Should we google our members?

British Airways announced that it will be googling its business class passengers as a way for their staff to recognize and better serve their customers. The "Know Me" program, they say, allows their staff to view photos of passengers and find out about their patterns and preferences. British Airways has given 2,000 iPads to their customer service representatives so they can look up and greet an expected 4,500 people a day. If this sounds specious to you, you're not alone. Businesses like airlines or hotels give their customers options to set up their own profiles through a preferred customer status. Customers can upload their own photos and preferences; why staff would need to google people is raising suspicion and complaints about privacy and potential errors.  


An airline might be stepping out of bounds by using Google as a way to get closer to customers, but the idea of getting to know people is at the core of creating communities. 

So should we google our kehilla members? What would we learn and what would we do with the information? 


A fundraising professional colleague of mine tells me that he googles everyone he meets. In addition to finding out what they do or what they're interested in for fundraising possibilities, he looks for connections that he might help them make. What town did they grow up in? What organizations do they belong to? Who does he know that he might put them in touch with? How can he help them feel more connected to someone else?


In a quick sampling of what I would find if I googled 10 of my close friends, I have to admit that I did learn some surprising things. My friend, Jack, published a book about staff performance review. Sherry is certified by the American Academy of Sports Medicine. As a speech pathologist, Jean has no complaints or sanctions against her, (good news). Andy was executive director of our congregation (alert - that was incorrect information!).  


Googling my friends didn't uncover much about their needs, aspirations or interests. It would not help me know if they want to learn Hebrew or invite someone for Shabbat dinner now that their children are out of the house.  I did, however, learn about some of their accomplishments and professional profiles. That information could be critical if I wanted to approach them to volunteer or move into leadership.


We're going to be talking about volunteer engagement next week as we roll out the final module in United Synagogue's Sulam for Current Leaders series: The Volunteer Development Plan.  Rabbi Charlie Savenor and Bob Leventhal will cover how we approach volunteering as avodah, sacred work, in a kehilla of sacred relationships. Knowing every person's skills, achievements and passions is key.  Register here if you want to join the conversation. 


And, in the meantime, feel free to google me.