Presentation by Lisa Colton and Phil Brodsky for Darim Online, June 2, 2010

1. 1
standing together. moving forward.
Facilitated by Lisa Colton and Phil Brodsky
The Darim Online Learning Network for Educators
is generously funded by a grant from the Covenant Foundation

2. What is a “Social Sermon”?

3. What is a “Social Sermon”?
1. Opportunities to engage in LEARNING and
COMMUNITY BUILDING through online tools
2. Weaving this content and these relationships
back into the FACE TO FACE community in our
local communities
3. Inviting ACTIVE participation, rather than
passive attendance

4. What is a “Social Sermon”?
Convenience of
today’s online
social
communication
tools
Valuable content,
learning and
reflection
Local application
and relevance -
face to face
relationships &
community

5. Starting Assumptions
• People: There are audiences who are
interested in Jewish learning, but unable
or unwilling to come to regular adult
education classes.
– Program structure or timing doesn’t fit their
lifestyle.
– Worried they don’t know enough
– Don’t think their friends will be participating
(“it’s not for me”)

6. Questioning Assumptions
• Objectives: Torah study and community
building don’t have to happen in the
building, at a set time, face to face.
– Get clear on immediate and longer term
goals.
– “Ambient awareness” online can lead to
powerful face to face relationships and a
stronger, more participatory community.
– How are you measuring your success?

7. Rethinking the Approach
• Strategy: Getting more people to
participate in education and community
more often doesn’t mean “market it more”.
Time to rethink our design.
– Attention economy
– Where are people investing time learning and
connecting?
– Listen to the interests and needs of your
audience.

8. Choose the Right Platform
• Technology: Choose a platform where
your target audiences already are, that will
enable you to have the conversations you
want, and where Rabbis & educators can
be comfortable.
– Twitter - use hashtags
– Facebook - status posting and comments
– Blog - posts and comments

9. Facebook
As a question, invite sharing,
link to longer format if/where
appropriate.
- Summary of parasha
- Blog post about your
thoughts
- Someone else’s
article or commentary

10. Twitter
Pick a good hashtag for your community. Check that it’s not already used.
Market it! Monitor it! Respond to posts.

11. Blogging
Access, discussion,
invitation to participate

12. Multiple Platforms

13. Location-Based

14. Resources
Delicious.com
Search:
“social_sermon”