CHAPTERS WORLDWIDE CELEBRATING THE FOUNDING OF OUR MOVEMENT
On May 3, AZA and BBYO will turn 102, and on April 22, BBG will turn 82. Starting on April 22 through the end of May, chapters worldwide will organize events to honor our anniversaries. Founders' Fest will be filled with local celebrations and unique opportunities to connect with alumni across our Movement.
Founders' Fest programs connect to the history and heart of AZA and BBG. Learn about the two program areas for this initiative.
Founders' Fest is the perfect time of year to lift up, educate, and participate in some of our most historic Movement traditions. Think new member inductions, chapter board installations, history trivia nights, life ceremonies, cheer circles, and more.
There are many ways to engage alumni in chapter programming. Invite alumni to be part of your event by hosting a Generations Alumni Panels; doing a Chapter Founder’s Celebrations, Inductions or Installations; Having a year Awards / Graduation Ceremonies (including Senior Celebrations + Alumni Association welcomes); having events at Alumni-owned Businesses, Venues, or Homes; Prepare a deli ProjectsTeen vs. Alumni; Think on sports Events, backyard BBQs, Field Days, or Celebration Gatherings Teen & Alumni; os simply planning d innersI nviting Alumni to Existing Events or Conventions; or by doing an archive exploration or “Build Your Own Archive” Programs with them.
Founders' Fest is the perfect opportunity to invite alumni from your chapter or other alumni living in your community to come back to BBYO. Invite them to participate in your program, speak on a panel, lead a workshop, or just hang out with your members.
Need help getting in touch with an alum in your area? Send us an email—we're happy to help!
Explore planning tips and tools for your Founders' Fest program. Reach out to the International S'ganim for additional planning support.
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
The Program Bank is filled with incredible rituals and traditions, as well as sports-focused programs that can connect with the Founders' Fest initiative for you to do with alumni at your chapter. Below are a few of our favorites that you can explore:
Chapters can apply for program grants of up to $10 per attendee. You must apply at least two weeks before your program for consideration.
The grants are only available for programs happening between April 22 and May 31.
Money transfer and reporting will happen after the program has occurred and the reporting form has been submitted.
Apply via the Gamechanger Grants application in the link below while funds last! (On the form, please select the option "Founders' Fest" on the type of program section)
Founders' Fest is the perfect moment in the year to celebrate how far your chapter has come. If you are in a newer chapter, this is a great opportunity to take the next step as a chapter by applying for a Temporary or Permanent Charter. Established chapters can apply for a Celebratory Charter to recognize their strength and permanence. All approved charters will receive an official copy in the mail or in-person at a Summer Experience (depending on where you live). Learn more below.
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.
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.
Alumni should be integrated into BBYO programming throughout the year. Founders’ Fest is an international moment when we coach chapters to engage alumni in anniversary programming. Reach out to alumni@bbyo.org to get connected with alumni in your area.
We want to document this epic year in the BBYO Archive. During Founders' Fest, you can submit your favorite photos, videos, designs, swag, and more to be considered for a permanent place in our archive.
The submission form is open through Sunday, June 1. Let's see some of the best moments from this year!
Save the Date
We have several fun Movement happenings popping up throughout Founders' Fest.
Show your spirit 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.
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
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
More Planning Tools
