Programming From Start to Finish

Whether it is in USY or in some other commitment in your life, hopefully you will all have the rewarding experience of planning and running a program of some sort. Programming is often overlooked as an easy task, but there is actually a lot that goes into planning a program. Here are some steps to follow as well as a number of helpful hints that may be of assistance when designing and running a:
 

1. Brainstorming – Did everyone contribute an idea? Were everyone’s ideas heard out with respect and an open mind? Were there new, creative ideas?

2. Goals – Is there a clearly outlined objective for the program? What is the intention of this program? Which aspects of USY (Israel, Religion, SA/TO) are present in this event? Can more be added?

3. Personnel – Note: Not everyone has to be involved. Who is responsible for coordinating the event? What are the responsibilities of each involved party when it comes to (a) planning and (b) running the program? DELEGATE responsibilities and check back with them as time goes on.

4. Logistics – This is the most crucial part of planning the program. Do you have a materials list? Where is the event taking place? Are all of the arrangements made to use the space? Are all of the transportation arrangements made? When, exactly, is it taking place? Are you serving food? How and when is the food arriving at the location? Who are your chaperones? Have you made flyers? Where and how are the flyers being distributed? What materials do you need? Compile a clear, detailed shopping list. What is the estimated cost of the program? What is your budget? Have you communicated EVERYTHING to your chapter advisor and/or youth director? REMEMBER! You can never be too prepared logistically for an event.

5. Plan – What are the outlined steps to making this program happen? Write up a clear and replicable “recipe” for running the program.

6. Resources – Remember to use them. What outside resources have you used to plan for this program? Which have you neglected that may be helpful to you?

7. Attendance – How are you going to get people to come? Flyers? Phone calls? A mass email? Be creative in attracting members.

8. At the program – Remember to have fun. If you are stressed, everyone else will also be. If you relax and have fun, everyone else will too. Will somebody be taking pictures for the chapter website or synagogue newsletter? Will you hand out membership forms to non-members? Will you hand out flyers for the next event?

9. Follow-up – This is often left out of the process. Don’t forget this, as it will ensure that future programs are even more successful. Reflection is key. How did the program go? Did it run smoothly? What worked? What didn’t work? Should you do the program in the future? What would you change about it? How was the organization? How was the communication? Did USYers have fun? Make follow-up phone calls to all who attended thanking the USYers for coming and to get their input and feedback.

10. Yasher Koach! – Don’t forget to congratulate yourself and those with whom you worked.

Hanefesh Region USY
1800 Silas Deane Highway Suite 171 | Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: 860-563-5531 or 1-800-594-7098 | Fax: 860-563-5541