Time to Connect

These days, it is not unusual to hear a wireless device go off during a service, despite the fact that congregants are asked to turn off all wireless devices. And while we might feel momentarily annoyed, the truth is that the Jewish organized community also stands to benefit from integrating how plugged-in most of us are into veritable member engagement.  How can we do that?

Over and over what I hear is that we are ready to engage, but there is not enough time to be connecting online. The truth is, there is always enough time. For a real connection and honest member engagement to occur, what Jewish organizations need are:

• content (what you want to be saying and sharing)
• an organized way to share the content and
• a timely response to follow-up with your members about the content
  
  

Sharing information has evolved from being the sole responsibility of a rabbi or the front office receptionist to becoming a shared responsibility that involves every staff member and committee within your organization. A synagogue communication or outreach committee can develop a year-long communication strategy and calendar, but everyone needs to participate in implementing and carrying it through in order for it to successfully engage more members.

Content should come from various sources, and implementation through a variety of communication tools and media should be directed through the Committee. Most importantly, the growth of our Jewish organizations requires volunteers to step forward.  We should be able to reasonably expect plenty of community members who are willing to take on the task of helping to share content online.

Our members are connected online. Why not turn this fact into an asset by asking them to help the organization reach out to other members? The time is now. The people are there. Just like anything else, the first step to turning connectivity into connectedness is quite simply to ask.