AZA & BBG
As we enter 2025, we are proud and excited to reflect on three major wins that showcase our commitment to growth, tradition, and community. These wins highlight the power of our movement when we work together and set the stage for an even brighter and stronger future.
1. Over 90% of the Way to Our Membership Goal
In collaboration with our regional counterparts, we have worked tirelessly to ensure every Jewish teen feels welcomed and included in finding their space within BBYO. With membership numbers soaring to over 90% of our annual goal, we’re closer than ever to achieving a milestone that reflects the strength and commitment to an inclusive and passionate community.
This growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about forming meaningful connections and opportunities for Jewish teens worldwide. As our chapters and regions continue to welcome more teens, the power of our community grows, truly displaying how important it is to create safe and fun Jewish spaces for every teen. Evergreen Region never ceases to amaze after CRUSHING their membership goal in October, Great Midwest Region is engaging hundreds of Alephs after hitting their Aleph goal in December, and Mexico has successfully started their second chapter—they are stronger than EVER!
2. 200 CLTC Registrants During Early Bird Registration
Our leadership programs continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, and this year’s CLTC is no exception. Early bird registration saw over 200 participants register, displaying the excitement and demand for this transformative summer experience.
For the first time in 3 years, CLTC early registration has hit over 200 teens, highlighting the countless hours and dedication both the coordinators and staff team have put into rekindling the spark for CLTC. We are so proud to work with such a fantastic summer coordinator team alongside the International Shlichim and Mazkirim: Alex Damareck, Lindsay Greenwald, Mia Stern, Harry Barnett, Zara Sebolsky, and Dylan Weinstein. These leaders from around the Order show a genuine passion and commitment to the next generation. This success reflects our collective efforts to continue growing CLTC, ILTC, and Kallah throughout our movement.
3. Strengthening Regional Culture and Tradition
Across BBYO, regions are hard at work revitalizing what makes their homes unique. Creating a supportive culture and memorable traditions fosters a deep sense of pride and belonging among members. This support allows new members and senior teens alike to see how extraordinary their contributions to their chapters and regions are, no matter how big or small.
From cherished chapter programs to time-honored rituals, regional bonds are growing stronger. From AZA & BBG education nights to countless big-little programs and the little moments at each regional convention, we are always amazed by the strength of our regions. These essential efforts have revitalized the aspects that make each community unique, ensuring that members feel connected to BBYO as a whole and to their local chapters and regions.
As we celebrate these achievements, we are also laser-focused on our goals for the future to continue our momentum and further strengthen our movement as we move into spring and summer.
1. Reaching Over 500 CLTC Registrants
With early bird registration off to a phenomenal start, our next goal is clear: reaching 500 participants for CLTC. This program is the heartbeat of leadership development in BBYO, and we’re committed to ensuring that every eligible member has the opportunity to have their life changed.
By emphasizing the unique impact of CLTC, we aim to create a sold-out event that shapes the future of our movement. With four incredible sessions, timing should never be an issue, and scholarships will help every teen attend. We want to call on YOU to help us as well. Any chapter with over 15 members should be sending at least one teen to CLTC, and we know this will happen. One teen is one leader who returns to your chapter stronger and more equipped for the future. If you are in a chapter that you know has no teens attending CLTC (yet), reach out to your regional presidents for more information or email Abby at aymhachaverot@bbyo.org or Will at moreh@bbyo.org. SEE YOU THIS SUMMER!!!
2. The First-Ever Small Cities & Chapter Founders Summit
Inclusivity is a key aspect of our movement, and this year, we’re breaking new ground with the inaugural Small Cities & Chapter Founders Summit. This weekend-long convention experience will bring together 40 teens from new and smaller communities, offering them a space to share ideas, collaborate, and celebrate the unique challenges and opportunities they face.
For many, this is the first in-person gathering where they will meet their peers from the Chapter Founders Cohort. They will also be given the chance to learn more about leveraging their resources, leaning on each other for support, and discovering different ways to run a chapter. This includes leading a board, creating memorable programming, and being inviting and gracious hosts (MRIHA!!!).
Finally, the weekend will be filled with fun, quintessential AZA and BBG moments that they will be able to model back home. By creating this space, we’re ensuring that no community is left behind and that every Jewish teen has an opportunity to be welcomed into our community.
3. Supporting Counterparts in Spring Convention Programming
Tradition is at the heart of BBYO, and as we approach spring conventions, we are dedicated to helping our counterparts plan and execute meaningful programs. From deep separates to Lives, we are excited to work together to ensure these important experiences reflect the unique spirit and culture of each community while staying true to BBYO’s values.
Each region has a different way they like to do things, whether that be renting a bus to bring all inductees to inductions or creating a quiet, intimate setting. Diversity is what makes our movement so unique, and we are committed to helping our counterparts see their vision for what they want these programs to look like.
We are so incredibly proud of what’s been accomplished together so far, and it is all thanks to YOU!! We know that this journey is far from over, and there is nothing stopping us. By staying focused on our goals and continuing to build upon our successes, we are confident in our ability to make this year one of the most impactful in BBYO’s history.
To our counterparts, teens, and biggest supporters: thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion. We know it is not always easy, but your hard work will never go unnoticed. Together, we are not just growing BBYO; we are shaping a global community that will empower Jewish teens for generations to come.
Let’s keep up the AMAZING work!!
Abby & Will
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.
