Awesome Women in Philly: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask; Women & Volunteering
Terri Soifer is the Development and Marketing Director for the Hillel at Temple University. Hillel is an international organization that engages students on campus in a warm, inclusive, pluralist Jewish community. Terri is part of Women of Vision, a group of Jewish women that allocates funds to projects supporting women and girls in Philadelphia and Israel through the Jewish Federation. She also sits on the board of Makom Community, plays ultimate frisbee in PADA (Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance), and is an active member of the Philadelphia Zoo and Consitution Center.
When we think about working at a university, we think about professors and teachers. How can someone work at a college or university without being a teacher?
Universities are large organizations. For the professors to successfully educate the students, the students need a safe and welcoming campus environment — that is where student life staff is so important. Professors need funds to perform research and ensure they have state of the art resources. This is the job of fundraisers, who help engage the community to raise money. Universities also have to market and recruit — which is a whole other team in admissions. That is really the tip of the iceberg. In summary, there are many positions and departments that support and ensure universities are successful.
You do a ton of volunteer work! How do you manage to balance work and volunteering to avoid burnout?
As someone who asks people to volunteer as part of their professional job, I am really aware of how important it is to be upfront about time requirements. I do not commit to volunteer for something if I do not know the time commitment beforehand. Volunteering is also a professional learning opportunity. I am grateful my job understands this importance. I get to learn from other organizations on how they engage or lead. It also helps me expand my networks.
How is Hillel at Temple University helping the community during COVID?
Temple Hillel is a true home away from home for over 1,000 students on campus. The sudden change from in-person classes and campus experiences to moving online has been very difficult for our college students. Hillel immediately sprung into action, individually reaching out to students, offering online learning and hangouts, and having students share their talents with one another (such as cooking on Instagram or leading services). We are also doing our own concluding ritual with the seniors, who are missing graduation. There is a lot of uncertainty around the job market, summer internships and jobs, and what the fall semester will be like. Hillel is here to listen and support our students.
Are there any myths you’d like to dispel about working in higher ed?
I’d love to dispel a myth around fundraising — that asking for money is “not normal” or “uncomfortable.” A large part of fundraising is listening, connecting, and guiding. It is the fundraiser’s job to help a donor find their “transformational why” moment — where the donor recognizes that giving makes them feel good because they are performing an action that connects to their values. As a Jewish professional, getting to have these moments with people and families, I believe it is truly holy work.
You also volunteer for the Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance chairing a committee to enhance the volunteer experience. What can organizations do to enhance the volunteer experience?
Too often organizations just assume people will volunteer. Having a strong volunteer culture takes organization and outreach. Having a team of stakeholders, all representing different arms of the organization, can help the board and staff brainstorm new volunteers [to recruit.] When you approach someone, asking for their time because you know they have a certain skill or have had a specific experience, it is hard for people to say no. It feels good to be recognized for your strengths. Don’t be afraid to ask, because if someone says no, it is still the beginning of a deeper relationship between a stakeholder and the organization.
Why do you think it’s important for women to volunteer and sit on non-profit boards or chairing committees?
We need more women voices on non-profit boards. In my experience, a man is more likely to accept a board position when they are initially starting to get to know a non-profit. Women are different. There have been studies done that show that in the long term, women are more committed and emotionally invested donors and non-profit leaders. They want to feel that deep emotional connection before committing to a board. Many times, when you are asked for a board, the organization wants your voice and expertise. When you join a board, it is a two-way relationship. You are not only saying “yes” to what the non-profit is doing, but you are also shaping the future direction.
If someone was keen to sit on a non-profit board or chair a committee, what steps could they take next week to put this plan into action?
- Find the Right Fit. Non-profit work is like dating, you need to find the right organization from a mission perspective, from a time management perspective, and from what the non-profit needs/what you bring to the table.
- Contact the Organization. Ask to speak to a staff member. If they do not get back to you or engage you, that is a sign that this may not be the right fit.
- Show Your Commitment. Additionally, make a larger donation to show your commitment. At the end of the day, non-profit boards are the stewards of fiscal health. Show that commitment.
- Get the Inside Scoop. Finally, if you know someone who is involved with an organization, ask them about their experience.
If you could send a letter to the past, what advice would you give to yourself as you graduated from college?
Your age is an asset. I spent a lot of my twenties feeling young and a bit of an imposter at the “table.” A co-worker one day told me, don’t apologize for your age. Though at times I did not have the same years of experience, I also brought a new perspective and by putting myself at those tables, I learned a lot from older lay leaders. Those intergenerational relationships are some of my most rewarding ones in Philly.
What media are you loving right now?
Big Mouth. It is a sweet and wonderful portrait of those awkward pre-teen years. Plus, it makes me laugh, which right now is welcome.
And I recently started The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power, the former United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President Obama. She is smart, passionate, and takes you on her personal journey to becoming engaged with the global community.
Awesome Women in Philly is a semi-weekly Q&A series by She Steps Up, a Philadelphia, PA-based group aimed at empowering women, trans, and non-binary folks professionally and personally. Check out our website for events.
