About the NHC Board
The NHC has a working board of directors. Most of the board’s real work happens in the times between board meetings. Board members attend meetings three times a year and commit to a two-year term.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors consists of the Chair (or Co-Chairs), Immediate Past Chair (or Co-Chairs), Chair (or Co-Chairs) Elect, Vice Chairs (if any), Secretary, and Treasurer. The Executive Committee has the power to make decisions on behalf of the Board between the three annual meetings of the Board (November, March/April, and August), within certain limits. The Executive Board meets every two weeks.
The NHC team of new and old board members considers these and other exciting questions:
- How can the NHC provide new kinds of support to, and serve as the connecting hub for, the hundreds of grassroots Jewish communities that already exist across North America? How can we support the growth of new communities?
- How can the NHC partner with organizations and foundations with similar goals?
- How can we make the NHC more accessible-- financially and otherwise-- to a more diverse group of people?
- How can the NHC deepen its financial and volunteer base to achieve these goals?
Board members are also expected to:
- serve as representatives of the NHC, interpreting the NHC’s work and values to the larger community,
- stay informed about the NHC, ask questions, and take responsibility for making informed policy, budget, and programming decisions,
- serve on at least one board committee,
- attend at least one NHC event each year,
- participate actively in discussions and be willing to contribute, collaborate, listen, give, and take,
- follow through on all work commitments and stay in good communication with board members and committee heads, and
- Support NHC fundraising efforts in a way that is personally meaningful and appropriate to your situation.
Joining the Board
The NHC board of directors welcomes people with skills in (or a willingness to learn) PR and marketing, grant writing, fund raising, organizational planning and management, accounting/budgeting, nonprofit board governance and development, volunteer support, and computer/website/technology.
In applying to serve on the NHC board, you are signaling your commitment to work hard toward growing and supporting this vibrant, joyful Jewish organization.
In return is your chance to shape the future of North American Judaism. Serving on the NHC board is your opportunity to dream, think big, and act with a group of passionate pioneers of havurah Judaism, past and present. It’s your chance to work with people who will appreciate your contributions, support your efforts to learn and develop new skills, and work collaboratively with you to make the NHC the best it can be. Havurah values are changing the face of American Judaism. We invite you to bring your own unique perspective, expertise, and talents to the conversation.
We warmly invite you to consider joining the team that’s building the NHC’s future. If you are interested, please reach out to volunteer@havurah.org.
Do you like having online programming between Institutes? The NHC is a volunteer run organization and we need you to make it happen! We are looking for people to join the Year-Round Online Programming Committee. The job requires about 2 hours a month to recruit teachers and leaders for online classes and workshops, run the zoom meetings and dream of more ways to involve more people. For interest and questions, please email volunteer@havurah.org.
- Receiving applications or ideas from the community
- Screening those applications to confirm they align with NHC values
- The committee should strive to offer 1 craft, 1 educational workshop, and 1 service a month (shabbat, siyyum-what may be applicable)
- Gathering dates, times, and descriptions from those offering programs
- Send dates, times, and descriptions to the office to notify the community
One of our primary values as a community is that financial ability should not be a barrier to participation. As part of the fundraising committee, you will advance this mission of inclusion. Throughout the year, the NHC works hard to raise funds to make retreats accessible, through calling past donors, the Annual Appeal,the Institute fundraising pitch, and any other creative approaches you may develop. The Committee's work is about getting us together and keeping us together, in line with our values.
If you are interested in helping us with our fundraising efforts, please email volunteer@havurah.org.
The NHC is a community that actively works to combat racism and include Jews of Color. This committee advances that mission of diversity and inclusion. Past activities have included targeted recruitment of Jews of Color to attend Institute as teachers, Zeitlers, and in other roles, as well as designing anti-racism programming to educate our community. We are seeking dedicated and creative committee members to help shape the future of this work moving forward.
If you are interested in being on the Centering Jews of Color Committee, email office@main.havurah.org.
Leads the design and execution of the NHC Chesapeake Retreat, coordinated by Co-Chairs.
If you are interested in assisting with the planning of the 2021 Chesapeake Retreat, email volunteer@havurah.org.
Leads the design and execution of the NHC New England Retreat, coordinated by Co-Chairs. The time commitment is typically July to January.
If you are interested in helping with planning the New England Retreat, email the office@main.havurah.org.
Co-coordinates the NHC Hesed list. Through this moderated list for caring notifications, we have the opportunity to stay connected between NHC events by: (a) Supporting and comforting each other through illness or bereavement and (b) Celebrating each other through birth, adoption, marriage, and civil union.
If you are interested in helping with the Hesed List, email the volunteer@havurah.org.