metro From the Heart from page 8 Gene Farber. "We want to be there for all members of our community." Hc,vd 5-jaes VYnfraK.? Just as with current dues, pledged funds will be used for the synagogue's basic operational budget only. Other fees, such as tuition for the K-12 religious school, b'nai mitzvah costs and building fund remain separate and unchanged. Each pledge — regardless of the amount — provides full synagogue membership, including High Holiday tickets. Under the old structure, members paid varying amounts of dues based on differ- ent categories, like families, seniors, singles and those under age 30. The highest dues — for families — was $1,995, plus a $35 fee to maintain building security. "This is comparable to, or lower than, most congregations in the Detroit area," Farber said. Most synagogues charge around $2,000, with some a little higher. He added Kol Ami's finances are stable and that the budget is not an overriding factor in the development of the pledge system. The categories have been abolished and the pledge system eliminated the need for an approximately 10 percent dues increase. "And anytime you raise dues some people will leave," Farber said. "We don't want any- one to have to call to say I can't afford it." Working with Farber, the board and cler- gy determined that based on the upcoming year's expected expenses and the number of households involved, $2,100 to $2,400 is needed, on average, to be pledged from each household That amount has been termed the "sus- taining range." Those who paid full dues in the family category are being asked to pledge in the sustaining range, or higher, to balance the lesser amount some others may pledge. "Those who pledge at least in the sustain- ing range are enabling somebody suffering financial hardship the opportunity to be affiliated, which is a true mitzvah," Gross said. "Others are asked to try to pay at least what they were in the past," said Karee Strome, Kol Ami's co-president, along with Lee Schottenfels. "If a senior was paying $1,350 as that part of the dues structure, we hope they can pay that, or more. At one of our focus groups someone on reduced dues said the pledge system will make them feel like a true member, not somebody who asks for reduced dues every year." One longtime member, who asked not to be named, said, "Applying for reduced dues felt like begging. I know we qualified, based on income, but somehow filling out the form — even though we know it's con- fidential — was like groveling. I had the feeling that we were not full members. "At the first informational meeting when the pledge system was discussed, I sur- prised myself by speaking out; I said how 10 June 21 2012 much more comfortable I would be know- ing that we are paying what we can. In fact, we will try to find a way to pay a little more this year. We have a better feeling psycho- logically about the idea of making a pledge. We are out of the begging mode and doing our fair share." Roman said, "We are not expecting everyone to pay the full amount, but think many will come close or exceed it. But whether someone gives 25 percent of the amount or 250 percent of the amount, they should not feel any different if they are giv- ing from the heart," he said. vice president, to discuss different models of dues. "He gave us a nice education about the history of how synagogues handled col- lection of their sustaining income, and the philosophy of the dues versus pledge sys- tems," Gross said. "We also discussed other synagogues that had switched to the pledge system — and there aren't many." Gross sees Kol Ami as becoming a model for other congregations, with URJ leader- ship following the progress. Outside of the Reform movement, the Conservative Temple Israel in Sharon, Mass., has implemented a successful pledge system. Chaben spoke with their executive director, Deborah Astor. "She shared much information about their three years of research and three or four years of being involved in the sys- tem;' Chaben said. "The reaction there has "We did a lot of studying and talking and research and held an open forum of oppor- tunity to talk about it before making this change," Roman said. Silverman spoke with Rabbi Steven ..e0.4.1.44/4/Ce 4z AZ6:6-4 4.1f f. /5 • c7,9„ ' ec7„ ,-„, f o • The pledge letter sent to congregants Mills, rabbinic director of the URJ's Congregational Networks-Central District. "There are a number of URJ congrega- tions that have begun to implement dif- ferent funding models, and the Union is beginning to draw together a network of congregations that are in various stages of transitioning to non-dues based models:' Mills said. "After a great deal of research, Temple Kol Ami is among the first to move to a new funding design. The Union helped Temple Kol Ami identify other congrega- tions that had adopted or were exploring funding changes. No one model fits all, but I am hopeful that Temple Kol Ami's system will do what the congregation intends: grow its membership base and provide a fair self-assessment process that will sustain the congregation for future genera- tions." Gross, Farber and Kol Ami's outgoing President Joe Falik held a conference call with Rabbi Daniel Freelander, URJ senior been positive. We learned that we needed a full commitment from leadership, staff and clergy, how to communicate with our families and what our pledge card should contain." Retaining, Adding Members "We know there are some who are done with temple after their children's bar or bat mitzvah," Gross said. "Now we are hop- ing that by allowing people to pledge the amount they can pay, some former congre- gants will come back." The hope, too, is for some younger fami- lies to join. "This is not going to make young, single Jews automatically want to affiliate," Silverman said. "There is not an influx of 25-year-old Jews looking for dues to go down. But for those considering this opportunity, this is a way for them to do it in a way that is affordable and welcoming. For those starting to think about it, money is now not a barrier." Roman said the new system may also attract some who are not currently affili- ated with a congregation. "Maybe some never belonged anywhere, thinking they would not be welcome if they couldn't afford the amount:' he said. Since the pledge system was announced, Strome said, "We already heard from a family who left after bar and bat mitzvah year who are planning to come back, and from a young family whose parents are members but who are unaffiliated who are interested in joining with a pledge." Roman said, "We made a commitment to try this for two to three years. We thought at one year some may be wary and hold back larger pledges to see if others are giv- ing their share." A backup plan is in place if the system doesn't work out. "We have been able to secure commitments from some who will help underwrite the difference if we have a deficit," he said. As with mostly all synagogues, Kol Ami has offered reduced dues for those who find it necessary and will not turn away anyone unable to pay at all. But at any cost, being affiliated is impor- tant. A thought on the URJ website likens non-members who attend Shabbat services and pay non-member fees for classes and High Holiday tickets to those belonging to a health club and just paying for what is used. "People join to become part of a community of values where people care for each other through times of celebra- tion and sorrow',' the statement says. "They choose to support these values with their money and their energy." The pledge commitment can allow more to be part of that community. For that reason, Gross said the hope is for everyone who wants to affiliate to make a pledge, however small, in order to have a physical and emotional stake in the congregation. "With the pledge system, everyone who affiliates with Kol Ami is considered the same, regardless of the amount they pledge," he said. "A senior citizen on a fixed income, who may pledge $250, receives the same High Holiday tickets and is entitled to the same volunteer opportunities and participation in services. The system is non-judgmental." Roman said, "We've had a dues structure since the temple was founded in 1966, so this is a significant change. And now we are the only congregation around here with a pledge system." E For information on Temple Kol Ami, 5085 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, call (248) 661-0040 or send an email to temple@tkolami. org .