Thoughts on volunteering

Joseph Henson, President

Like many Southwest Florida residents and Beth Tikvah members who come from other places and have other places to go to, I am a member or contributor to several synagogues and other Jewish organizations. My wife and I are members of a Reform congregation in Oregon near my son, a USCJ synagogue in Massachusetts near my daughter, a Modern Orthodox shul in Palm Beach near friends and, in Naples, our Beth Tikvah. Although it has been several years now, if I were in Massachusetts this June, I would be playing in the North shore JCC golf tournament fundraiser. All are similar in one respect; they all rely on members stepping forward to help as both contributors and volunteers. Those with larger memberships are less so than those with smaller member bases. However, none will decline an offer from a volunteer, and each relies on volunteerism to reach its goals.

To thrive and grow, most charitable groups, by necessity, rely on active volunteers in order to continue operating. We all know of religious or charitable organizations with worthy goals that have shrunk in size, impact and their ability to effectively function. Think of religious schools’ shrunken curriculums, youth organizations or brother/sisterhoods that are not as vibrant as they once were, if they exist at all.

We all know some of the primary reasons: religion’s waning importance for today’s younger population, fewer participants, the allure of alternative activities. In my mind, another important factor is the lack of active participation, even with the same number of members. Active member participation, and having those members ask others to join with them, stimulates organizational interest. The power of asking is very strong and effective.

Another critical aspect of volunteerism is the necessity of being an active volunteer. Volunteers who want to clink champagne glasses at gala celebrations need to first help organize and produce successful gala celebrations. Volunteer board members need to be hands-on, even more so if there are not sufficient professional staff to take care of the organization’s functioning needs. Someone has to make sure salt, pepper and napkins are on the table, and someone has to sign the checks that make sure the event is successful.

ike many Southwest Florida residents and Beth Tikvah members who come from other places and have other places to go to, I am a member or contributor to several synagogues and other Jewish organizations. My wife and I are members of a Reform congregation in Oregon near my son, a USCJ synagogue in Massachusetts near my daughter, a Modern Orthodox shul in Palm Beach near friends and, in Naples, our Beth Tikvah. Although it has been several years now, if I were in Massachusetts this June, I would be playing in the Northshore JCC golf tournament fundraiser. All are similar in one respect; they all rely on members stepping forward to help as both contributors and volunteers. Those with larger memberships are less so than those with smaller member bases. However, none will decline an offer from a volunteer, and each relies on volunteerism to reach its goals.Like many JFGN area Jewish organizations, Beth Tikvah relies on the goodwill and good intentions of our volunteers and multitasking by our small professional staff to make things happen. However, we cannot lose sight of a very important part of volunteerism. Some volunteer positions can be quite task intensive or time-consuming. For instance, the important and successful communitywide Naples Jewish Film Festival and the Jewish Book Festival are big volunteering jobs — just as it is at the synagogue level when organizing scholar-in-residence programs or putting on a welcoming Kiddush luncheon after Shabbat, and so on. These volunteers must arrange, then coordinate through many hands, the presentation of these well-received community-wide or individual synagogue events.

I believe, anyone who takes a position at their shul or another Jewish organization does so with the intent of being of service to others and to “just make things better.” Our volunteers step up because most want to strengthen the relationships between their fellow congregants and the larger Jewish community. They see it as a way to make a difference for everyone in the wider Jewish community.

But, just like everyone, volunteers can get tired. They need, and we need as beneficiaries of their service, replacements to step up and learn what is required, then say “let me help or let me step into your place.” Some people shy away as they think they are not capable or ready for the responsibility. But don’t do that; be a growing part of Beth Tikvah, MCA, WCA, JFGN or BBYO, and on and on. Step forward and take part!

In closing, I would like to pass along a comment on volunteering by Rabbi Moshe Sheiner of Palm Beach Synagogue. It is something we all need to remember and take to heart. Since volunteers are human, mistakes will be made because they are trying. Should mistakes happen, understand they were trying and say, “Mazel Tov! Thank you for taking on this responsibility and doing your best!”