Planning

Making meaningful moments for Global Shabbat will require some planning. Below you will find our best tips, ideas, and resources for planning your Global Shabbat events.

If you still have questions after reading through the steps, that's totally cool. Feel free to contact your International Sh'lichim for planning support. Don't worry, we've got your back.

No matter the style of your Global Shabbat event this year, there are dozens of ways to bringing meaning and community to Jewish teens around the world.

Bring the theme Hand in Hand to life

Host an interfaith shabbat meal
Invite gamechanger speakers who are changing the world
Give back by collecting food donations or planning a community service project
Partner with your local synagogue to join hand in hand with the local community for Shabbat
Explore your community by partnering with a Senior living center, Religious School or Preschool/Dayschool, or invite parents to join you Hand in Hand in celebrating Global Shabbat

Global Shabbat at Convention

Bring the Hand in Hand theme to life in all programming
What does it mean for Separates to be Hand in Hand? How do Chapter Competitions, services, and all your programming look through the lens of Hand in Hand?
Host a series of Shabbat Limmudim with guest educators and speakers
Join hand in hand around a Havdalah campfire
Check out these posters that are perfect for your Shabbat Environment

Stand Alone Global Shabbat Events

Shabbat lunch in a local park
Havdalah in a park, best ice cream spot, beach, etc
Shabbat walk or hike
Shabbat meet-up for games, activities, music, etc.
Elevate your Stand UP cause as part of your Global Shabbat experience by rallying your community Hand in Hand to perform Shabbat mitzvot

Weekend Before Hanukkah Programming

Check out this guide to Hanukkah programs
Make latkes for Shabbat dinner
Havdalah and Hanukkah candle lighting programs

Virtual/Hybrid

Virtual Shabbat oneg jam sessions
Host a virtual Gamechanger Guest
Zikaron BaSalon with a local Holocaust Survivor
Organize a simultaneous virtual Shabbat dinner to recreate that feeling of Hand in Hand no matter where you are

Inviting and Hosting Gamechanger Guests
The Global Shabbat Scripts resource is designed to help you connect your local program with Global Shabbat efforts worldwide by arming you with basic language to use in explaining to attendees what this initiative is about and how your community’s participation should feel connected to other Jewish teens programming alongside you across the Movement. Check it out for all of the details you need to build a great Global Shabbat!
T’filah and Jewish Ritual Planning Guide
The BBYO Sings team has assembled videos to support you in leading Friday Night Shabbat Rituals, and a Havdalah Service.
Use our slide templates for Friday Night Meal Rituals & Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah. These are great for virtual programs or print them out!
Check out these posters that are perfect for your Shabbat Environment

Step 0: Learn

Before you dive into the planning process, be sure to learn what's important to the success of your event. Review the goals and parameters of the initiative you're working toward, and understand key opportunities for innovation to elevate your experience from good to WOW.

Understand Event Goals, Parameters, and Opportunities

What is the purpose of this initiative?
How can you maximize creativity and innovation in working toward stated goals?
How can this effort be layered into your programming calendar to enhance your funnels?

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Review Objectives and Define Success

What does success look like for this experience (including metrics tied to program engagement, quality, innovation/risk, etc.)?
How will achieve that success?

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Building Great Programs

Step 1: Ideate

Once you clearly understand the task at hand, IDEATE together with teen and staff leadership to build a unique experience that will best serve your community's needs within the context of the initiative. Do a community mapping exercise, clarify key responsibilities, and establish ambitious (and attainable!) goals.

Map Your Assets

What are the unique opportunities (and challenges) afforded by your community - including people, places, experiences, etc. - and how can you take full advantage of them to elevate your event?

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BBYO Community Mapping

Define Leadership Roles

What responsibilities are key to the success of this experience, and how will you divide the work (among specific teens and staff) to define expectations and share the load, while also leveraging individual skills?

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Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make

Set SMART Goals

What specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals will enable you achieve your stated objectives to maximize success?

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SMART Goal Setting Template

Step 2: Strategize

With a clear vision to guide you, take time to STRATEGIZE everything you'll need to enable success. Solidify basic logistics, design your program budget, seek out partnerships, outline a clear marketing strategy and swag, designs, all while further elevating your program plan to produce a truly 'high res' experience.

Confirm the Basics

What are the key Who, What, When, Where and Why components of your event?
What program plan will you use to drive progress toward your desired outcomes?

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Elevate Your Outline

How will you push your event concept beyond the status quo to build an experience that is as inclusive as possible and that will defy all expectations?

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Create a Budget

How can you get creative to maximize your experience while minimizing dollars required?
Where might you apply for additional funding to go above and beyond for your program?

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Identify and Engage Target Partners

Considering the nature of your event, what local/national organizations can you engage as community, program, and/or brand partners?
How can you leverage parents, alumni, and other stakeholders to help?

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Develop an Action Plan

What steps are required to turn your program idea into a reality?
What tasks and support are needed to make that happen, and along what timeline?

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Define Your Marketing and Social Media Strategies

How will you leverage your network using all available communication channels to promote your event far and wide?
Who will own each touchpoint, and along what timeline?

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Branding Kit

Determine Pre/During/Post Swag Offerings

What relevant, sophisticated, and desirable swag will you offer before/during/after your event to surprise and delight your guests?
Where are there opportunities to bulk order items to keep costs low?

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Branding Kit

Step 3: Hustle

Good things come to those who HUSTLE. Use branded templates and an all-in approach to promote your event early and often. Create smart online systems to stramline registration. Dig deeper to recruit more teens across all social circles, and make sure the press (and the Order!) hear about what you have planned.

Prep Marketing Materials

How can you leverage (and customize) available promotional items to build major buzz about your event through a variety of digital, print, and live sharing platforms?

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Launch Online Registration

How will you use BBYO's online registration portal to promote your event and encourage pre-registration for planning purposes?

What other fun information could you collect to inform surprise-and-delight opportunities?

Deploy Your Marketing and Social Media Plan

How can you activate your recruitment plan in a way that builds real FOMO among your target audience, and what exciting incentives can you offer to encourage hustling toward pre-registration?

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Engage the Press

How can you pitch the community impact of your event (to elevate BBYO's brand) in a way that will attract local/national media to take note and either attend or cover the experience?

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Celebrate Internally

What information can you share about your event to help BBYO build a strong global narrative touting the reach and impact of our Movement's most influential programs?

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Pre-Event Story Sharing Survey

Step 4: Execute

As you gear up for the big day, get ready to EXECUTE. Send out final reminders, walk through the event with your steering committee, prep supplies and swag for distribution, and BBYO-ify your venue. Steward prospects (and members) with intention, and surprise and delight your guests to leave a lasting impression.

Confirm Final Logistics

What unanswered questions remain, and how will you address them?
How can you use final pre-event reminders and confirmation messages to enhance overall buzz throughout your network?

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Day of Packing List

Prepare the Leadership Team

What program moments should be scripted in advance (versus free form), and how should leadership team members plan to handle any issues as they arise?

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Transform Your Space

How can you use branding and signage, as well as lighting, A/V, risers or other fun seating options, reserved VIP areas, and other venue elements to bring your space to life and enhance its fullness?

Steward Guests from Start to Finish

What expectations can you set and systems can you put in place to easily identify prospects (and under-active members) to ensure that all new attendees are well taken care of from the time they arrive to when they leave?

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Leave a Lasting Impression

What fun surprises, snacks, and/or other program enhancements can you offer to ensure all attendees leave eager for more BBYO?

How will you share upcoming event information so everyone knows what's next?

Step 5: Retain

Take advantage of the shared energy and momentum from your event while it's fresh to make sure attendees keep coming back for more. Coordinate an individualized follow-up plan to gather input to inform future programs, say a heartfelt thanks to all involved, and close out the MRIHA model by making the Ask!

Collect Feedback

How can you use technology and/or individualized outreach to gather input from prospects and other attendees to help improve your community's WOW programs in the future?

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Program Evaluation Form

Say Thank You

How can you customize available branded templates to personalize your follow-up outreach to all key guest segments (prospects, members, parents, partners, stakeholders, etc.)?

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Branding Kit

Make the Ask

How can you coordinate targeted 'Ask' outreach to invite all prospect attendees to join BBYO in a timely and effective manner?

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Branding

Make your event look flawless from when you begin promoting your event through all of the thank you follow ups. Below are some examples of what you can find in the Global Shabbat Branding Kit. We encourage you to get creative and utilize these tools to elevate your experience and make this special weekend feel like it's happening everywhere. These tools are also available on BBYO's Canva Team.

Flyer
Share Square
Instagram Story Template
Letterhead
Header and Footer
Sample Slides
...and more coming soon including zoom backgrounds, Shabbat prayer slides, and more!

Access Tools

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Thank you! Your submission has been received!

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Video

BBYO Sings | Ashrei

Learn how to lead the Ashrei.

Video

BBYO Sings | Birkat HaMazon

Learn the Birkat HaMazon with BBYO Sings.

Video

BBYO Sings | Hanukkah Blessings

Learn the blessings we say during Hanukkah.

Video

BBYO Sings | Havdalah Blessings

Learn the blessings we say during a Havdalah service.

Video

BBYO Sings | Kabbalat Shabbat Blessings

Learn the blessings we say during Kabbalat Shabbat.

Video

BBYO Sings | Kum Kum Lei Lei

Learn how to lead Kum Kum Lei Lei.

Video

BBYO Sings | Lo Yisa Goy

Learn how to lead Lo Yisa Goy.

Video

BBYO Sings | Mi Chamocha

Learn how to lead Mi Chamocha.

Video

BBYO Sings | Or Zarua

Learn how to lead Or Zarua.

Resource

BBYO Sings | Songbook

Explore lyrics and chords to your favorite BBYO music and prayers!

Video

BBYO Sings | Tov Lehodot

Learn how to lead Tov Lehodot.

Video

BBYO Sings | V'ahavta

Learn how to lead V'ahavta.

Resource

BBYO Stand UP: Values Matrix

Explore Jewish values and concepts to identify what you would like to program around or advocate for.

Resource

Birkat HaMazon

Say this blessing at the end of every meal.

Resource

Blessing Over the Children Cards

Print Blessing Over the Children cards that staff, advisors, or parents can use to welcome Shabbat by creating a beautiful generational moment.

Resource

Building a Sibling Community

Learn about sibling communities, how you can get one, and all that you can do together!

Design

Challah Covers

Print these challah covers to add a nice touch to every Shabbat table.

Resource

Creating Shabbat Atmosphere: Guide to Regional Shabbat Box

A guide to using your Shabbat ritual items to create an inviting Shabbat atmosphere.

Resource

Creating a Pluralistic Shabbat Environment

Find inspiration on building inclusive and pluralistic atmospheres to celebrate and practice Shabbat.

Resource

Engagement Events Planning Guide

Explore great ways to add the 'WOW' factor to elevate your engagement events.

Resource

Engaging Teens in Planning Shabbat

Check out some great ways to involve more teens in planning Shabbat.

Form

Gamechanger Innovation Grants: General Application

Apply for a Gamechanger Grant to give your chapter the opportunity to receive $50-$1,000 directed for programs and initiatives that will make a bigger difference in your community, expand programming, pilot new recruitment/rush techniques and elevate your local chapter experience.

Form

Gamechanger Innovation Grants: General Reporting Form

Let us know the details of a program you ran funded by a Gamechanger Grant.

Design

Global Shabbat: Branding Kit

Utilize these design templates to elevate your Global Shabbat promotion and hype.

Script

Global Shabbat: Framing Scripts

Utilize these scripts at key moments during your Global Shabbat experience.

Resource

Global Shabbat: Inviting and Hosting Gamechanger Guests

Use this guide to add a Gamechanger Guest to your Global Shabbat experience.

Resource

Global Shabbat: Quote and Value Slides

Use these slides to help bring light and kindness into your Global Shabbat event.

Resource

Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings

Recite the Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings in English, Hebrew, and Transliteration.

Resource

Havdalah Blessing Card

Find printable cards with some common prayers we say at BBYO programs below.

Template

Havdalah Blessings

Print or project these slides to help everyone participate in Havdalah.

Resource

High Resolution Programming

Learn a new strategy to elevate the content of your experiences.

Resource

Honorary Induction of Gamechanger Guests

Officially welcome a Gamechanger Guest to BBYO during your Global Shabbat event.

Template

Honorary Inductions Certificate: AZA

Honor and celebrate a guest by inducting them as an Honorary Member of your AZA Chapter.

Template

Honorary Inductions Certificate: BBG

Honor and celebrate a guest by inducting them as an Honorary Member of your BBG Chapter.

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Honorary Inductions Certificate: BBYO

Honor and celebrate a guest by inducting them as an Honorary Member of your Region.

Resource

Hosting Special Guests at Regional Conventions

Use these guidelines as a blueprint to seamlessly host and plug-in your guests.

Script

Inductions Ceremony of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

Keep this guide handy when it’s time to induct your Alephs-in-Training (AITs) or new members into AZA.

Script

Inductions Ceremony of the B'nai B'rith Girls

Keep this guide handy when it’s time to induct your Members-in-Training (MITs) or new members into BBG.

Resource

Jewish Enrichment: Online Resources

Use this as a starting point when looking for Jewish resources from a variety of traditions and viewpoints

Resource

Movement Initiatives Cheat Sheet

Understand why we run Movement Initiatives and how it ties to our year-round MRIHA strategy.

Resource

Order of Prayers

Use this handy dandy guide to remember (or learn!) which services need which moments to be complete.

Template

Printable Convention Siddur

Print out this slide deck with Shabbat blessings if your community needs access to a DIY Siddur.

Resource

Service Page Number Charts: Kabbalat Shabbat

Find the Siddurim page numbers for all Kabbalat Shabbat services in this handy chart. Siddurim include ArtScroll, Koren Sacks, Sim Shalom, Mishkan Tefillah, and Kol HaNeshema.

Resource

Service Page Number Charts: Saturday Morning Services

Find the Siddurim page numbers for all Saturday Morning Services in this handy chart. Siddurim include ArtScroll, Koren Sacks, Sim Shalom, Mishkan Tefillah, and Kol HaNeshema.

Resource

Service Page Number Charts: Weekday Mincha and Ma'ariv

Find the Siddurim page numbers for Weekday Mincha in this handy chart. Siddurim include ArtScroll, Koren Sacks, Sim Shalom, Mishkan Tefillah, and Kol HaNeshema.

Resource

Service Page Number Charts: Weekday Shacharit

Find the Siddurim page numbers for Weekday Shacharit in this handy chart. Siddurim include ArtScroll, Koren Sacks, Sim Shalom, Mishkan Tefillah, and Kol HaNeshema.

Resource

Shabbat Ritual Blessings: Friday Night

Use these Shabbat songs and ritual moment blessings to build a meaningful Friday Night experience.

Resource

Shabbat Ritual Guide

Use this ritual guide to lead a meaningful Shabbat discussion, meal, or program.

Design

Shabbat Shalom Sign

Print this sign on foam core to use for photos before any Shabbat experience.

Form

Sibling Community Pairing and Tracking

Being paired with a sibling community is an awesome opportunity to connect with Alephs and BBGs around the world! Fill out this form if you want to start a new partnership or you already have one.

Design

Step and Repeat

Print this Step and Repeat to put up at all of your events for the perfect branded photo area.

Resource

T'filah and Jewish Ritual Moment Planning Guide

Use this template to plan your Jewish prayer, learning, and ritual experiences.

Resource

T'filah and Jewish Ritual Moments

Learn how we bring these special Jewish moments to life in BBYO.

Form

Toolbox: Requests and Submissions

Let us know new tools you'd like to see in the Toolbox and share your own to be added to the library.

Build Your Shabbat Box

Be sure you have all of the supplies you need to run a Shabbat. Many of these general Judaic pieces can be borrowed from family members or synagogues if you ask, but feel free to order a set for your chapter too! Be sure to order these items at least two weeks before your event to avoid any rush fees.

Challah Cover

✪ Available on BBYO's Canva Team Suggested vendor: 4imprint
Instructions: Upload artwork and order a 14'x14' bandana. Try ordering an assortment of colors to enhance your space.

Download

Custom Kippot

Suggested vendor: Skullcap Co.
Instructions: Add the AZA or BBYO seals or BBYO logo to some custom made kippot for the big weekend. Minimum order of 60. These take 2-4 weeks to produce.
Ballpark price: $2.50/item

Download

Hand Washing Cup

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

Order

Tzedakah Box

Price: $15

Order

Kiddush Cup

Price: $15

Order

Havdallah Kit

Price: $59

Order

Tea Lights

Price: $15

Order

Friday Night Shabbat Candles

Price: $12

Order

Candle Holders

Price: $20

Order

Past BBYO Global Shabbat Highlights

Past Gamechanger Guests

Check out some of the amazing guests who have participated BBYO's Global Shabbat worldwide.

Rabbi Jacob Blumental

Head Rabbi, Congregation Shaare Torah
Montgomery County, MD

Andrea Bolender

Treasurer, Holocaust Museum and Tolerance Center of Nassau County
Great Neck, NY

Stephen Brickman

Songleader & Music Educator
Boston, MA

Nevida Butler

Former Executive Director, Ecumenical Hunger Program
Los Gatos, CA

Rabbi Micah Caplan z"l

Spiritual Leader at Congregation Or Tzion
Scottsdale, AZ

Racquel Chariah

Exec. Coordinator, Beautiful Me
Great Neck, NY

Max Eisen

Holocaust Survivor, Author and Educator
Richmond Hill, ON

Rabbi Serena Eisenberg

Regional Director, American Jewish Committee of Northern California
Great Neck, NY

Paul Galan

Speaker & Holocaust Survivor
Chicago, IL

Carlos Galindo-Elvira

Arizona Regional Director for Anti-Defamation League
Scottsdale, AZ

Professor Marc Gopin

Director of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

Marty Haberer

Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix
Scottsdale, AZ

Kathleen St. Viller Hill

Director, Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel
Baltimore, MD

Azra Hussain

Co-Founder and President of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ

Mariela Icicson

Educational Councilor, Healthy Development Dept., Government of Buenos Aires City
Buenos Aries, Argentina

Husain Jaffer

InterfaithCouncil of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

Paula Joffe

Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern New Jersey
Cherry Hill, NJ

Chris Katulka

Assistant Director of North American Ministries for The Friends of Israel
Cherry Hill, NJ

Luke Levine

Young Jewish Transgender Activist
London, United Kingdom

Kevin Levy

Director of Eastern Canada Corporate Sales, Global Business Payments at Scotiabank
Vaughan, ON

Wilek (Bill) Loew

Holocaust Survivor and Educator
Montgomery County, MD

Farshad Fani Marvasti

Physician Leader, Medical Educator, Health Coach and Author
Scottsdale, AZ

Phil Mastrocola

Grace Baptist Church Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Los Gatos, CA

Yoni Michanie

West Coast Campus Coordinator, CAMERA
Montgomery County, MD

Elizabeth Moore

Former Neo-Nazi, Speaker and Educator
Toronto, ON

Tom Myers

Executive Director, Community Services Agency ofMountain View and Los Altos
Los Gatos, CA

Rabbi Andrew Paley

Senior Rabbi, Temple Shalom
Dallas, TX

Jeremy Paris

Principal, The Raben Group
Cleveland, OH

Bill Peduto

Mayor of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA

Arleen Peltz

Holocaust Education Specialist
Milwaukee, WI

Courtney Pories

Account Executive, kglobal and Founding Member of Beyla BBG
Bethesda, MD

Estee Portnoy

SVP Marketing, Live Nation (JUMP.DC)
Montgomery County, MD

Jonathan Posner

Rabbinical Student, Jewish Theological Seminary
Cherry Hill, NJ

Reverend Carol Reynolds

United Church of Christ (Scottsdale Congregational UCC)
Scottsdale, AZ

Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein

Rabbi-in-Residence, Hazon and Beíchol Lashon
Danbury, CT

Pamela Schuller

Inclusion Advocate and Stand-up Comic
Denver, CO

Rabbi Daniel Septimus

CEO of Shalom Austin and Former Grand Aleph Godol
Austin, TX

Clare Stern

Executive Director of Kansas City Interfaith Youth Alliance and Faith Always Wins
Kansas City, MO

Josh Stevens

Senior Development Associate, Mid-Atlantic Region at Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
Rockville, MD

Laurie Strongin

CEO & Founder, Hope for Henry Foundation
Rockville, MD

Dr. Russell Taylor DMD

First Counselor, Paradise Valley Stake Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Scottsdale, AZ

David Williamson

Founder, Central Florida Freethought Community
Orlando, FL

Global Shabbat 2020 Events

Over 300 Global Shabbat events are happening in nearly 40 countries. Check out some of the incredible experiences from around the world below.

GLOBAL SHABBAT

This December, thousands of Jewish teens around the world will celebrate Global Shabbat—BBYO’s biggest Shabbat experience yet.

Past BBYO Global Shabbat Highlights

Planning

Bring the theme Hand in Hand to life

Global Shabbat at Convention

Stand Alone Global Shabbat Events

Weekend Before Hanukkah Programming

Virtual/Hybrid

Step 0: Learn

Understand Event Goals, Parameters, and Opportunities

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Review Objectives and Define Success

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Step 1: Ideate

Map Your Assets

Toolbox

Define Leadership Roles

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Step 2: Strategize

Confirm the Basics

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Elevate Your Outline

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Create a Budget

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Identify and Engage Target Partners

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Develop an Action Plan

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Define Your Marketing and Social Media Strategies

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Determine Pre/During/Post Swag Offerings

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Step 3: Hustle

Prep Marketing Materials

Launch Online Registration

Deploy Your Marketing and Social Media Plan

Step 4: Execute

Confirm Final Logistics

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Prepare the Leadership Team

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Transform Your Space

Steward Guests from Start to Finish

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Leave a Lasting Impression

Step 5: Retain

Collect Feedback

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Say Thank You

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Make the Ask

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BBYO Sings | Ashrei

BBYO Sings | Birkat HaMazon

BBYO Sings | Hanukkah Blessings

BBYO Sings | Havdalah Blessings

BBYO Sings | Kabbalat Shabbat Blessings

BBYO Sings | Kum Kum Lei Lei

BBYO Sings | Lo Yisa Goy

BBYO Sings | Mi Chamocha

BBYO Sings | Or Zarua

BBYO Sings | Songbook

BBYO Sings | Tov Lehodot

BBYO Sings | V'ahavta

BBYO Stand UP: Values Matrix

Birkat HaMazon

Blessing Over the Children Cards

Building a Sibling Community

Challah Covers

Creating Shabbat Atmosphere: Guide to Regional Shabbat Box

Creating a Pluralistic Shabbat Environment

Engagement Events Planning Guide

Engaging Teens in Planning Shabbat

Gamechanger Innovation Grants: General Application

Gamechanger Innovation Grants: General Reporting Form

Global Shabbat: Branding Kit

Global Shabbat: Framing Scripts