Our responsibility to Jews around the world
AZA, and soon after BBG, were founded with a vision of engaging and supporting Jewish life in communities around the world. Since 1927, we've been international in our reach, and today we count chapters in nearly 50 countries. Strengthening Jewish communities of all sizes and kinds is an AZA and BBG priority and a Jewish value. It is our obligation to uphold Jewish life and tradition, and our honor to share the AZA and BBG platform around the world to ensure the continuity of our people.
“Jews went global long before it was fashionable. That means we are perfectly positioned to take advantage of globalization, but only if we work hard to nurture our common heritage, honor our common ancestry and build a common future. Our young people are among the most mobile in the world, but there is a need to build connections that reach across borders and last a lifetime.” —Sandy Cardin and Lynn Schusterman, Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
Today, AZA and BBG's reach is wider than ever before, and thanks to our incredible like-minded partners, our connection as brothers and sisters knows no borders or distance. And, we continue to grow; we regularly receive e-mails from teens, just like you, seeking a way to bring BBYO to their region of the world. That's what our Movement is all about.
With the limitless reach of technology and our growing desire to engage with Jewish teens around the world, AZA and BBG have created many opportunities and initiatives to engage in global Jewry. Alephs and BBGs can apply for a seat on the Global Networking Committee (GNC), attend one of our signature Ambassadors experiences, form a global partnership, plan a program focused on global Jewry, and much more.
The ISF is AZA and BBG's treasury that allows our members to be engaged in the affairs of the global Jewish community. There are three main ways we allocate money we raise for the ISF. This fund provides scholarships for teens around the world to attend BBYO's immersive experiences, serves as the pool of money from which we make donations to charities on behalf of the Grand and International Orders, and allows us to support communities in times of need. The AZA and BBG Executive Bodies determine how the ISF is allocated.
ISF provides money for Jewish teens around the world to participate in immersive BBYO experiences like International Convention, ambassadors trips, and summer programs. Money should never stand in the way for any teen, anywhere and everywhere, from participating in BBYO.
Stand UP serves as the philanthropic conduit for AZA and BBG charity. On behalf of AZA and BBG internationally, we will allocate money from the International Service Fund to support organizations making a difference in the world. When we make large donations on behalf of our Movement, it shows the world that teens can, and do, make a real difference.
When disaster strikes, AZA and BBG will be there. ISF is our outlet to serve the global community, Jewish or non-Jewish, before, during, and after emergency situations of all kinds—natural disaster and man-made. These efforts teach Alephs and BBGs everywhere to be more globally minded and learn about current events around the world.
BBYO as an independent organization, has rebuilt and reestablished itself in many of our communities outside of North America. We are grateful to our global partners across our 46 countries (listed below) for joining our efforts to ensure Jewish teen life is vibrant and sustained for generations to come.
Albania
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Macedonia
Mexico
Moldova
New Zealand
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
There are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing Go Global. These dates include hands-on training opportunities, Movement mobilization moments, registration dates, and relevant programs that tie to relationship and community building around the world. Check back for dates of open Global Networking Committee (GNC) calls and more.
Fall Semester 2018
October 4
Be a part of one of the largest global Jewish gatherings worldwide.
November 1
Build friendships with Jewish teens from every corner of the globe.
November
Attend Active Jewish Teens' International Conference in Ukraine, and learn about the history of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union.
December
Learn about ISF as our Movement rallies to raise money.
December 8-9
Celebrate the magic of Shabbat alongside thousands of teens worldwide.
Spring Semester 2019
February 7-12
Experience Judaism like you've never seen it before.
February 13-18
Be a part of one of the largest global Jewish gatherings worldwide.
April 7
Serve alongside thousands of teens worldwide on the International Day of Jewish Teen Service.
April 29-May 13
Journey through Poland and Israel exploring our dark past and celebrating Jewish vitality.
The week before IC, more than 300 teens from over 35 countries will come to Denver for Global Ambassadors Week. If you live in Denver, volunteer to be a host family. Check back soon to sign up.
Thousands of Jewish teens from more than 35 countries are coming together to celebrate being Jewish and youth leadership. Don't miss out! →
Want to keep learning? Explore more Go Global tools below! Some of our tools are under construction—be on the look out for new resources.
Many of our chapter initiatives connect to being globally minded. Pick up one of these programs to run in your chapter to give members a meaningful experience and connect them to the Movement at large.
ExploreIf you need inspiration for your next big fundraising idea, check out these successful short-term projects and long-term campaigns.
ExploreThink you know the flags of all of the countries BBYO is in? Game on.
ExploreThe International Service Fund has three major components. Learn what they are and how you can help.
Make a commitment to raising money for the International Service Fund (ISF) with your community.
ExploreFor helping us build our global Jewish community—we want to celebrate you. By raising dollars for ISF and building bridges between our BBYO communities, you may be eligible for a number of highly esteemed AZA and BBG International Awards including the Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence, Miriam Albert Chapter Excellence, and Maurice Bisgyer Chapter Excellence Awards. If you know an Aleph or BBG who deserves to be recognized for their work strengthening our priorities, consider nominating them for the Menorah Pledge and Cardinal Principles Awards.
Learn more about your eligibility by exploring these awards below:
