We are currently seeking volunteer planning team members for the 5th annual Boston Jewish Food Conference – to be held April 3, 2016. The BJFC is an annual springtime event run by Ganei Beantown. In a multi-generational, pluralistic setting, it serves to educate and connect the greater Boston Jewish community around issues of sustainable food systems and what guides our food choices.

Planning team members will hold the vision for the event and organize and oversee all aspects of the BJFC. Individual time commitments will vary throughout the year, depending on the area of responsibility. All planning team members are asked to help drive one particular piece of the conference, working with a small group of others. The whole team will gather monthly, either on the phone or in person. Regular communication and benchmarks will be established between. Think flexible and collaborative.

Expect to work 1-5 hours a week, depending on your responsibilities up to two weeks after the conference. Plan to work as a conference ambassador in a variety of capacities (including possibly composing material to be circulated (divrei torah), speaking engagements, tabling, etc.) and provide leadership at the BJFC itself.

Chair(s)
Maintain a big picture perspective, be aware of progress and challenges in committee work
Be a public face of the conferenceBoston Jewish Food Conference planning team
Regular communication and liaison with GB staff
Edit content as needed- written and graphic
Help structure conference evaluations & planning team debrief

Organizational Partnerships
Reach out to local organizations and businesses to solicit partnerships
Follow up and confirm as needed
Communicate confirmations to marketing team

Shuk Team
Work with donations and food team
Brainstorm, solicit and confirm Shuk vendors and tables (balancing DIY, food, information, etc.)
Send confirmation & be point person of communication
Secure funding from vendors
Be responsible for room layout
Communicate confirmation to marketing team
Day of: be the point person for vendors, engage participants in activities, facilitate clean up
Send thank you letters to all vendors

Silent Auction
Solicit donations for silent auction (often in person)
Communicate confirmations to marketing team
Package donations in appealing manner
Day of: organize silent auction set up, coordinate awarding of winners & prizes
Send thank you’s afterwards

Programming Team
Facilitate initial brainstorming and framing of educational workshops
Maintain perspective on confirmed presenters, logistical and A/V needs, etc.
Coordinate workshop descriptions, presenter bios, etc. on timeline
Communicate confirmations, logistics to presenters
Prepare small appreciation gifts for presenters
Liaison with which presenters might also table at Shuk
Communicate confirmations and relevant information to marketing team
Day of: Welcome and point person for workshop presenters
Solicit feedback end thank you to presenters afterwards
Oversee teen programming, based on assessment of need

Marketing & Outreach Team
Identify target markets for specific outreach, manage local contacts
Develop and implement social media strategy
Receive confirmations from committee and promote event
Coordinate print materials development and distribution
Coordinate blog content
Manage content, format for email blasts
Maintain brand management with GB staff
Liaison with press
Support planning team in reaching out to their networks
Oversee content and layout of program book
Day of: live tweet, facebook and photography

Web Developer/Registrar
Develop registration form
Manage data and keep team updated
Manage and update website with conference information
Day of: Manage registration table
Volunteer Coordinator/Logistics Affairs Agent

Site liaison
Be aware of purchasing and pick up needs, coordinate or help as possible
Recruit volunteers, define roles & responsibilities
Communicate and confirm schedules with volunteers
Support planning team members with volunteers as needed
Accommodate for folks with special needs
Day of: manage volunteers, support
Send thank you to volunteers afterwards

Food Team
Oversee food at conference including reception snacks, meal preparations
Maintain perspective of kosher dietary laws, ethical/local desires and budget
Solicit food donations, wholesale pricing
Day of: Manage and set up food
Communicate donations to marketing team
Send thank you to food donors

If you are interested in joining us, or have questions, please email Leora@beantownjewishgardens.org

This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE