CHAPTERS WORLDWIDE CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND ALUMNI
On May 3, AZA and BBYO will turn 100, and on April 22, BBG will turn 80. This year, in honor of BBYO’s Centennial, we are going big for our anniversary celebrations through Founders’ Fest.
Starting April 22 through the end of May, every chapter around the world is invited to (and encouraged!) to join us in a month of local celebrations for this historic anniversary. Learn about how your chapter can get involved, request funding, and make this moment special for members by exploring this page.
We are building a video to release on BBYO's birthday with dozens of chapters wishing BBYO a happy birthday. The ask is simple: film a video at an iconic landmark in your city wishing BBYO happy birthday in your native language. For instructions and more information, click the botton below.
NOT ACCEPTING VIDEOS ANYMORE
We want to know how your community is celebrating Founders' Fest. Be a part of the worldwide celebration by filling out the form below to add your chapter to the map.
Events can be submitted throughout the month of May
There are endless ways you can join us in the global celebration of Founders' Day. Below are a variety of program ideas that you can easily implement for your local Founders' Day celebration. Feel free to contact International S'ganim for additional planning support. Don't worry, we've got your back.
If you need funding for your event, apply for Founders' Fest funding from 50-500USD to enhance your event.
NOT ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS ANYMORE! Thanks to those of you who applied and enhanced your events.
Founders' Day is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate BBYO's birthday through parties and chapter gatherings. Explore ways you can celebrate with your community.
Throw a BBYO birthday bash to celebrate our history – featuring trivia using the Red/Blue Books, historic photos, alumni speakers, and more
Celebrate new chapters and/or ‘charter-versaries’ by printing an enlarged copy of your charter and inviting all members to sign (#picsoritdidnthappen)
Co-host a shared virtual program over Zoom (or another video chat platform) with another chapter from one of our global communities around the world.
Assemble a BBYO time capsule full of notes and other chapter memorabilia (whether tangible or digital), marked with a designated open date for future Alephs and BBGs
Founders' Day is an incredible opportunity to bring together alumni, parents, friends, and supporters of BBYO. There are hundreds of thousands of BBYO alumni out there and this is a great way to engage them.
Plan an alumni barbecue and/or flag football game, using these fun and interactive events to engage all ages; invite former members (especially those now doing big things in the world) to share their stories of BBYO and beyond.
Host a formal chapter banquet (complete with dressy attire and maybe a +1 guest invite) to include a nice dinner plus ample time to reflect on BBYO’s past, celebrate the present, and get excited for the future.
Offer a mother/daughter or father/son experience (brunch, Shabbat dinner, Havdallah program, etc.) to celebrate your chapter’s accomplishments together across generations.
Founders' Day offers a special opportunity to align an upcoming AZA or BBG ritual or tradition moment with the Founders' Day initiative.
Deliver a State of the Chapter address to give your fellow Alephs/BBGs an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the wins and successes of the past year
Run a brother/sisterhood program to honor the foundation of our movement; whether something traditional like Good and Welfare or a Big/Little ritual moment, or something different like a nice chapter dinner outing or community service project (w/ new swag!)
Host a special induction ceremony to officially welcome your newest class of AITs and MITs into AZA and BBG, offering a powerful moment for celebration and connection to the full global history of our movement
Eight new programs were added to the Program Bank in honor of BBYO's Centennial. Grab one of these pre-made, high quality chapter programs to modify and run for your chapter.
Celebrating our history means celebrating our legacies. There's no better way to mark the anniversaries of AZA and BBG than inducting your chapter or region's new members. Check out induction templates for AZA and BBG that you can customize locally and be sure to issue all new members inductions certificates as well (AZA, BBG, and BBYO).
Run a brotherhood, sisterhood, or siblinghood program to honor the connection and foundation of our movement. Need some inspiration? Check out our guide on building a strong Separates experience. You can also plan a Good and Welfare ceremony or Big/Little experience.
Co-host a shared virtual program on BBYO On Demand with a chapter from a different country. Need help getting connected? Reach out to the International Mazkirim.
Invite your Chapter N’siah/Godol (President) to deliver a State of the Chapter as an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the wins and successes of the past year. Build out your plan with this States Ceremony Script.
Founders' Fest is a great opportunity to re-engage BBYO Alumni. Alumni can be great speakers, partners, or guests to enhance your event experience. Think about BBYO Alumni in your area of all ages and how they could be a part of your event.
If you need help finding alumni in your area, email azabbg@bbyo.org and we'll help you get connected.
Show your spirit on Friday, May 3 by wearing your favorite AZA, BBG, or BBYO swag as part of the eighth International Letters Day.
Tag @bbyoinsider in your posts for a chance to be reposted.
Design Tools
Start promoting your event with the Founders' Fest Branding Kit. More tools will be added as we get closer to the celebrations!
Visit our Founders' Fest Amazon Shopping Cart, order the materials to enhance your event; and download the Spotify Playlist we've prepared for the ocassion.
Event Environment Enhancements
Go all out to make your Founders' Fest celebration special and memorable. Be sure to order these items at least two weeks before your event to avoid any rush fees.
Suggested Vendor: Best Flag
Instructions: Order a 2'x3' single-sided flag and upload your artwork.
Ballpark price: $50
Explore options for doing small to large scale AZA, BBG, or BBYO foam letters to enhance your environment.
Suggested Vendor: Totally Promotional
Instructions: Select one of the 'best sellers' and find a size that works for your budget. Upload the AZA and BBG seal or BBYO logo for the front.
Ballpark price: $30/item
Instructions: Use these designs to order a t-shirt, long sleeve, or embroidered crew neck as a swag give-a-way at your celebration.
Ballpark price: $10-20/item
Instructions: Use these designs to print t-shirts and celebrate our Founders.
Ballpark price: $7/item
Suggested Vendor: Promotion Choice
Instructions: Select 1 color print, quantity, balloon color, production notes, and upload the art. Get ready to 'wow' your participants with this one.
Ballpark price: $0.54/balloon
Planning Tools
