BBYO is a movement focused on Jewish inclusivity, identity, active leadership, and tradition. All levels of boards within this movement work to achieve this goal for each and every Aleph and BBG. These boards, in the form of chapter, regional/council and international teach teens how to grow as leaders within and outside of this movement. BBYO is a space that helps teens discover and claim their Jewish identity, through surrounding themselves with others with diverse culture and history. Every single individual in BBYO has their own completely different personal story, but this organization works to unify them. This is why running for chapter board is such an amazing and completely unique opportunity. Different board positions teach and offer you different views and perspectives on yourself as a leader.

The two chapter board positions I’ve had so far have been chapter S’ganit and Mekasharet. These two completely different positions have allowed me to work with different people in absolutely different ways. In the second semester of freshman year, I started my first term on board. I ran and lost for chapter MIT Mom and dropped down to Mekasharet. In this position, my love for BBYO only grew. Not only was I growing as a leader, but since I was the first ever Mekasharet in my chapter, I was also building a board position.

Mekasharet is a home and position that welcomes new BBYO members into a leadership role that has the perfect amount of responsibility. Now, even after my jump to S’ganit this term, Mekasharet will forever and always hold a special place in my heart, and it will be a position I will continuously recommend to every freshman in my chapter. This position was my grounding point and it will always be a perfect start to my chapter board experience.

Currently, I am chapter S’ganit and I have found my calling. The organizational side of me works to make all the programs I plan beautiful and well thought-out. The creative side of me thinks about and builds on obscure program ideas - to help my chapter members enjoy and take something special out of each and every program I plan. For all my fellow organized, hardworking, and creative leaders, I know that this position could be the most perfect fit for you. The rest of the board positions that boards strive with, are each something I couldn’t fully describe to you without personal experience but I will leave you with this…

N’siah is a position for those go-getters, the people who are willing to take charge of any situation, and also be a friend to anyone and everyone. Sh’licha is for the people that connect to their own personal Judaism in a way that encourages them to inspire others. Moreh is for the loyal friends, those people who can make conversation with everyone, and are the most persuasive individuals. Gizborit is for outside-of-the-box creators, the people who can outthink of any budgeting challenges, and the shopaholics. Lastly, Mazkirah is for the influencers, the people who can spread the word at the drop of a hat, and have awesome visual skills.

Board may not be for everyone, yet BBYO still has so many different leadership opportunities. It is one of the most special parts of this movement, there is something for anyone.

Every region, chapter, and country’s boards and opportunities vary, but one thing stays the same. BBYO can be a home for you. Use this home, use this movement, to change your leadership skills, your friendships, and your experiences for the better. I am telling you now that if you run for chapter board, and jump in headfirst, you will not regret it.