BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
89BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE (BNC)
National Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday-Wednesday, June 7-8, 2011
Brandeis University - International Lounge, Usdan Student Center
TUESDAY, JUNE 7
President Leslie Pearlstein called to order the second meeting of the 2010-2011 NEC at 9:15 AM.
PRESIDENT’S OPENING REMARKS
Leslie Pearlstein
Leslie welcomed everyone and introduced the new NEC members. She recounted some of her
activities since the previous meeting:
Her travel included visits to chapters in Florida, California, and Arizona, where she took part in
programs, events, and study groups, and met with chapter leaders and members. She also attended a
NY, NJ, So. CT region meeting, along with Janice Fineman and Ron Levy.
On campus, Leslie delivered greetings from the BNC at President Lawrence’s inauguration,
attended the University Fellows Breakfast during which BNC members Detlev Suderow and Jean Carrus
were inducted, and she marched with the trustees at the Commencement.
Leslie said she makes every attempt to attend events that she is invited to, in order to ensure the
BNC is well represented on the University level. She is getting to know some of the other trustees and
is developing a relationship with the outgoing and incoming presidents of the Alumni Association. The
BNC is looking to strengthen its ties with the alumni.
Leslie’s goal is for the NEC meeting to be interactive and spark discussion.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Janice Fineman
Janice thanked members of the NEC for their efforts, and University colleagues Myles
Weisenberg and Michaele Whelan for their support and assistance. Janice joined Leslie at the Florida
Region Meeting last fall, attended the Phoenix Book and Author events, spent a full day with the Kansas
City Chapter board members, and attended the New York, New Jersey, So CT Region meeting. Janice
will be speaking at the Gotham Chapter’s 50th anniversary luncheon. She said these visits are valuable,
because they help her to learn more about what is taking place in our chapters and regions and to inform
the members first-hand about happenings at the University and within the BNC.
A collaboration with the Alumni Office is continuing on plans for a program to present a sample
of our Learning Opportunities to alums. The first pilot program will take place early in the fall.
Because of a lack of leadership, three chapters will close by the end of June – Seattle and
Ventura in the west and Palm Gardens in Florida. Leadership is a major concern for all of our chapters
and will be addressed in the coming months. She commended the Florida and Western Region
Presidents for helping to find ways to keep the chapters functioning and also helping to decide the
timing for the closings.
The professional staff members continue to give their all in assisting chapters and members.
They are knowledgeable about their own areas of expertise and also across all areas of the BNC. Their
level of customer service is extremely high.
Janice said in her position she sees both the successes and the problems the BNC is facing. The
challenge at the national level is two-fold: to be aware of what is happening at all levels, and to provide
guidance and materials for the volunteers.
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
Chapters continue to hold both large and small fundraising events. To raise significant funds for
Brandeis, more needs to be done in the area of larger gifts and Planned Giving. Michael Swartz,
Associate Vice President of Gift Planning, gave Planned Giving presentations at the Central Westchester
Chapter’s opening event last fall and to a smaller group in San Diego last month. He also spoke at last
fall’s NEC meeting at which time an NEC member stepped forward and made a Planned Gift. Chapters
are asked to place Planned Giving ads in their bulletins on a regular basis, but this alone is not enough;
more chapters need to have events to promote Planned Giving.
Volunteers at all levels need to share their passion for Brandeis with others, identify prospects
for larger gifts, and assist in soliciting those prospects. Most of all, the NEC needs to help make a
difference in the fundraising.
In order for the BNC to remain a meaningful partner with the University, two things must be
accomplished – enlisting more members who really understand that the BNC is a philanthropic
organization, and most importantly, there must be an increase in fundraising. Over the years BNC has
always prided itself in knowing that when facing the challenge to support Brandeis, the members have
risen to the occasion. Janice called on the NEC to do this once again and to set the example for all
members. NEC members are in a position of top leadership. Janice asked them to place Brandeis and
the BNC at the top of their philanthropy and to raise the level of their financial commitment.
Leslie asked the NEC to encourage gift-giving and educate people about “Who we are and What we do.”
She explained what it meant to be a University Fellow and asked current Fellows on the NEC to stand.
BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Reiner, Chair
Steve referred to the printed financial report that was included in the NEC packet, along with a
schedule produced on a monthly basis that tracks chapters’ cash holdings. The financial report itself was
a full review of ten months through April 2011. It indicated the BNC will meet its budget in the various
categories. It showed the membership decline is shrinking, chapters raised more dollars than was
anticipated, and reduced expenses. However, actual fundraising figures are behind last year’s at this
time.
As of April 30, 2011, the total net income is more than $2.9 million. Estates represent an
important part of the income and illustrate a need to focus on planned giving and bequests.
VISIONING PROJECT
Carol Kern, Chair
The Visioning Committee was created to examine ways the BNC can continue to be a vibrant
partner of the University. The committee asked Amy Sales of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish
Studies to act as a consultant in developing a process to gather data needed to create a vision for the
makeup and structure of BNC in the future.
Peer-led focus groups of select chapters were formed in the fall to gain some insights into the
needs and interests of members. A survey was conducted to understand what animates current
membership and the possibilities that exist for the future growth of the BNC. Carol called on Amy
Sales, who gave a PowerPoint presentation to show the findings of the survey.
In answer to “What defines the individual members’ lives,?” the highest percentage of
participants listed friendships, followed by intellectual growth. Study groups were described as BNC’s
greatest asset. The data showed a consistent and strong correlation between commitment and
involvement. Amy said that if BNC can increase the levels of the members’ involvement, it will likely
also move BNC higher on the members’ lists of “top organizations.” Similarly, as BNC increases
commitment among its members, the participation rates should increase as well.
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
The committee met to discuss the future of BNC. Carol read the committee’s concept of BNC’s
Visioning Statement: “The Brandeis National Committee will be a vibrant philanthropic support for
Brandeis University. The organization’s membership of women and men will promote the values of the
University and articulate its achievements.” One goal will be the development of inspired leadership as
a primary means of strengthening and promoting BNC’s philanthropic culture, and the design of a
campaign that will resonate with the constituency. Some other thematic initiatives will be to strengthen
BNC’s partnership with the alumni and engage the membership in donor development. Lifelong
learning will continue to be a hallmark with the purpose of connecting members to Brandeis. The BNC
will use technology to bring Brandeis to the membership and will address the “digital divide” due to a
lack of e-mail addresses.
FUNDRAISING TEAM
Beth Wolfson, Chair
More than $4 million has been raised for the Fulfilling the Promise campaign, surpassing the
goal of $3 million.
Beth had planned to present a concept of a new fundraising campaign directed toward either
creating three BNC endowed scholarships, or one endowed scholarship fund that would support giving
more than one scholarship. However, when Carol Kern gave her Visioning Committee report to the
officers the previous evening, she informed them that some BNC members had indicated an interest in
supporting fundraising for neurodegenerative research. In light of that, rather than bring to the NEC the
scholarship campaign concept, Beth presented both concepts.
Comments:
- Include a new component so members won’t think it is a repeat of previous campaigns
- Boomers will also relate to a focus on research
- Social justice, a tenet of the University, is low on the list for BNC members. The NEC should
keep this in mind when making the decision
- Perhaps combine medical research with scholarships
- Consider scholarships, since that is President Lawrence’s priority. It would be an opportunity to
provide a scholarship bearing the BNC name
- Have a project that the majority will resonate with and what they will respond to the most
- Scholarships are more flexible for the University. Half of the gifts that come from estates are generally
for scholarships
- Support a student in the BNC lab
After extensive discussion, it became clear that BNC should raise funds for an area the
University needs and can use to relieve its budget. The Team will return to the University to talk further
about a potential new campaign for scholarships and neurodegenerative disease research. Destiny
Aquina, a scholarship recipient at Brandeis and a BNC Student Ambassador, expressed her appreciation
to Brandeis and the BNC for their financial support.
Beth addressed the importance of the NEC’s participation, not just in publicizing the new
campaign, but also in identifying, cultivating and courting potential donors, or at least helping to
cultivate by providing an entrée, and in publicizing and supporting Planned Giving. She said the success
of any new campaign depends on the involvement of every chapter. It also requires not just the NEC’s
approval of the project, but also its commitment to work on behalf of the campaign. In conjunction with
the new campaign, the Team will be focusing on major donor development and Planned Giving.
A sampling of Book Fund’s new Art Cards was distributed for viewing. The cost for a packet of
four cards is $14. Leslie hoped the cards are being well promoted.
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
BRANDEIS TRAVEL PROGRAM
Myles Weisenberg
The University is interested in having BNC take part in its alumni travel program of one - two
trips per year. Typically, half of the participants are alumni with an average age of 60 years. More
information can be obtained through the Alumni Office on campus.
UNIVERSITY SEARCH UPDATE
Michaele Whelan
There are several changes in the university’s administration: Dr. Steve Goldstein ’78 was
appointed as the new provost. Search committees will find replacements for the following positions:
Dean of Arts and Sciences, Senior Vice President for Student Enrollment, and Vice President and Vice
Provost for Library and Information Technology.
Leslie then introduced Kathy Lawrence, wife of President Lawrence, who expressed her appreciation for
having been invited to meet the NEC. She said BNC has contributed to the uniqueness of Brandeis.
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Carol Rabinovitz, Chair
Those who are asked to join the Leadership Council (LC) meet the following criteria:
- They have served BNC well, or
- They are former Honorary Board members
- The BNC wants to keep them connected to National
- There is the likelihood they would commit to a donation of $500 per year.
The LC’s mission is to retain a Brandeis connection for the leadership and to maintain a donor
base. Members are asked to help with fundraising in their areas. Carol has kept in close touch with the
30-35 members, many by frequent telephone contact. Those with e-mail receive her notes with links to
an important Brandeis happening, and also receive information that is sent to NEC. Membership
feedback has been excellent; most answer the e-mails and appreciate being kept informed
about Brandeis news. Carol would like the LC members to be more active in the regions. She
commented that most of the LC have not asked members or prospects for gifts.
Carol asked the NEC to consider how the LC could be strengthened and what additional roles its
members could play. Most want to be assured they are not expected to travel or attend a lot of meetings,
but they could talk about Brandeis at a local study group or lead their chapters to some new members.
Suggestions:
- Greet new members,
- Have an LC representative on the NEC
- Train leaders locally
- Attend new member events
- Host events in their homes to promote leadership
- Create within the chapters a group of former leaders
- Ask chapter presidents to recommend members for the LC
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT FRED LAWRENCE
President Lawrence described BNC as playing a major role by being deeply connected to the
University. Brandeis fits well within the top research schools but needs to be able to compete with other
universities. The first challenge is attracting and maintaining a first-rate faculty by providing core
resources. The second challenge is attracting the students. Brandeis’s highest priority is financial aid;
the University has a historic commitment to needs-blind admission.
He commented the BNC is a part of the University family and has a crucial role in financial
support. The members are informed and educated ambassadors and give a national presence for
Brandeis. President Lawrence felt leadership is determining the needs of the community and providing
service.
MEMBERSHIP TEAM
Joanie Small, Chair
A handout of current membership figures was distributed. The team has been in touch with
chapters every 6-8 weeks, and a few of the team members also conducted Pod calls with chapter
membership leaders. Several chapters are forming couples groups and men’s study groups with their
own programming. Boomers and more men are taking leadership roles.
The NEC needs to inform membership chairs that it is important to impart information about
Brandeis and the benefits it provides to BNC members. Joanie asked for suggestions about ways to
welcome new members.
- Use e-mails, phone calls, and a buddy system
- Receive personal attention from the leadership
- Each chapter has different challenges and must be addressed in a different way
- Hold get-togethers and include spouses and board members
- Assign a mentor
- Have attendees fill out cards; contact them three weeks after the event, and extend an invitation for
future programs
Leslie suggested Joanie summarize the ideas discussed and send them to chapters.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TEAM
Lydia Axelrod, Chair
The BNC needs to make chapters aware of Brandeis materials, which are all posted on the
website and include new study guides. More groups are using ‘deis flicks and raising funds by using
them in programs. Trailers for ‘deis flicks have been added to the website, providing an opportunity to
view films before ordering. ‘deis flicks can also be used as fundraisers.
NEC suggestions to bring more members to the website to view Learning Opportunities offerings:
- Have tutorials on computer usage
- On e-mails, include a link to the website
- Conduct a contest for connecting to the website; award the winner free study guides
NEC suggestions for study group facilitators:
- Ask people to become facilitators; suggest they share the responsibility
- Form a special interest group for learning how to be a facilitator
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
NEW STUDENT FORUM
Beth Bernstein, Director
Programming & Publications
All incoming freshmen will read Fun Home by Alison Bechdel over the summer. This New
Student Forum book is a graphic novel. Copies were distributed to the NEC. Videos of the author with
questions for discussion will be available in the fall.
CHAPTER ADVISORY TEAM
Ron Levy, Chair
Phyllis Perkal reported in Ron Levy’s absence. She referred to his written report included in the
packet. Discussions by the Team (CAT) were mostly via monthly conference calls. Phyllis cited the
following topics and activities:
- The development of a document describing the Governance of BNC Regions.
- A request was sent to all chapters to identify events and activities of which they are particularly proud.
National received many responses in a variety of categories (e.g., membership, fundraising,
leadership development, etc.). A few of these have been selected as representing the Best-of-theBest, and snapshot descriptions will soon be printed and distributed to the NEC and all chapter
boards.
- The use of community cable TV to publicize BNC and local chapters.
The Team also discussed the role of chapter Executive Committees (ECs) v. chapter boards. It
feels chapters should have an EC to discuss issues and act as an advisory committee that will make
special interim decisions. This would reduce the length of general board meetings.
Discussion:
- The EC should “recommend,” not “decide”
- The EC should be an organizational committee; the board should vote on the issues
Discussion on how the NEC can recommend to chapters they form ECs:
- Each chapter needs to structure what is best for itself; avoid having members lose interest
- Having fewer board meetings would eliminate growing those in positions and not allow for more
information to be shared
LEADERSHIP TRAINING SESSIONS
Barb Sander, Co-Chair
Seventeen trainees representing four regions will attend the Leadership Training sessions: 9
chapter presidents, 5 chapter president representatives, two region presidents, and one NEC member.
The agenda will include a meeting with students and faculty, the NEC meeting, the Installation
Luncheon, a tour of the campus, and training workshops. The program will end with a wrap-up session.
Terrill Hameroff, co-chair, suggested changing the name, Leadership Training, to “Leadership
Development” or a similar title to indicate more accurately the purpose of the sessions.
Meeting recessed at 4:30 pm.
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
Meeting reconvened at 9:15 AM with the Leadership Trainees in attendance. Leslie asked the trainees
and NEC members to introduce themselves.
UNIVERSITY ON WHEELS AND STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Beth Bernstein
Student Ambassador Program
The goal is for the students in the program to communicate with and possibly visit with chapters
in their geographical areas during school breaks. BNC Student Ambassadors have written to several
chapters and are proud of their role. Recently, the program was recognized by the Brandeis Student
Senate, granted status as a University club, and is now solidly in place.
The chapters are asked to participate by inviting a student to speak at a chapter meeting and/or
communicate by e-mail Beth is trying to match students with chapters.
University on Wheels (UOWs)
UOWs bring the Brandeis connection to the chapters. A new template being developed will have
information about the speakers that can be plugged into chapter bulletins. It will be necessary to know
the bulletin deadlines so the information can be provided in time. Faculty profiles can be found on the
Brandeis website.
Leslie then asked Carol Rabinovitz to describe the Leadership Council and its composition for the
Leadership Trainees present.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
Leslie Pearlstein
The names of new and retiring NEC members were announced. Leslie informed the NEC that
the following changes were made to the NEC’s structure and the vice presidents’ assignments:
- The Budget and Finance Committee will no longer be chaired by a vice president. Instead, the chair
will report to the NEC officers.
- A new position, Vice President for Leadership Development, has been established.
- The name and composition of the Chapter Advisory Team have been changed. The Team will be
known as the Region Presidents Team and composed of region presidents.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
Barbara Gilman
Accounting Manager
Barbara presented a sample of the Region Summary report; it is sent to Region Presidents to be a
used as tool to assess the progress of the chapters in each region. The report shows the year-to-date
financial progress towards the chapter’s goal and is a snapshot of where the chapter was last year at this
time, and where the chapter ended the previous fiscal year. The report also includes annual membership
numbers compared to the chapter’s goal.
She then gave an explanation of a sample of an individual chapter’s goal report for the months
ending April, May, and June. The chapter’s financial progress can go either up or down each month
depending on the revenues and expenses incurred each month. In the sample, although a chapter’s
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BNC NEC Meeting, June 7-8, 2011
report for April indicated the chapter made its financial goal, if the expenses outpaced the revenues for
the rest of the fiscal year, the net fundraising could fall and the chapter would not make its goal.
WEB UPDATE
Kali Foxman
Communications Specialist
Kali gave a presentation that highlighted pages on the BNC website. They include:
- Student Ambassadors, with photographs and biographies
- The “Look with Pride” video, which can be seen directly on the website
- Capability to make a donation
- Learning Opportunities offerings, including live Faculty Forums
- Membership resources
- A link to the BNC Facebook page
There was a suggestion to include a video of the BNC Tribute Wall.
NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Beth Bernstein
Njelle Hamilton, Ph.D. candidate in Literature, is working with Beth on a series in a new genre
of Learning Opportunities - Brandeis Educational Snacks. This is another way to bring the Brandeis
educational experience and connection to BNC members. The simple preparation for this genre, which
can be arranged as a one-time event or a continuous study group, is available completely online via the
BNC website. The first offering is called "Food and Culture," and she is currently working on a series
of snacks dealing with friendship.
Beth asked for ideas for using Brandeis materials in chapters. Suggestions:
- Hold training sessions for small groups as some members are afraid of using the study guides
- Post links in an e-mail so members can check out information without going to website
- Use study group materials at region meetings.
In closing the meeting, Leslie advised that if you ask people if they are interested, they will become
involved. She also commented on the need to find a way to bring people to campus to meet the students,
visit the library and other impressive buildings, and experience the uniqueness of Brandeis.
Meeting adjourned at 12:05 PM.
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