COMPILING A DATABASE OF STUDENTS ON YOUR CAMPUS

Creating a database of the Reform students on your campus is essential for getting the word out about your programs and events. There are several ways of getting names. The first is by having sign-up sheets—especially in the beginning of the year, at High Holy Days, and at Friday night services. At each program, you might want to pass around an attendance sheet and put those names into your database or master list.

Other Ways of Obtaining Lists of Reform Jewish Students on Your Campus

1. Ask your Hillel if it has a database from which you can get names.
2. Contact KESHER for a list of students at your university and surrounding areas. The KESHER office will likely have many new names for you.
3. Area synagogues can serve as another resource. You can call rabbis or ask if there is a person in charge of college students, and see if they have names they can give to you. If you don’t want to make many phone calls, you can also send them a letter explaining your goal. (See Appendix 6 for a sample letter.)

If you are unable to access a computer database program, ask students when they sign up to fill out mailing labels. These can also be photocopied onto new sets of labels to make more, ensuring easy bulk mailings!

Use your database effectively. Be sure to ask for names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and any other information relevant to your group. Then take what you compile and join it with your publicity plan. Remember to update it whenever you can!

If your chavurah is very big, appoint one person to be in charge of updating the information. Also, as a way to build community (and maybe even to spark a couple of relationships!) consider distributing the mailing list to members. Of course, be sure that your group’s members consent to this.