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Volunteering

11/03/2020 01:47:53 PM

Nov3

Steve Fintel

I've been approached a few times on the topic of volunteering. At the surface, it sounds like an easy topic to address. Here's a congregant that wants to help, so let's take advantage of that, right?

The recipe for success is multidimensional. We first need to evaluate where we need help, both in areas that we know about as well as new opportunities we haven't yet given thought to. Then we need to understand where the person offering help can add value. Hopefully, there is a location at the intersection of those to areas. In my opinion, a successful engagement will fill the congregation's needs and simultaneously fulfill the congregant's desire to help.

Over time we have collected institutional knowledge about congregants' areas of expertise through various surveys filled out over the years. We also have 'tribal' knowledge of some congregants' interests through past social and volunteering experiences.

So far, we haven't figured out any automated way of combining our existing knowledge with volunteering opportunities. Fortunately we have a solution in the form of our director of member engagement: Jennifer Braham. She's well qualified (read her bio here) and chock full of all that tribal and institutional knowledge so important to making the role work. If you're interested in lending a hand at Temple Beth Shalom, please reach out to Jennifer at jennifer.braham@bethshalomaustin.org.  I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

As always, I'd love to hear your praise, comments or concerns. You can contact me at president@bethshalomaustin.org or 281-352-9404.

--Steve Fintel

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784