Do you know a few people who should be JFREJ members and you want to ask them to join JFREJ? Are you having a birthday, wedding, or other life event that you’d like to ask your people to give to JFREJ in honor of? You’re in the right place! This mini toolkit will get you started on asking your friends, family, and neighbors to join and donate to JFREJ. 

 

FAQ:

• Do I have to be Jewish or live in NYC to Join JFREJ? No - 1 in 4 of our members live outside of NY State. And we have active members who aren’t Jewish.
• What’s the difference between being a member and donating to JFREJ? We don’t distinguish between members and donors at JFREJ. If someone gives any amount greater than $3 per year, they’re considered a member!
• What are JFREJ’s Membership Dues? Suggested dues are $5 per month or $36 per year, and they’re sliding scale, so they start at $3 per year. In order to keep our membership dues accessible, we ask that folks give at a level that is meaningful for them. 

 

Asking your People:

1. Take a few minutes to think of a list of people you know who share your values from the different areas of your life (school, family, friends, neighbors, synagogue, etc.). Write their names down. 
2. Make a short and sweet, personalized ask to each of them. Include why you thought of them in particular, what’s meaningful about being a JFREJ member for you, and ask for a specific amount. The default suggested ask is $5/month, but you know them best, so ask for more or less. Make your ask in person, over the phone, via text or DM, however you usually communicate with the person. 
3. If they say YES, send them the link to join jfrej.org/donate or jfrej.org/member (they go to the same place). Or create your own personalized fundraising page below! 
4. Follow up! If someone doesn’t reply right away or they say they’ll think about it, remember to follow up in a couple days. People will be grateful for the reminder. 

Fill out this form to create your own fundraising page!

Helpful things to keep in mind:

• It’s okay to get NOs. However, don't make that decision for someone by not asking them. You’re providing them with an opportunity to live into their values, let them make the decision.
• It’s your job to ask, and their job to say Yes or No. 
• If you only get YESes, you’re not asking enough.
• The taboo against talking about money that many of us were taught helps keep the current unequal status quo. These conversations help break down the taboo!

 

 

Reach out to Development Manager, Sara Goldberg, sara@jfrej.org, to let her know you're fundraising for JFREJ, so she can answer any questions you may have and offer support!