With the adoption of the sustaining share membership model and the approval of a no-nonsense bottoms-up budget, Shomrei begins a new era, one which I believe will usher in energy and a new sense of possibility. The challenge now is to keep the momentum going. Our plan is to do just that. The next task for us is to develop a comprehensive volunteer program that speaks to the desire of our stakeholders to be more engaged and invested in our community. The kick-off event will be a High Holiday Volunteer Workshop to be given Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30 PM. Everyone in our community – including, but not limited to our experienced ushers, gabaim, greeters, etc.–– is invited to participate as we discuss the opportunity that the HHDs present to welcome and embrace our members, guests, and visitors in the holiday season. Our goal is to ensure that all attending are greeted warmly and welcomed into our community.
For me, one of the most exciting developments of late was meeting with three relatively new members, I found their passion, vision and sheer excitement about being members of this community and what they would like to bring to it perfectly exemplified what’s possible with the volunteer component of Sustaining Share. The whole idea is to bring a sense of ownership to all of our volunteer efforts. These three see Shomrei as their community, one that they feel responsible for building, enriching, and growing. More and more of our members are beginning to understand that the whole Sustaining Share model is far more than a dues restructuring. It is, in fact, an opportunity to revolutionize what synagogue membership means. No longer is it merely about paying dues and expecting the institution to provide. It is about seizing the opportunity to build something as a community of volunteers. To fulfill our own visions of what a community can and should provide.
Already, our new invoicing system, introduced and managed by one of our volunteers, has had a huge impact on the way in which we do business and has finally addressed one or our most challenging problems – cash flow. This past June, traditionally a time when little money is coming into the synagogue, brought in $140,000! This has a direct impact on our future and is having a huge impact on putting our financial house in order. And… a volunteer made it happen!
There is already a dedicated core of people who make things happen at Shomrei––Kiddush volunteers, our ritual committee, program and communications committees, just to name a few. So many things that are easily taken for granted don’t just happen. Our volunteers make them happen. And, as we look to see “what’s next?” they are the ones to look to. So I encourage you to join them in bringing to Shomrei your energy, vision and passion to make this community all that it can be. Let’s continue and renew the process with a huge turnout at the High Holiday Volunteer Workshop!
Thank you for being a Shomrei stakeholder.
- Toby in Her Own Words - Thu, Feb 8, 2024
- It Takes a Minyan - Tue, Nov 22, 2022
- A Guy Who Likes Everything: A Defense - Wed, Feb 9, 2022