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Our Welcome Mat Is Ready.
Our Doors Are Wide Open.
All We Need Is Your Help.
While the attributes that attract new members to TBE are too numerous to list, the barriers to joining often come down to one word: dues.
The membership committee has given this barrier considerable thought and is proud to announce a simple solution. Starting now, all first-time new members can set their own dues for the first year.
It’s as simple as that. We will, of course, encourage those who can afford to pay full dues to consider doing so. And we will encourage potential members to take advantage of all the priceless opportunities this congregation offers – especially those geared to new members. But we won’t let first-year dues be an obstacle.
We have come to realize that our dues, though competitive, may be off-putting to someone who is just starting to “discover the warmth” of a Temple Beth El membership. We also understand that many people don’t like the idea of talking about their financial wherewithal at the outset of their membership. With our “Discover the Warmth of a TBE Membership” program, we’re effectively removing this obstacle.
Instead, we plan to capitalize on the warm embrace that Temple Beth El has been known to offer and the wonderful first impressions that we typically make. Our new membership program will build on these moments and actively work to get new members involved in the Temple community. In addition to our existing first-year programs (Open House with the Rabbi, Adopt-A-Family, Welcoming Aliyot), we plan to help new members connect to each other and to our vibrant community through volunteerism. Our committees and programs always need more hands on deck, and what better way to engender a sense of belonging than to work side by side with other congregants?
We are confident that the more involved our new members feel in their first year, the more they will feel the warmth of Beth El and realize that they have chosen the right home for themselves.
When Year 2 rolls around, the usual dues schedule will apply. Members who wish to be considered for reduced dues at that time will be asked to submit their financials for review by the subcommittee that discreetly and confidentially handles all such member requests. Also in Year 2, the member will begin his or her 5-year commitment to the building fund. Please note that Religious School fees will continue to be billed, as applicable, to all TBE members, including first-year members participating in “Discover the Warmth of a TBE Membership.”
In the past, our efforts at connecting new congregants to committees and activities have been ad hoc. Now, we’ll alert new members to specific opportunities and let committee chairs know about new members who have expressed interest in volunteering.
In the past, we often let new members fend for themselves. Now, we’ll help new members connect. We’ll help them get involved in committee work they’d like to do and we’ll reach out more regularly to encourage participation and/or attendance at the full calendar of services, classes and events we offer.
In the past, we have quietly worked with potential members to resolve their concerns about dues payments. Now, we know that our future viability depends on our membership. Now, we’re addressing the situation head on – and will publicize this effort broadly.
We are proud to have a warm and welcoming community and proud to offer a membership program that demonstrates how warm and welcoming we can be. There’s nothing hush-hush about it. We want new members and we’ll let them set their own first-year dues. If you know someone who might be interested in joining Temple Beth El, please let them know about this terrific opportunity for new, first-time members. Encourage them to contact Deborah Zeger in the Temple office or just pass their name to the office and the Membership Committee will gladly make the initial call.
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