Idea Bank for Successful Programming

Every club gets in a rut from time to time. One of the best ways to re-energize the Board and attract new members is to develop new programs. Now, while it would be a gross overstatement to state that there are no new ideas under the sun (elsewhere on this website you will find Guidelines for the FJMC's Torch Award program, which bi-annually rewards clubs for new innovative programming – see also www.fjmc.org), there are many tried and true programs from other clubs that would give your club new life without having to reinvent the wheel.
In the club listings, you will find what each club has identified as its Key Club Programs. We encourage you to follow up with those club Presidents to find out more about their programs. In addition, you'll find some programming ideas that have been developed and fine-tuned over the years, to give you some additional food for thought.

Remember, be creative, but be realistic and don't forget to put as much thought, energy and time into program planning, as you do into program delivery. And don't hesitate to call on one of our Region's Leadership Consultants (see FJMC Consultant page) for ideas and for assistance in planning.

TYPES OF MEN'S CLUB PROGRAMS

EDUCATIONAL
  • Hearing Men's Voices
  • Authors as Speakers
  • CPR/Defibrillator Workshops
  • Finding Your Roots on the Internet
  • Hebrew Literacy
  • Judaic Music
  • History of the NJ Jewish Community
  • Parenting
  • Ethical Wills
  • Retirement Planning
  • Health Fair
  • Scholar in Residence Weekend
  • Being Jewish in a Christian World
RELIGIOUS
  • Men's Club Shabbat
  • Erecting Sukkah
  • Purim Carnival
  • Hanukkah Party
  • Holiday Workshops
  • How to Prepare & Deliver a D'var Torah
  • Tefillin Workshop/World Wide Wrap
  • Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Program
  • Lag B'Omer Picnic
  • Torah/Haftorah Reading Workshop
  • Yad Shel Chai Program
  • Blowing Shofar Workshop
  • Synagogue Second Seder
  • Tu B'Shevat Seder
CULTURAL
  • Museum Trips (e.g. Jewish Museum)
  • Jewish Heritage Trips (e.g. Lower East Side)
  • Book Club
  • Concerts
  • Jewish Film Festival
FUND RAISING
  • Raffles
  • 50/50 raffle
  • Kosher Wine Sale
  • Casino Night/Silent Auction
  • Sefer Haftorah Project
SOCIAL/ENTERTAINMENT
  • Broadway Theater Party
  • Dance with Sisterhood/Women's League
  • Card/Game Night
  • Regional Hockey Night
  • Purim Costume Party
  • New Year's Eve Party
  • Talent Show
  • Bowling/Tennis Party
  • Iron Man (golf, bowling, poker)
COMMUNITY SERVICE/MITZVOT
  • Habitat for Humanity / "Bonim Builders"
  • Community Food Bank
  • Holocaust Programming
  • Volunteer Staffing of Hospital on Christmas
  • Volunteer Service at Soup Kitchen
  • Career Networking Group
  • Jewish War Veterans Event
  • Bikur Holim (visiting the sick)
ISRAEL
  • Mission Trips to Israel/Masorti Communities
  • Israel Expo in Your Synagogue
  • Israel Fund Raiser (e.g. Israel Bonds; JNF)
  • Israel Political Action Activity/Speaker
  • Youth Scholarship for Israel Travel
  • Israeli Food "Cabaret" Dinner
  • Pairing with Masorti Kehillot
  • Israel Arts and Entertainment Culltural "Bank"
RECREATION
  • Men's Club Softball League
  • Men's Club Basketball league
  • Men's Club Tennis Ladder
  • Father/Child Sports Activity
  • Men's Club Golf Outing/Tournament
  • Hockey Night Out at the NJ Devils
  • Texas Hold 'Em Regional Tournament
  • Regional "SPORT" Committee