

Instead, they will celebrate their two-year journey—one that took them from discussions about leaders and leadership to discovery about their Jewish identity.  For two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading this group, which met monthly from September 2010 through May 2012.

I’ve watched these women who started as individuals from diverse backgrounds and different stages of their lives grow into a cohesive group with common goals:  to leave the world better than how they found it, to teach the importance of tikkun olam to their children and to lead by example.  They have become more confident in their thoughts and ideas about philanthropy, Judaism, and making change in the world.

Each class provided something new and different to explore. During a leadership personality program, our group learned about their distinct personality styles – one that defines how each woman interacts and works with others. Other sessions delved into the meaning of leadership, from both Jewish (Biblical) and practical perspectives.

We shared our stories, always with laughter and frequently with tears. I’ll never forget hearing how each of us create rituals in the home – from a pair of Shabbat candlesticks once belonging to a grandmother to holiday menus and treasured photographs.

We learned about the hands-on work performed by the 14 different agencies and countless programs that receive ASSOCIATED dollars. It was fascinating to learn more about the challenging allocations process and try our hand at an exercise where we divided funds for a myriad of worthwhile programs. We went behind the scenes at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, delving into their archives of Jewish Baltimore. We saw agencies in action.

“I gained so many things by participating in the Dor Tikvah Program.  To begin, I gained a better understanding of what an incredible organization THE ASSOCIATED is and how fortunate I am to have them in my own backyard.  As a result of my experience, I became more connected because it provided me a sense of community and made me extremely proud to be a part of something so worthwhile.  Personally, it forced me to take the time to reflect on my own Jewish values and beliefs and what they mean to me….something I rarely (if ever) do and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
- Michelle Harf-Grim, Dor Tikvah Class 2010-12

Now, as they graduate from the program, many women in our Dor Tikvah class are gearing up for their next steps. Some are joining boards or committees within THE ASSOCIATED and its agencies. Some are taking active roles in next year’s Annual Campaign. Still others are taking what they have learned and assuming leadership roles within Jewish Baltimore.

Beyond the experience of learning about THE ASSOCIATED and themselves, our class gained another huge benefit. They became friends.  They have become their own community, caring and nurturing each other, celebrating the birth of a baby, a wedding, or finishing a marathon. When one needs a shoulder, these women know they have thirty-eight.

“I have found Dor Tikvah to be a very rewarding experience for many reasons.  It has been very enlightening to hear all of the “good” that THE ASSOCIATED does for our community and beyond.  I always came home very inspired by the meetings and wanted to share it with my family.  When you find something you are passionate about, you want to share your excitement.  I think this helped to also open my husband’s and children’s eyes to THE ASSOCIATED.  My oldest son found it all very interesting, and he is now in the midst of the application process for TGI and STAC*.   I think being a part of Dor Tikvah helps you feel more connected to the Jewish community in Baltimore, making you want to be more involved and do your part.  Dor Tikvah exposes women to all of the facets of THE ASSOCIATED so we can find our niche.  I feel our Dor Tikvah class was very fortunate to have such a unique and close-knit group of women.”
- Debbie Lubliner, Dor Tikvah Class of 2010-12

These 19 women are special in so many ways.  Their thoughtfulness and insights have taught me many things about myself as well.  I hope they have learned as much from me, as I have learned from them.  They are extraordinary and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this group.  I know that these women will forever be connected by their Dor Tikvah experience.  And, I know that the Baltimore Jewish community is forever going to be changed as these women start making their footprints as the next generation of Jewish leaders.

I’m not going to say I’ll miss them because I am not letting them go.  We are all moving on to our next challenges and will continue to support each other.  And, the first Thursday of every month will forever be … Dor Tikvah reunion night on my calendar.

For information about the next Dor Tikvah class, please contact Liz Schuman at eschuman@associated.org or 410-369-9251 or visit our website.

*Teen Giving Initiative (TGI) and Students Taking Action for Change (STAC) are teen leadership programs for high school sophomores and juniors. Participants learn about leadership, fundraising and social justice and advocacy. For information, visit www.associated.org/teens.

A Times Square Promise to Strengthen Our Community

By Elizabeth Schuman
THE ASSOCIATED

Ten, nine, eight … in those last few seconds of a current year, anything seems possible for the next. Whether you watch the ball drop at Times Square or call it a night before 10 p.m., there’s something fresh and inviting about the first heady days of a new year.

Some of us make resolutions: Lose those 10 pounds. Start that exercise program. Organize that closet. Fix. Repair. Change.

If only it were that easy. As we all know, promises made in the turn of a calendar page dissipate as the days pass. The chocolate chip cookies are too tempting and it’s too cold to exercise. Sometimes, when we focus solely on the “I,” motivation can be tough.

There is another way to look at the promise of a new year. Instead of trying to fix what we believe is wrong with us individually, let’s look outward. Consider the power of a communal resolution.

Here’s one to start: Strengthen our community.

You might think why bother? After all, Baltimore is considered one of the strongest communities in the Federation system nationwide. The distinction is certainly due to the enormous generosity of donors and the outstanding array of community and volunteer endeavors accomplished under THE ASSOCIATED umbrella. From donor to service recipient, our appreciation for such a robust community only grows each year. (Read our donor and service recipient’s stories>>)

Still, there are people who may not know about our work of funding 14 agencies and hundreds of programs and services here and overseas. Our safety net ensures a Jewish tomorrow – from our leadership programs for volunteers and Jewish communal professionals to our on-the-ground services for impoverished Jews in the former Soviet Union.

What better time than now to make it count more? It’s our responsibility to reach outward and engage new people in the many programs, services and energy of THE ASSOCIATED.

Share your belief in what you do. Engage others in activities that touch their hearts. Reach out to involve those who are on the sidelines. Invite friends and family to join you. The beauty of THE ASSOCIATED is that all are welcomed: High-powered executives, entrepreneurs, stay-at-home-moms, teens, newlyweds, empty nesters, people who have been married for 50 years and people who have never been married. No matter how one observes Judaism, at THE ASSOCIATED there is a role one can fill, a place to go, a way to help.

Whether you involve someone in volunteering, learning more about ASSOCIATED programs, or giving to the Annual Campaign for a bright Jewish tomorrow, this is one resolution that affects us all. In this time of promising to do better, it’s time to make your communal resolution to build a stronger community.

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