Good programming is like bad traffic. It takes an immense amount of time to plan the
best route, and more often than not, something changes at the last second. I’m from Los
Angeles, so I’m pretty familiar with this concept.
If I want to get from my house in Hollywood to my president’s house in Agoura Hills, it’s
going to take me a massive amount of time to identify the right route. Once I’ve check Google
Maps and Waze, and completely ignored what they told me to do, it’s time to put my trajectory
to the test. I’m on the 101 freeway and everything seems to be going smoothly until BAM-someone ran into a pole, and now it’s going to take me twenty-five years to get to my
destination. At this point, I’m forced to adapt, to rethink my vision, make informed changes on
the spot, and elect a wholly different, but equally effective route. Upon arrival, the planning,
preparation and willingness to pivot pays off.
Take something you love, and change it. Adapt it for a new environment, a different
audience, an over-arching goal. It’s called trashing the vision, but more commonly, it’s known as
programming. It’s not easy, but having a well-defined programmatic vision makes the NFTY
experience.
My name is Max Zucker and I’m running for NFTY Programming Vice President. My
platform is based in programmatic vision work, customized network support and
meaningful collaboration between teen and adult leaders.
As SOCAL PVP, I spent the entire summer constructing my program collection—a
thematic arc or outline of all of my programs for the year. Although it wasn’t as daunting as
fighting LA traffic, it was a difficult task. This program collection highlighted my theme for the
year, the objectives and goals of each program I would write, and how the programs at our five
events would ultimately tie together. Creating a collection of programs that all fall under the
same arc accomplishes a lot. There are programs that can stand alone for new members, but
also build on each other, creating a deeper, more rewarding experience for return participants. If
elected, I will support each PVP in developing a program vision and collection that fits perfectly
for them and their regions.
I want to be an asset to the PVP network, while still giving its members ample room to
develop unique and fun programs. I want to support each PVP in creating their own vision and
arc for the year. I’d like to install a broad study theme that promotes individuality, while still
connecting the 19 regions. One of my favorite parts of being a PVP on Regional Board is
working with each PVP in my network on programs they are struggling with, bouncing ideas off
of one another, and watching them grow. Being a part of a network is a valuable thing, and I will
make it incredibly beneficial for all the PVPs who are a part of it.
North American Board isn’t about 6 positions. It’s about one team serving and
collaborating with the NFTY community. For me, being a liaison between teen and adult leaders
is integral to being a successful North American Board member. During my first term on
Regional Board as SOCAL FVP, I created a task force that allows teens to work with adult
leadership on NFTY’s finances. I’m all about giving the teens of NFTY a voice, and it’s
something I’ve become rather seasoned in. Regardless of position, my mission as a board
member is to connect the two ends of the leadership spectrum in fantastic collaboration.
You don’t need to plan your route to your next destination. You could just jump in your
car with a year’s worth of food and hope for the best. You could wing it. But planning pays off.
Programming is massively difficult, but it’s the program arc and months of visioning that makes
it all come together. Sometimes you need to go left when you want to go right, and it’s the same
with a vision. It’s a bumpy road, literally and figuratively, and preparation makes all the
difference.