BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
BRANDEIS NATIONAL COMMITTEE (BNC)
National Executive Committee Meeting
Monday-Tuesday, October 26-27, 2009
Rapaporte Treasure Hall, Brandeis University
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26
President Carol Kern called to order the second meeting of the 2009-2010 National Executive Committee
at 9:15 AM
WELCOME
Carol Kern reported having spent time during the summer and fall with region leaders and chapter
members and found a positive attitude. Referring to an article about the importance of one’s attitude,
she said the NEC members are role models who need to be proactive in bringing positive messaging to
their chapters and regions. The core of the NEC’s purpose is to assist with membership recruitment,
renewals, and fundraising.
After having read numerous articles about volunteerism and fundraising, Carol now understands
better the feeling of self worth, how good it is for one’s health, and how important it is for the BNC.
Telling one’s own BNC story is an important way to help others understand the three Ws, BNC’s
mantra this year. The importance of combined efforts should not be minimized, and Carol encouraged
the NEC to work together
REMEMBERING ELAINE BERNSTEIN
Carol recalled Elaine Bernstein, a member of the NEC and Fundraising Team who had died a few
months ago. Elaine had worked tirelessly on the chapter, region, and national levels on behalf of Book
Fund. She felt personally the importance of supporting the Brandeis Libraries and sought to promote
giving to this important fund. There was a moment of silence in memory of Elaine.
REMARKS
Marty Krauss, University Provost, shared news about the University.
She addressed the issue of President Reinharz’s retirement and informed the group that President
Reinharz had consulted with many advisors regarding his decision to retire from the University.
Ultimately, this was his decision, reached after much careful thought about what he had achieved in his
remarkable tenure as President, and in consideration of the challenges that lay ahead. As is
characteristic of him, he thought deeply about the need of the University to transition to another leader
in this time of economic turmoil and has pledged to do all he can to position the University positively
for this transition. He will remain President through the current academic year and be available next
year if needed. A search committee has been formed; three of its thirteen members will be faculty. The
committee will select a search firm and solicit input broadly from the community. An orderly process
will be followed to achieve what is wanted by everyone—a great next President to build on President
Reinharz’s accomplishments.
A committee created by Marty that represented various constituencies on campus was formed to
discuss the future of the Rose Art Museum. According to their report issued in September, 2009, the
committee has recommended that the Rose remain a museum open to the public and that steps be taken
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
to better integrate it within Brandeis’ educational mission. The first item on the agenda will be to
increase staffing. The Rose will reopen on October 28 with an exhibit of many iconic works within its
collection, many of which have not been exhibited ever. This exhibition celebrates the publication of a
catalogue of the magnificent holdings of the Rose, a publication that has been years in the making by
Abrams Publishers, THE premier publisher of art. Marty affirmed that press releases about the
exhibition have been sent to scores of media outlets and urged that widespread dissemination of the
exhibition and the catalogue be distributed to chapters.
The NEC was updated on several magnificent new buildings on campus. The Carl and Ruth
Shapiro Science Center is now operational and houses laboratory space for 12 esteemed faculty and
teaching spaces for biology and chemistry undergraduates. It is an arrestingly beautiful new addition
that is visible immediately upon entering the campus. Second, the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Admissions
building is now completed and offers a stunning welcome to prospective students and their parents.
Finally, the Mandel Center for the Humanities is under construction in the northern part of the campus,
and will be a first class building that will house interdisciplinary programs in the humanities. It will be
completed in August 2010 and promises to be a major catalyst for innovative programs across the
University for humanities’ studies.
The Provost addressed other curricular initiatives that will distinguish the Brandeis education
experience that is offered to the students. In response to the economic crisis, Brandeis has taken several
bold and innovative steps to position itself creatively for the future. It has pledged to increase the size of
the undergraduate student body by 400 students over the coming years and to decrease the size of the
Arts and Sciences faculty by 10%. A key element in this faculty-approved plan is to offer a
“Brandeisian” business major and to create “Justice Brandeis Semesters” - both novel and innovative
initiatives that will appeal to prospective students. Information on both these initiatives will be available
on the Brandeis website.
Marty then focused on the key priorities for fundraising, namely increasing the support for
financial aid, the cornerstone of Brandeis’ commitment to making a Brandeis education accessible to
qualified students regardless of financial ability to pay. This has been the core of the university since its
inception and remains its priority. Provost Krauss said there is no better investment in our nation’s
future than the education of our youth. Almost half of the Brandeis students are on financial aid. The
University is proud of this. but it must be recognized that this is expensive. Marty urged that everyone
keep pressing on providing support for the students, who are really one’s future.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S GREETINGS
Janice Fineman said her theme for this year is increased communication. Communicating is a two-way
street: listening and talking, with an emphasis on listening. She reported the staff has been listening to
the NEC, the chapter and region leaders, and to the members.
Hearing that the chapters wanted and needed ways to enhance their fundraising efforts,
especially with silent auctions, Janice and Carol Kern worked with the University to develop guidelines
for silent auctions. The guidelines have been put in place and announced to the chapters.
Hearing that the BNC logo did not effectively tell “who we are and what we do, and did not say
the organization is a part of Brandeis University, the staff again acted. Working with the University’s
Publication’s Department, the NEC now has a newly enhanced logo that adds the line – In Support of
Brandeis University. Each Chapter has received the logo with its chapter name incorporated into it to
use for bulletins, websites, invitations, and all printed materials. The new logo will be used on all
national materials as supplies are reordered.
The National Center heard the great feedback from the June training event. Networking - talking
with each other – peer to peer- was a key to its success. This is now being taken to a new level. The
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
national teams and region presidents have been communicating with chapter presidents and various
chapter chairs; however, chapter people had not been communicating with each other.
This year Janice would like to see more open lines of communication and for groups of chapter
leaders/chairmen to connect with their peers in their own regions and across the country. This took
place at our Western Region Conference, it takes place in New Jersey where a group of 8 chapter leaders
meet regularly and it takes place in Florida. She would like want to expand this concept.
Membership is a key priority for the BNC this year, and the staff is also hearing that the NEC
and the members want to have Facebook pages and more options for social networking to attract
members and keep them connected to the BNC and Brandeis. In accordance, a new position has been
filled in the National Center. Janice introduced Kali Foxman, a communications specialist, who will be
working with everyone to enhance online communications, set up the mechanisms for the BNC to use
more social networking media such as Facebook in order to strengthen Membership outreach efforts,
and better brand the BNC online and in our chapters’ communities.
In order to reach more prospective members, we need to present the BNC in the places where
younger people, specifically the boomer age group, might look. For members to be retained, they must
be connected to the BNC and to Brandeis. Kali will be working with all of the staff and many on the
NEC to build excitement for our excellent programs and put more information about us online.
Janice urged the NEC to continue talking, e-mailing, and calling her and the members of the
National Office staff with their ideas and concerns.
TEAM REPORTS:
FINANCIAL
Stephen Reiner
Steve referred to the FY 09 budget that was included in the packet. It showed an increase in
membership dues despite fewer members. Expenses were kept lower at the national level and donations
and bequests exceeded the budgeted amount. A September FY10 to September FY09 comparison
showed that activities at the chapter level were below budget, and fewer people are attending events,
apparently due to the decline in membership and downturn in the economy. However, many events
have not taken place yet. Steve felt that over the course of the year, the picture will be reversed. He
noted that many Life Members attend events and are dedicated supporters.
Chapters are sending their funds to the University instead of holding onto it. Efforts of the staff
have resulted in smoother relationships with the treasurers.
BNC/ALUMNI RELATIONS
Michaele Whelan, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, said that a part of the Strategic Plan is to
bring the Alumni Association and the BNC closer. Many faculty members report that they enjoy larger,
more diversified audiences, and the collaboration of the two organizations is resulting in a better
teaching and learning environment.
Myles Weisenberg, Vice President of Development, agreed and commented on the collegial
partnership of the two departments. Webinars (Online Faculty Forums) have been launched this fall and
opened to BNC participation.
Beth Bernstein, Director of Programming and Publications, and Sharon Rosenberg, Associate
Director of Alumni and University Relations, gave a PowerPoint presentation on upcoming joint events.
With 56 BNC chapters and 23 alumni clubs around the country, 23 events are planned. Some are joint
programs, some are piggyback programs, and others are either BNC events where alumni are invited or
vice versa. Other programs open to BNC members are Alumni College, online faculty forums, Brandeis
Nights, and the Sachar Society/Scholarship luncheon.
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
The Alumni Association and BNC do collaborate, but they take different pathways to how they support
Brandeis. They share contact information for local leaders, hold joint staff meetings to select speakers
for Faculty in the Field, UOWs, and Alumni College, and identify alumni speakers for BNC chapter
events. The purpose is to support Brandeis, not compete with each other.
After the PowerPoint presentation, the board discussed the UOW/Faculty in the Field programs
- If a member attends an event, it would be good to follow-up.
- This would be a good membership tool for unorganized chapters to see if it would revive interest.
- The Alumni Association will post BNC events online inviting alumni to attend.
To invite alumni to BNC events, information should be forwarded to Beth Bernstein in the
National Center, preferably with a month’s notice. She will forward it to the Alumni Office.
- In an effort to strengthen the partnership, alumni have been invited to become members of BNC; a
story is on the Alumni website and in Louie News, the monthly alumni e-newsletter.
- Events will be publicized on the BNC website and Imprint.
- A process needs to be in place for the NEC to receive information about the programs and those
attending. Sharon said it would be helpful to obtain lists of attendees at BNC events. The
Alumni Association takes care of all RSVPs to faculty events and therefore knows who has
attended.
- The Fundraising Team would also like to know which attendees were not members, so they can be
contacted for donations.
There was discussion about getting attendees involved in the BNC.
- That is not the goal; it is to have members get to know one another and share an intellectual
experience.
- BNC needs to think about maximizing the impact by taking advantage of the numbers of attendees.
- Chapters should make sure that the Brandeis University name appears in all Faculty in the Field and
UOW publicity.
- UOW/Faculty in the Field programs are an opportunity to present BNC to alumni; a membership
application should be available.
- Time can be allocated to introduce BNC to the alumni audience and vice versa. (Alumni are
becoming an older constituency).
- If alumni who fall into the Boomer category can be identified, that population would be an interesting
target.
Karen Engelbourg, Assistant Vice President for Alumni & University Relations, thanked the BNC for
partnering with the AA to bring in more active people and raise additional funds for Brandeis.
FUNDRAISING
Beth Wolfson
The team has been working on the current campaign for the libraries and scholarships. A fundraising kit
has been developed. They need to follow-up on specific targeted areas to assist chapters in their
fundraising - to emphasize financial support, work smarter, lower the income expense ratio, increase
events, and raise what they charge for events. If they do not plan to raise the charge, they must reduce
expenses.
Several flyers are being developed with ideas for implementing levels of giving and recruiting
angels to underwrite events. The team is also working on cultivating major donors, and some team
members have agreed to identify and solicit donors. The team received some names of potential donors
from NEC members.
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
Carol Rabinovitz, Leadership Council Chair, met with Council members who were committed to
becoming more active and involved in fundraising.
Ellie Shuman, Fundraising Team member, suggested study groups be encouraged to make a
single donation as a group to support scholarships; the objective is to turn single gifts into one major
one.
Carol Kern requested NEC’s input on how to reach out to chapters and assist the Fundraising Team with
ideas.
Discussion:
- Solicit donations at each meeting of study groups and special interest groups. Make this a part of their
curriculum, so members will recognize BNC is a fundraising organization.
- A general statement can be sent about the type of student being supported by the groups’ efforts.
- The faces of the students could appear on flyers; the flyers can include their testimonials.
- The University DVDs are powerful and inspirational; they are available from the National Center.
- Reach out to non-members when holding an event.
- Chapters need to spread the word about the many benefits available from Brandeis. Phoenix inserts
bookmarks in every book sold on its website; the bookmark includes upcoming chapter events on
one side and on the other side states “20 Reasons to Join BNC’s Celebration.”
- Hold a Brandeis Birthday Party. Specify “no gifts.” Instead, ask invitee to send a donation.
- Promote the Krupp Challenge: new gifts or any increased gift will be matched.
MEMBERSHIP
Joanie Small
The Team focused on ideas, information, and materials for chapters to work with. The goal is to educate
both the leadership and general membership that BNC is a philanthropic organization, not a social one.
It feels that chapters need guidelines, and their new slate of officers will need to be indoctrinated. There
were phone calls and e-mails between the National Center and chapter membership chairs. The team is
encouraging chapters to welcome new members and make personal phone calls. An NEC member
suggested using sign-up attendance sheets at all meetings.
Membership Survey
A survey was sent to chapter presidents and membership chairs, and the statistics were reviewed.
Questions dealt ways in which the chapters attract new members, if the chairs receive support, which
activities have proven to be successful, or unsuccessful, in enrolling new members. There were several
other questions to gain helpful information. There was an 80% response, with replies from 17 chapters.
There will be a follow-up to the survey.
Membership Dues
Of the two higher levels of dues, 58 members paid their dues at the Gold level, and 15 members at the
Platinum level.
Couples Dues
388 couples took advantage of the new $100 dues fee for married or “significant other” couples living at
the same address. For the spouse of a Life Member, the charge is $60, the current rate for annual
members. The concept was especially well received in chapters that have men’s groups. The team felt
the benefits will outweigh the costs and attract new members.
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
Men’s Groups - the team will be working on recruitment.
Discussion:
- There is a market for men who have not yet retired; it takes one or two people to reach out to them.
- Men are attracted to study groups; perhaps study groups could offer a list of topics that appeal
specifically to men.
- Take it one at a time – first form a couples book group that would meet early in the evening. If men
want to separate and start their own, that could be a next step.
Baby Boomers
Discussion:
- There should be a focus on couples who are Boomers. People are active socially more as couples than
as individuals.
- It would be good to see older chapters become satellite groups of Boomers Each chapter would need
to be examined separately.
Membership Contest
A contest will be created to attract members who truly care about Brandeis. Ideas for the contest will be
discussed after the meeting in the evening.
CHAPTER ADVISORY
Leslie Pearlstein
Awards
Chapter of the Year awards were presented to Tucson and Westlake. Both met their financial and
membership goals, and submitted excellent applications, showing how they met the criteria for the
awards. Louis awards were earned by Staten Island, Tri-County, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg.
Twelve chapters met or exceeded their membership goals, and 18 chapters met their financial goals.
The various regions made the national presentations, along with the awards given on the Region level.
In the New York, New Jersey, Southern Connecticut Region, several chapters met one or the
other of the goals, and Tri County and Westlake met both.
In the Mid-Atlantic Region, two of the 5 chapters met their financial goals, and one its
membership goal. Each chapter has its own character and all function smoothly. The region president
was encouraged to select each chapter for something special it had done, and to present certificates
acknowledging their efforts. The president concluded that awards at the region level do not make a
significant impression.
In the Florida Region, 7 chapters made their financial goals, and one chapter its membership
goal. The Region awards were presented at an October Executive Board meeting, where each chapter
was asked to send a representative. There were several awards, because the region presidents felt it
important that chapters know their efforts are recognized and appreciated. Book Fund awards were
based on promotion of Book Fund at meetings. All 18 chapters received Study Group awards, since the
chapters are diverse, and what is successful for one is not necessarily for another. Bulletin awards were
based on the national criteria – the mission statement, a list of officers, Book Fund, and information
about Brandeis. Community Service was self-explanatory, and membership awards were based on
which chapters came to within 90% of their goals, and financial on which made their goals. There were
outstanding fundraising event awards for one in each of the various size chapters. These awards were
very much appreciated, and several chapters sent thank-you notes to the region presidents.
The Western Region gave out its awards at its Retreat. Four chapters made their financial goals,
and two chapters their membership goals.
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
Of the four New England chapters, Norfolk/Sharon made its financial goal. Leslie reported she
recently reached out to the other chapters in this region to find out if they would like to meet by
conference call to discuss common issues. Hartford expressed an interest in participating, and Leslie is
waiting to hear from the other chapters.
The Team learned that strong region leadership is vital in drawing the chapters together and
giving them a structure that is closer to them than the National Center. The Region Presidents are the
key line of communication to the chapters, and there is a need to strengthen the communication in some
regions and maintain it where it is working well.
Leslie asked NEC members who had participated in any of the award ceremonies to provide us some
feedback.
- The Western Region ceremony was lively, and there was much bonding among the attendees. Every
chapter received an award in order to recognize their efforts.
- The Florida Region ceremony drew a large attendance; and everyone was enthusiastic.
- Although there is no official New England Region, many chapters are still functioning and would
appreciate award recognition.
FY10 GOALS
Leslie Pearlstein
Financial Goals
Leslie presented a proposal that set the FY10 Financial goals based on a sliding scale. The Team hopes
to have better fundraising results this year due to guides to increase revenues and reduce expenses.
Discussion:
- Send a flyer with ideas to increase income and suggest using electronic communications. Chapters
could fold bulletins in half for lower postage and use bulk rate.
- Chapters do not receive their goals until November, half-way through the year; the schedule should be
changed to bring the goals to the NEC for approval in June. The Team should start to work on
the FY11 goals in November and allow the chapters 12 months to achieve them.
- There is a need to show the difference between the event and programming and what it costs. The
emphasis has to be on fundraising, not just program and event income. Chapters will need to
know what the numbers are.
- When the goals are sent to the chapters, include ideas for fundraising.
- Consider the goals as a 3-year plan after which the results will be reviewed.
- Think of a 3-year average.
 A show of hands approved of a 3-year plan, which will be changed incrementally.
Leslie reported that goals are being established for regions. The committee is proposing a goal of a
3% increase in net fundraising results for each region. Regions are a part of the BNC structure that will
keep the momentum going.
 There was a consensus to set a goal of 3%.
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
Membership Goals
The goals were based on annual membership. Extra Large-sized chapters would receive a goal increase
of 2%, Large chapters an increase of 3%, Medium an increase of 4%, and Small an increase of 5%.
Discussion:
- The goals are unattainable due to the financial downturn. Response: it’s important for chapters to
think forward with a goal. Those who strive will be recognized for doing their best.
- Have a goal higher than last year’s to reverse the downward trend.
- Are the goals too conservative? Response: no, and it is important to work on renewals this year.
- Research shows people need to have a “stretch” goal to be motivated. 3% is a reasonable stretch.
- Establish a national marketing membership campaign.
- Create suggestions on how to reach out to new members.
- Have local newspapers post details about group meetings
- Search for retired teachers on the Internet.
 The NEC accepted the numbers as presented.
WESTERN REGION CONFERENCE
Phyllis Perkal
Phyllis referred to a report written by her and Sue Karp, co-region president. The Western Region‘s
Retreat and Reunion was held in San Diego in October. Ten of the 14 chapters were represented and
participated in meetings, attended workshops, and got to know their peers. National and Region awards
were presented at dinner where the guest speaker was Brandeis University West’s Director of
Admissions. A wrap-up session followed the next morning. Phyllis read a note received from Pauline
Green, Rancho Bernardo Chapter. She wrote that everyone left the conference with feelings of pride,
community, and satisfaction working for the same cause.
Phyllis and Sue’s recommendations:
- Each BNC region hold such events, whether small or large, to bring together leaders and “emerging”
leaders.
- Provide appropriate funding in next year’s budget, so the region president can visit chapters and train
those who were unable to attend a formal region training session.
- Revisit the policy of providing regions with $1 per member in each chapter for to region operations.
- Recruit younger members aged 40-60. The Region will put forth an effort to find them but needs the
National Center to develop a plan to help chapters enroll “Baby Boomers.”
- Have chapters have open communication and exchange ideas with other chapters in the region.
- Have chapters add other region chapters to their online bulletin mailing lists to lower printing and
postage costs and reduce the income/expense ratio. Eight of 14 chapters in the region post their
bulletins online.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
STUDENT MEMBERS OF NEC
Marti Dembowitz/
Andy Hogan
Marti, a senior, is serving her second year as an NEC student representative and expressed her
appreciation for the appointment. Andy is a junior who was elected President of the Student Union and
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
works with administrators and students to bridge the gap between them and to discuss student concerns.
Marti and Andy are working to get the Student Ambassador Program off the ground. Carol Kern
welcomed them to the board.
PROGRAMMING
Beth Bernstein
Student Ambassadors
The Student Ambassador Program brings Brandeis students to the chapters where they talk about
Brandeis experiences. Undergraduates can provide chapters with information to connect members to the
campus. Graduate students can talk about their research. Beth reported the program has been effective,
although at times it has been difficult coordinating student schedules with chapter events.
Beth described a new program called “Adopt a Chapter.” It has been developed to further build
relationships between students and chapters. Students will be matched to chapters and correspond with
them.
Discussion:
- NEC should serve as ambassadors for this program; it is an important connection to the campus.
- NEC members should attend chapter meetings; it would extend the chapter relationship with the NEC.
- The program is one that the Leadership Council could be involved in.
Videos
The NEC viewed two videos, “Look with Pride.” and “The Power of Scholarships.” They have been
shown at the Western Region conference; chapter leaders took copies home to show their members and
had good results.
The BNC website links to the University’s Faculty Forum and to a virtual Tour of the Science
Center. On the Brandeis website, it is possible to view lectures and news about campus. Most events
are videotaped, so one can watch them at home. CIOs should be informed and bring the news to their
meetings. Carol Kern asked the NEC to remind chapters that they can access this information.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Lydia Axelrod
Lydia reported that members should always be cognizant that BNC is a fundraising organization. Her
team would like to combine fundraising with continuing education, because chapters do not understand
the many benefits they receive from the organization. The team has decided to disseminate Brandeis
materials to the chapters and ensure they are using them. It also recommends that every chapter have a
Learning Opportunities coordinator.
Each team member has been assigned to ten chapters to find out what is effective, what is being
used, and what is not.
The use of materials is being expanded. Many chapters are conducting workshops and using
‘deis Flicks.’
Carol Kern noted that the Learning Opportunities program, which offers Brandeis faculty-authored
materials and wonderful DVDs, sets BNC apart from other organizations.
It was suggested the team develop Learning Opportunities materials for BNC men’s groups.
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BNC NEC Meeting, October 26-27, 2009
SILLERMAN CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PHILANTHROPY
Claudia Jacobs, Director of Capacity Building, began by engaging the NEC in an exercise. Members
were asked to share how they felt when making their very first contribution, and if they could correct
one wrongdoing, what they would do. They said their contributions gave them warm, satisfying
feelings.
Claudia described the Sillerman Center, which is associated with the Heller School of Social
Policy and management, whose focus is to increase social justice and philanthropy through research and
education. To encourage Brandeis students to think about philanthropy, the Center is currently
developing a Sillerman Prize. The purpose of the competition is to identify innovative strategies for
increasing philanthropy on university campuses. The Center will award up to $8,000 in prizes to the
Brandeis student-led teams that can articulate a plan to build a culture of giving on college campuses,
increase philanthropy amongst college students, and/or create innovative structures in which to
accomplish this. The Center is also working on a survey of alumni and supporters regarding the contest.
BNC’s 3 Ws
Information about the 3 Ws – Who we are, What we do, and Why we are important – was included in
the packets. Carol Kern commented that the BNC’s mission is the core purpose of what it does, and that
the Learning Opportunities program sets BNC apart from other organizations.
The BNC is in its second year of following its Strategic Plan and has made much progress.
Carol would like the NEC members to return to their chapters and build up their pride of affiliation; the
3 Ws material can be used to develop their own presentations.
Janice Fineman referred to an article in the packed entitled “Empowering Board Members to Tell
Your Agency’s Story.” She asked NEC members to tell their own stories and help to spread the word
about BNC. She requested feedback with ideas on ways to educate the members about the 3 Ws.
OTHER BUSINESS
Suggestions:
- Consider recycling Used Book sales. They carry Brandeis into the community while raising funds. It
was noted that conducting a book sale is onerous, and available space is difficult to secure.
- Those who are interested in donating books for a book sale should send a list of the books, rather than
the books themselves, to save double mailing costs.
- Show BNC videos at Study Groups to give participants an additional reason for attending.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.
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