I have been asked this question at every IAYC conference. Once you ask the question, you are half the way there. It means that you are interested in being part of a group that is not nearby or to your taste. Thus interest is the first requisite and you have it.
Second, you ask the same questions that a good news reporter does in his first paragraph. You answer the what, where, when, who, why, and how.
WHAT – A Yiddish club (that was easyJ)
WHERE – Here are some suggestions; JCC, Temple, Senior Center, Rec. Center, Clubhouse, Retirement home, or your home as a last resort.
WHEN – Whenever it is best for you. Get the word out for those who are interested but can’t make it at that time and ask them when they can make it.
WHO – Anyone interested in Yiddish culture or language.
WHY – Because you are interested.
HOW – This is the most important and really the question of today’s topic. Once you have a place and have decided the day and time, getting the word out successfully has much to do with your initial success. Plan something special for your first meeting. It could be a musician, entertainer, lecturer, etc. Use free publicity. Get the announcement in local papers, on bulletin boards and make calls to people whom you know and may be interested. Ask them for names of others who may be interested. That is how I started Der Bay 20 years ago.
Depending on the makeup of the group and your interest, you will determine if it will be a shmueskrayz, leyenkrayz or even a shraybcrayz. Don’t fall into the trap of your doing all the work from then on.
Finally, Der Bay has excellent material for Yiddish programs and you will then wish to have the group join the IAYC, International Association of Yiddish Clubs. Good luck and send in the info for listing in Der Bay—it’s free.
No comments:
Post a Comment