Be An Impact Player
Posted under: One of the greatest reputations in sports is that of an "impact player"-someone who changes the character of a contest by her or his action. If you have ever wanted to have an impact on an institution, to have your involvement really matter, this is the time. We are faced with multiple decisions which will set the strategy of GRS literally for decades to come. We have wonderful people working and making a difference on critical issues. To mention a few, these include finding our new home; taking care of our assets; strengthening our congregational bonds; educating our youth (and adults); serving our community; supporting our spiritual services, with ritual and music. Energy is high, and I think the work is particularly satisfying to people because the importance is so clear.
I'd like to highlight 3 new areas which need attention.
One interesting shorter-term project is defining our strategy for a portable Ark. We will need one until we have a permanent sanctuary, and the portable Ark will possibly occupy an honored place there as well. GRS does have one, which is used now for the Youth service on the High Holy Days. With some repairs, might it be the right choice? If we want a new one, a Google search for "portable Torah Arks" reveals many potential options from a variety of artisans. A small group of people is needed to handle this project-working with Rabbi Sklarz, to determine our criteria, evaluate the options, and determine the best choice. If you have an artistic and design sensibility, or if you are just a darn good shopper (you know who you are!), we need you for this project.
Another area that needs development is our use of Social Media-Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and others. The argument can be made that Social Media is our best opportunity to both communicate more effectively among ourselves as a congregation, and also to raise our profile in the larger community, including among those who might be looking for a Reform synagogue. It happens that the URJ has a Social Media initiative, with a rather extensive online training program for members and some professional consulting resources available as well. We'd like one or two people to take ownership of our Social Media strategy, take the URJ course, and help get us going. If you have an interest in Social Media, this is a great opportunity to learn how to use Social Media as a serious tool, something you might find useful in your other pursuits as well as having an impact on GRS.
If you have had professional experience in the related disciplines of Strategic Planning, Market Research and Product Development, there is important work to be done that will influence many key decisions. For example, many of us would like to see GRS have a thriving preschool, both as a service to the community and as a source of new members. It's an attractive concept, but bridging the gap between concept and successful execution has many challenges. When one thinks about issues like market demand, competition, critical success factors, optimal scaling, and the size and pace of investment required, it becomes obvious why such disciplines are needed to assess the concept and develop the plan.
Please feel free to contact Rabbi Sklarz or me at robertdbirnbaum@gmail.com to discuss the role you'd like to play in creating the future of GRS. There is an impact role waiting that fits your interests and experiences, and that you will enjoy.