2009-10 JCC Arts & Culture Steering Committee Presented Susan Farb Morris this Plaque
Recently former rock ‘n roll radio personality Dayna Steele published a book about how you can “Find Your Inner Rock Star. Steele, an author/motivational speaker/social media consultant and entrepreneur, spoke to my Women’s City Club last week and her message resonated in terms of my public relations work and my volunteer work in the community, specifically with the JCC of Houston.
Steele said that every day you wake up, get out of bed and set your feet on the floor — your stage. What you need to perform on that stage are: Passion, Knowledge, Relationships and Appreciation. That’s what keeps us fresh and at optimum performance level.
Passion.
In addition to having a passion for my work, I have a passion for my volunteer work. Five years ago I was asked to co-chair the JCC Jewish Book & Arts Fair, one of the largest, most successful Jewish book & arts fairs in the U.S. The time commitment is tremendous and I wondered if I could maintain my high energy level and service to my clients and do justice to the Book & Arts Fair, which features 40+ programs over two weeks. I had to accept — it was such an honor to be asked. In the end, I found that my passion for both saw me through the two-year JCC commitment (I chaired the event in 2006.) The experience was so thoroughly meaningful, thanks to the involvement of fellow-volunteers and staff, and such thrilling opportunities as introducing actor Jason Alexander to a standing-room-only crowd of 900 people, and comedian/writer Andy Borowitz, or being in the Green Room with Senator Barbara Boxer and internationally renowned attorney and author Alan Dershowitz.
Knowledge.
What a thrill it was to be able to instill my know-how in public relations to enhance the publicity for JCC Arts & Culture events. Whether it was developing media relations strategies, helping set up media interviews with the Houston Chronicle and FOX 26 or networking with nonprofit arts organizations, I relished being able to utilize my knowledge in public relations to the benefit of the JCC and the greater community to promote Jewish books, authors, film and visual arts.
Relationships.
After completing the Book & Arts Fair in 2006, I was asked to chair the JCC Arts & Culture Steering Committee, which oversees Dance Month, Jewish Book & Arts Fair, Jewish Music Festival, the Deutser Gallery/Art Committee and Jewish Film Festival. Thanks to relationships I’ve nurtured throughout my life and public relations career, I was able to tap into new people and resources to promote collaborative programs with the JCC. New additions to the committee brought varying perspectives and new relationships were forged. I relied heavily on the support of the JCC staff and treasured the partnership with JCC Arts & Culture Program Director Marilyn Hassid.
Appreciation.
My term is up this spring and it was time to thank everyone for their incredible service. The incoming chair, Barbara Winthrop Rose, decided she wanted to host my last committee meeting as chair at her home to make it more special. I conducted the regular business meeting, then went around the room to thank everyone in attendance for something specific they had done during my tenure in support of JCC Jewish Arts & Culture. To my astonishment, Barbara presented me with a gift from the committee signifying their appreciation of my work. It was such a meaningful tribute; my heart swelled. The gift is an exquisite Michael Aram tray with the artist’s signature olive branch sculpture. It was such a moving experience — to be thanked for doing what brings one joy and meaning is a thrill beyond words.
So there you have it. The story of my Inner Rock Star.