Democracy, Governance, but essentially, Elections. BBYO cherishes its governance structure, this teen led organization sets up leadership internationally, regionally, and in chapters. However, when people discuss elections, they discuss winning and nobody really discusses losing. 

As someone who lost chapter board, my caucus on regional board, and even international board, I can confidently say, elections aren't about winning, they’re about finding yourself in the process. Even just caucusing says something about each Aleph and BBG. Every time an Aleph or BBG shows up to lead and to run, they contribute to the continuation of the legacies of Sam Beber and Anita Perlman. 

How to get over a loss? I’m a grab a pint of ice cream kind of person, but there’s no one size fits all. Think of your ‘why': why did you caucus, why do you show up, why do you care about the movement. You can move on by starting your materials for your next election. Overall, there is not one direct answer however, realizing a position is a title and  passion is individual is crucial. We each stand, move, and interact with our individual impacts. Take the shift in perspective as a drive to re-evaluate your leadership style, express gratitude for what you’ve learned, and impact the people around you.

Losing doesn’t get easier. After losing chapter board six times, I can express my gratitude for those losses. The drive to earn a leadership position taught me the importance of persistence. Winning chapter then regional board taught me the importance of going after your passion. Losing International Aym Ha’Chaverot taught me that just because you’re passionate it isn’t always going to work out. While hearing there was a run off I held my breath and got back onto the stage with the same determination I had while beginning the seven-week caucus program. Returning to my seat, then re-voting to hear another BBGs name called, my hand dropped and the tears started flowing. The international board election process taught me more BBGs lose than win. The situation is created for democracy and just because a candidate isn’t successful in their election doesn’t mean they’re a bad candidate, just that the voting body believes the other candidate will make a larger impact.

The day after I lost International board I caucused for Gold Coast’s 23rd Regional N’siah, and long story short, I lost. Yesterday, I was elected as Gold Coast’s 23rd Regional S’ganit. I always said the positions that were meant for me were N’siah and Morah, I’ve never believed in myself with logistics because I’ve always preferred managing the people. However, instead of collapsing from my loss, I recognized that I can still impact the region I’ve yearned to through my position. 

Think of the quantity of BBGs and Alephs that’ve lost their caucuses across chapter boards, regional boards, and International and Grand boards. Losing does not make you weak but giving up does. Take the loss as encouragement and as a sign of what you have waiting for you in the future. You have the ability to make your impact so long as you persistently try to. The positions collaborate, but at the end of the day the only definition of position is title, not your efforts, not your determination, and most certainly not the difference you have the ability to make. However election results turn out, please remember, a spark that burns out is only as strong as the burn out, but a spark that continues to fuel will be rewarded with passion.