Setting up BMR experiments Isa Aron for success

Introduce yourself and your teammates, and tell us what blade(s) of the pinwheel you are up to? One person from each team...

What kinds of bumps have you encountered along the way? Find a hevruta (partner) from another congregation, and discuss briefly:

“ bumps” in 4 Frames Structural: hierarchy of roles and responsibilities: [current staffing doesn’t fit the re-configured tasks] Human Resource: mis-fit between the role and the person’s capabilities / interests Political: differences betwen stakeholders: conflicting ideas about the essence of b’nai mitzvah Cultural: the way we do things: “how can you change a time-honored tradition?” Bolman and Deal, Reframing Organizations

the change “formula ”: Perceived cost of change < Dissatisfaction with the present state X Vision of the future X Practical first steps X Support

Perceived cost of change < Dissatisfaction with the present state X Vision of the future X Practical first steps X Support

Perceived cost of change < Dissatisfaction with the present state X Vision of the future X Practical first steps X Support

In almost every case, whether the student manages a flawless performance or struggles through with whispered help, the ritual works. Parents and grandparents are amazed and awed, friends and relatives are moved to tears, and the student stands a little taller and prouder.... In truth, it is risky to expect a possibly recalcitrant thirteen-year-old to publicly represent both the core values of Judaism and his family ’ s honor; it is sociologically remarkable that virtually all children achieve that goal. Patricia Munro

‣ Learn about the dissatisfactions people have. ‣ Learn how to create dissatisfaction when little exists. ‣ Learn how to channel dissatisfaction in a positive direction and make it useful.

‣ How to learn about the dissatisfactions people have: surveys focus groups keep track of comments see our Documentation Toolkit

‣ How to create dissatisfaction when little exists: Circulate articles and blogs Visit other congregations See the blogs section of the BMR website

How to channel dissatisfaction in a positive direction: limiting assumptions exercise (see the BMR website --> Read More --> Resources --> BMR materials --> visioning exercise #2)

frequently heard (positive) assumptions Most children perform beautifully. It creates a wonderful family memory. It is a truly spiritual moment for the family.

frequently heard assumptions: Most children perform beautifully. It creates a wonderful family memory. It is a truly spiritual moment for the family. The child ’ s part is “ one size fits all. ” The preparation is often very stressful. The preparation focuses on rote memorization, rather than meaning. A sense of community was missing.

Perceived cost of change < Dissatisfaction with the present state X Vision of the future X Practical first steps X Support

the place of visioning in the process of change Ready, Aim, Fire ? (John Kotter) Or Ready, Fire Aim ? (Michael Fullan)

We envision the bar/bat mitzvah child attaining a meaningful identity as part of the Jewish people, recognizing the centrality of both Shabbat and of prayer in his/her life. We hope to create an environment in which each child, together with his/her family, feels integral to our congregation, one in which he/she will continue to grow and develop into a knowledgeable, capable and involved Jewish adult. Congregation Beth Judea

What’s important to this congregation? What would you notice, if you were: a parent, a child, an empty nester, a board member, a tutor? What experiments might this vision statement inspire?

for congregation beth Judea: ‣ What did you learn from the process of creating on this vision statement? ‣ What experiments has this led you to contemplate?

Becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is a meaningful and impactful step on one ’ s Jewish journey; but it is a stepping stone to more exciting growth experiences, it is not the last Jewish learning experience.Temple Chai ’ s Bnei Mitzvah Revolution (BMR) is about engaging families, helping them to establish personal relationships with one another and help infuse them to our broader Temple Chai community. We believe that if families are more deeply immersed in the Temple Chai community they are more likely to remain actively engaged in temple life even after their children become bnei mitzvah. Temple Chai

What’s important to this congregation? What would you notice, if you were: a parent, a child, an empty nester, a board member, a tutor? What experiments might this vision statement inspire?

for temple chai: ‣ What did you learn from the process of creating on this vision statement? ‣ What experiments has this led you to contemplate?

Perceived cost of change < Dissatisfaction with the present state X Vision of the future X Practical first steps X Support

what experiments are you contemplating?

how to test out your ideas: ‣ Does it align with your vision statement? ‣ Do a survey or interviews to find out if people will come? ‣ Walk through the program in your imagination.

that’s why it’s called an experiment! It’s OK to fail!

IF IT SUCCEEDS, ASK YOURSELVES... What will it take to make our experiment more revolutionary?

Perceived cost of change < Dissatisfaction with the present state X Vision of the future X Practical first steps X Support

kol hakavod!! (good onya!)

חֲזַק, וֶאֱמָץ be strong and of good courage Joshua 1:6 chazak ve’ematz!

please fill out the evaluation form... What thoughts / ideas / questions are you coming away with?