How can synagogue boards meet the challenges and opportunities of leading 21st century congregations? What does good governance look like today?

The URJ is pleased to offer a five-session Online Learning Series on Governance. The series will provide congregational leaders the opportunity to learn about the fundamental principles of good governance, strategies for conducting meetings and developing leaders, and key questions to help determine the proper size and structure of your board. The URJ Online Learning Series on Governance will be led by Rabbi Samuel K. Joseph, PhD, Eleanor Sinsheimer Distinguished Service Professor of Jewish Education and Leadership Development at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

The following five sessions will be offered:

1. What Is Congregational Governance? This session provides an introduction into the fundamentals of congregational governance and an overview of the “governance-leadership” model. Watch the recording of this session in The Tent.
2. Great Board Meetings- This session explores various obstacles to having great board meetings – from timing to agenda to food and furniture – and expands on how to overcome them. Watch the recording of this session in The Tent.
3. Your Board as a Super Team- This session explores what it takes to transform a congregational board into a board team, including an investment in group dynamics, a supportive structure that gives members access to timely information and data, a focus on substantive issues and tools for identifying and discussing them, and a commitment to common goals. Watch the recording of this session in The Tent.
4. Leadership Development- This session looks at how best principles for recruiting, training, and engaging leaders can transform the way board members govern. Watch the recording of this session in The Tent.
5. Board Structure- This final session applies the principles outlined in the first four sessions to common and critical questions about executive responsibilities and board structure and size. Watch the recording of this session in The Tent.

For more information, contact the URJ Knowledge Network team (URJ1800@urj.org).