How to Write a Program

How to Write a Program NFTY Style

  • An important thing is that all programs should be uniform. All of you will be writing programs and all of you will be sending those programs to others to be edited. It is crucial that you have a formal heading so the program can be filed appropriately into the program bank. The heading should read as follows:
  • Uniform Template

Name/Title of the Program ______

Date ______

Specific Event ______

Author/s of Program ______

Jewish Quotes from Good Literature or Philosophy (that would be amazing)

  • The next step when it comes to a uniform way of programming is to shed all of your fancy ways of actually writing the program and stick to the basic generic and extremely organized way of program.

1. BEGIN BY BRAINSTORMING A TOPIC FOR YOUR PROGRAM-

  • Be sure that the topic is one you already know something about and that can be further researched.
  • Determine what kind of research is required and how much will need to be done?
  • Be sure to talk to your Rabbi, Cantor, TYG Advisor, TempleEducatorand/or NFTY websites & officers (they are great resources for programmable topics)
  • Ask yourselves if the group has already done too much programming regarding this topic.
  • Are people interested in spending time on this topic?
  • Is the topic suited for the participants?
  • Is there enough substance to the topic for a full program?

2. INVESTIGATE THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF YOUR TOPIC –

  • Prepare a bibliography. Look on the web, and ask your advisor, rabbi, cantor, or educator for help. Then, learn as much about the topic as you can.
  • How many approaches can be taken?
  • Which aspects will most interest the group?
  • Which aspects can be programmed effectively?
  • What does Reform Judaism have to say about the topic?
  • Can the topic be broken into smaller sub-topics lending to a series of programs (i.e. over the course of a conclave or weekend)

THE ACTUAL PROGRAMMING FORMAT

GOALS:What are your overall aims for this program?

Example: ______

Importance-This is the crux of the program. When you are programming you really do not want to lose track of what you are trying to accomplish. If you think you are, always refer back to the goals that you had established in the beginning of your programming process. Keep your goals generic yet specific enough so everyone can understand them. To give a short analogy without writing a program without goals is like heading into uncharted waters without a compass. The goal gives you direction.

OBJECTIVES: What are the specific ways in which you will achieve your goals? The objectives should be measurable by asking whether the goal was fulfilled.

Examples:

Participants will participate in an activity simulating ______

Participants will discuss the different ______

Participants will be able to explain ______

Importance- Objectives are critical because these are basically the roots of what your procedure. Using your objectives will help out a lot when it comes to actually setting down what the participants will do in your program. Make sure that the objectives mirror your procedure or activities.

MATERIALS: List all of the things you will need to make your program work. Don’t forget to include any of the materials you will be distributing in small groups.

PEOPLE:Who is needed to run this program? Include the number of group leaders, characters for skits, “rovers” (someone who walks around keeping time and making sure groups are ok), etc.

SPACE NEEDED:Make sure that the activity you’re doing corresponds to the facility you have available. Write out the names of the room(s) if you know them ahead of time so people involved in the program know exactly where to go.

TIMELINE:Outline your program so that group leaders know how long each step should take.

Judi Ratner

Regional Director of Youth Programs

Southwest Council