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What brings Jewish Americans to virtual spaces
Throughout the first months of COVID-19, nearly 90% of Jewish Americans aged 18-40 participated in at least one form of virtual engagement, and 63% participated in virtual Jewish events. Even as the pandemic has continued and in-person events have returned, virtual engagement with both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations remains widespread.
That's why we partnered with the Jim Joseph Foundation and worked with Benenson Strategy Group to research trends in how Jewish Americans connected through virtual events in the first months of COVID-19.
With virtual offerings here to stay, these findings provide useful insights into how these events can serve as successful tools to facilitate meaningful engagement with Jewish communal life.
Quote from Virtual Engagement Research
What separates successful virtual events from unsuccessful ones is their ability to meet three key needs that are facing young American Jews right now: the needs for community, fun and fulfillment.
KEY FINDINGS
Overall, Jewish virtual events proved successful in meeting their participants' needs, with more than 75% of participants sharing intentions to attend another virtual event.
On the other hand, poorly executed or unsatisfying virtual events had a negative effect on participants, with more than 50% feeling less likely to participate in another event by any organization.
Our findings unpack the motives that bring young Jews to virtual programming—and the differences between programs that are worthwhile and engaging versus ones that leave participants unsatisfied and exhausted.
1 in 2
Young Jews attended virtual events because they sought fun, connection with others, or to spend time on a topic of interest.
#1
Reason young Jews gave for choosing to engage with a Jewish event was “to connect with Jewish people".
2x
Likelihood that worthwhile events left participants feeling happy, connected or informed, compared to non-worthwhile events.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the research findings, our report offers thoughtful recommendations for organizers of virtual events, including:
- Designing virtual programming that is specific to virtual platforms, rather than transferring in-person programming into a virtual platform.
- Considering how you want participants to feel, not just want you want them to do.
- Adhering to virtual best practices to maximize engagement, such as starting and ending events on-time, testing technology beforehand, and building in interactive content.
The BOTTOM LINe
As we continue to navigate the digital worlds and the opportunities it provides, knowing the best practices for shaping successful virtual events can have an enormous impact on engagement long-term.
When it comes to Jewish events offered virtually, young people don’t participate for participation’s sake; they do so because they crave community and connection. And with thoughtful planning and execution, organizers can make sure their virtual events successfully meet those needs and keep participants coming back for more.
