JFNM Finalizes Strategic Plan

Link Staff Report

CLICK HERE FOR A PDF VERSION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN

The just-completed strategic plan of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico identifies fundraising as only one part of a more ambitious effort charging the JFNM with building Jewish community and educating Jews throughout New Mexico how they can actively participate in the endeavor.

At its September 23rd annual retreat, the JFNM Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico finalized its year-long strategic planning process, establishing goals and actions to guide the Federation over the next three years.   

The finalized strategic plan is focused on four major JFNM goals areas:  Leadership Development, Philanthropy, Social Action, and Education. 

One JFNM Board member expressed their belief that the finalized Strategic Plan offers a
”good blueprint” to strengthen New Mexico’s Jewish community, with the planning goals interrelating.

Among the primary goals that the JFNM will undertake over the next three years include:

• Identifying and building new leadership in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and elsewhere;
• Strengthening and expanding the JFNM Leadership Development program initiated in Albuquerque this past September;
• Identifying new supporters in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe;
• Creating awareness to effectively educate New Mexicans about the value of JFNM;
• Providing a voice for the Jewish community that addresses critical public issues and celebrates Jewish life.

Under the auspices of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the JFNM plans to more effectively coordinate Israel advocacy activities in New Mexico and create a response team to address anti-Israel bias in the media. The JFNM will also coordinate a legislative lobbying effort and develop and implement a statewide communications plan to engage all New Mexico Jewish communities in JCRC activities.

Increasing affiliation, or getting Jews involved and connected in New Mexico’s Jewish community is a critical aspect of the strategic plan, according to JFNM executive director Sam Sokolove. “Creating a sense of ‘Jewishness’ through involvement with the JFNM is primary goal,” said Sokolove. “Creating passion and strong leaders is another.”  

Some Board members expressed hope that the JFNM would eventually initiate a demographic survey to assess the number of Jews in New Mexico, which would further assist the JFNM’s planning and outreach efforts.

Funding and implementing programs that meet the needs of Jews of all ages in New Mexico remains a cornerstone of the Federation mission.  The JFNM Board has committed to increasing the undesignated 2008 Campaign by $40,000 and overall campaign by twenty percent from the previous year. The JFNM will also actively seek corporate support for underwriting JFNM events, as well as for The Link. Plans to activate two affiliate groups – the Maimonides Society for medical professionals, and the Cardozo Society for legal professionals – are underway as well.

Heather Shore, the JFNM’s new Marketing and Campaign consultant emphasized that getting the JFNM mission better known throughout New Mexico is paramount to the JFNM’s efforts. “We want people to be educated so they give, and give because they are educated,” she said.

Among the conditions identified by Board members as necessary for the strategic plan to succeed include increasing involvement through outreach, following-through on action items, adding value to JFNM donations and recruiting experienced leadership. Establishing measurable goals for actions was also deemed necessary.

JFNM President Janice Paster commended the Board members who contributed their time and energy to completing the plan, which began in September of last year.  She also offered, “heartfelt thanks to our facilitator, Lew Barsky, for lending his expertise to overseeing this important undertaking for our Federation and community.” 

The complete strategic plan may be accessed at the JFNM website: jewishnewmexico.org or by contacting the JFNM office at (505) 821-3214.