Another Look at the Open Membership Policy of Jewish Community Centers

Publication Date: September 1978

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Morris Levin

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Jewish Organizations; Governance; Diversity

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author advocates reconsidering the policy of open membership for both Gentiles and Jews at Jewish Community Centers. A survey suggests that while many Centers emphasize Jewish programming, they are not making conscious efforts to reach the Jewish community as a priority target population. The author argues that Centers maintain the policy out of institutional inertia rather than making a conscious decision after a careful analysis of the consequences. He advocates taking measures to identify and entice Jewish community members who are not currently being served, including offering discounts to Jewish families who cannot afford membership, and making religious accommodations to enable outreach to the Orthodox community.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, v.55 no.1, Fall 1978.