For more than a century, the FJMC has focused on serving and supporting Jewish men, by engaging them in Jewish life, bringing them together, cultivating strong relationships across generations and borders, and enriching the lives of our men, our synagogues and our communities. Today, that mission still remains as strong as ever. But to truly be successful, we want to make sure we are reaching members of all ages, including the younger generations that are less likely to be affiliated with organizations – including synagogues. We remain committed to our longtime members and those who seek us out, but we also need to reach out to a new audience to remain vibrant for all.
So FJMC is embarking on a new international initiative designed to change our landscape and draw in more of the younger members of our diverse Jewish communities. To do so requires no shift in our mission. But it does require changes in how we think, how we operate, how we market, and how we program. In short, it’s a new mindset for all of us. Younger men – those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s – have different priorities than those in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. They are starting or rising in their jobs. They are getting married, having kids, and raising families. They are building lives for themselves, and more involved with their families. There are many demands – personal and professional – that are competing for their time and attention.
We need to meet them where they are, and engage them by acknowledging the importance of their families. We need to reconsider the types of events we plan, and when we hold them, so that they appeal to a broader mix of all ages and experiences. We need to diversify our offerings and programming. We need to find new ways to promote them to a different crowd. Our longtime events are still valuable, but we also need to think outside the box in which Men’s Clubs have traditionally operated. Finally, we need to empower them to take ownership by developing and running their own programs if they choose.
We formed a special task force to focus on this effort and to promote this renewed vision throughout our regions and our clubs. We do not claim to have the secret sauce, nor do we think one exists. Rather, we are exploring ideas and encouraging experimentation, because there is no one solution for everyone. Most of all, we want to learn from you, as you discover what works. To join our committee, please contact Committee Chair Elliot Feldman at feldydad@verizon.net, or Vice Chair Jonathan Epstein at jepstein@fjmc.org.
This message is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We serve the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Learn more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at: www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit & LIKE our Facebook Group at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
The FJMC is a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn how YOUR Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://fjmc.org/for-clubs/affiliating-with-the-fjmc/.
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