Attention, Agility and Alterations (AAA Membership Practices): How JCCs Grow Their Membership

Publication Date: May 2008

Publisher: Florence G. Heller-JCC Association Research Center; Mandel Center for Excellence in Leadership and Management

Author(s): Steven M. Cohen; Lauren Blitzer

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Jewish Organizations; Jewish Identification; Organizational Development; Membership

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This study reports on a survey conducted in January 2008 in order to understand how practices and policies set by Jewish Community Center (JCC) Board of Directors affect membership growth. The analysis of the survey finds that there are three critical factors in predicting positive membership growth for a JCC: Attention, an organizational culture of closely attending to members and membership growth; Agility, devising innovative approaches to the membership model; and Alterations, recent renovations to the physical plant. The study also reports on other trends in membership function and structure.