When I tell people at IC or summer programs, “I’m from Delta Region,” the response I often get back is, “Where?”. It’s a valid response. Despite being one of the oldest and geographically largest regions in the order, membership is a struggle. Our region covers Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Unfortunately, being located in the deep south means smaller Jewish communities. Compared to our bordering regions, Delta’s chapters and convention attendance are significantly smaller. At my first summer program, I found myself getting jealous of my friends’ regions. I heard stories of yacht kick-offs, big-littles, giant conventions, and the chapter “rush weeks”. My city, Knoxville, was lucky to get five people to show up for an event. However, the more time I have spent in BBYO, the more I’ve learned not just to appreciate, but love, my small region. 

Firstly, everyone who goes to Delta conventions or chapter events truly wants to be there. Rarely do you meet people who were forced by their parents to join BBYO or who attend conventions only because their friends do. Being proudly and openly Jewish is difficult in the cities we live in–you can’t just be Jewish, you have to choose it. That’s why I love the atmosphere at Delta events. Everyone is choosing to be there and actively engage in Jewish life, even though it’s not easy. That leads me to another reason why I love Delta: we appreciate each other more! I live eight and a half hours away from some of my regional best friends. A lot of us rarely get to be in rooms full of just Jewish people; conventions or chapter events are rare places of community, a time to breathe and relax. You don’t have to explain yourself, and Shabbats and Havdalahs are always especially impactful for this reason.

Because our conventions are typically sixty to eighty people, everyone knows everyone. There aren’t that many of us, so it’s hard to get lost; if you look alone or sad at a convention, someone will notice and talk to you. People don’t really tend to stay in their chapters or “groups”, and chances are, you’ll walk away from a convention having talked to almost every single person there. Our small region’s size also creates an environment where collaboration, not competition, is the only option. While high-stakes events like regional elections are still stressful, everyone ultimately supports each other through wins and losses alike. 

I am typically very introverted, and talking to new people is intimidating. Safe to say, I am not what people usually picture when they think of a BBYO regional board member. However, being in Delta, and specifically in my tiny (but mighty!!!) chapter, gave me opportunities to lead that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. This is probably the aspect of Delta that I love most: it doesn’t matter what type of person you are–if you want to lead and make a difference in your city, you can do it. 

I know that Delta will continue to flourish, and I am so excited to see what the next five years bring to my region. I also know that Delta would not be Delta without its size and location. If you are in a region like mine, I encourage you not to compare your BBYO experience to others and enjoy the benefits of being in a small region!