The need for congregational leaders to think generatively and take action is greater than ever.
The URJ is here to be your partner. Work with a trained facilitator to create a fantastic learning, discussion and action planning session which will catalyze your work as congregational leaders.
What is a URJ Leadership workshop?
A URJ Leadership Workshop is a focused workshop tailored to your congregation’s individual needs and interests. While we do a great deal of work with congregational boards, these workshops include staff retreats and meetings with up-and-coming leaders of the congregation as well.
You Choose The Format
You can choose from one of three ways to work with a URJ-trained lay leader who will work with your congregation to craft leadership training.
Regardless of which option you choose, your congregation’s leaders will discuss ideas, strategize and plan for the future of the congregation.
OPTION 1: In-Person Workshop at Your Congregation: A 5-6 hour in-person workshop led by a URJ-Trained facilitator
OPTION 2: A Facilitated Online Leadership Workshop: A 2-3 hour focused workshop with a URJ facilitator via Zoom
OPTION 3: We Create the Content, You Facilitate: The URJ Facilitator will create the content and activities for the workshop in consultation with you and will meet with your local leaders to coach them, review the materials about how the local leaders will run the workshop.
**Please note that different formats have different requirements. Contact boardworkshops@urj.org to learn more.
How does the URJ plan a workshop for my congregation?
The facilitator and congregational leadership work together for several months to plan for the workshop. URJ staff and volunteers will work with your congregation well in advance of, and after, the workshop to:
- Clarify the goals and desired outcomes of the workshop
- Speak with stakeholders in the congregation
- Help define next steps for the congregation and leadership
- Provide guidance and support following the workshop
- Communicate with the URJ as the congregation proceeds in accomplishing the next steps
Who are the facilitators?
URJ Leadership workshops are led by volunteers, congregational leaders, and URJ staff members, who have been trained by the URJ to work with groups of people and to guide them through an interactive, participatory, productive and meaningful discussion. Our facilitators bring years of experience working with congregations. In order to stay current, facilitators share resources with each other and participate in ongoing development sessions, including training in online meetings and facilitations.
Topics
Congregational Governance and Sacred Partnership
- What is our “why?” Thinking about Mission/Vision/Values
- Building Blocks of a Better Board
- Self Assessing Our Board: What are our Strengths? Where do we need to grow? A full board endeavor
- Sacred partnership: Working effectively and productively with our partners
- Communicating effectively with one another
Engagement
- Engaging members beyond the “usual suspects”
- Deepening relationships in your congregation
- Recruiting, engaging and deploying volunteers in our congregation
- Conducting a Listening Campaign/How to facilitate a listening group
Creating a Culture of Philanthropy
- What is a Culture of Philanthropy?
- Roles and Responsibilities of leaders in a Culture of Philanthropy
- Storytelling and the importance of a great narrative
- Mastering the “ask”
- Planned giving and endowments
Sparking Innovation and Change
- Understanding change and transition
- A Mindset and Readiness for Change
- Setting Priorities Using the URJ Reflection Tool
- Prioritizing the Work: What should we STOP doing?
Want to request a workshop?
To begin the conversation, contact our Board & Leadership Workshops team via the URJ Marketplace or at the URJ Knowledge Network.