Governance & Democracy

Our global operating model

Our Movement functions because it's run by us, for us. If you want to see something changed in our Movement, you can write a motion. If you want to serve in an elected position, you can run. If you want to start a new campaign, you can organize. We are member-led and staff supported. You have the power to make this your movement. How will you use it?

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For a movement to run and grow, it needs shared operating procedures. In AZA and BBG, we have standardized ways and best practices for elections, running business meetings, writing constitutions, branding ourselves, and more.

Elections

AZA and BBG elections generally happen every six months on the chapter level and annually on the council, regional, and International level. While there may be nuances from community to community about running elections, we have standardized procedures on how Alephs and BBGs are elected to leadership positions. If you are running elections for your community, this information will come in handy. There's a lot to know!

Election ProtocolsElections Script

How to Write a Speech

Learn the basics of what goes into writing a powerful speech for your next election.

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How to Build a Platform

Learn the ins-and-outs of creating a platform that showcases your goals and vision in a creative way.

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BBYO Parliamentary Procedure

While it may seem complicated and confusing at times, parliamentary procedure is incredibly helpful in running a successful meeting. The procedures ensure order, maintain consistency across meetings and protect the rights of the members. We are a democracy, after all! These procedures were adapted from many sources including Robert's Rules of Order, which is a standard across governments and institutions.

Learn the Rules

Amendment Form

Amendments are proposed by Alephs or BBGs during a business meeting to change the legislation that the group is currently looking at. Use this form so you have an organized way to handle amendments.

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How to Write a Motion

Learn how to write legislation to pass motions and resolutions to bring to business meetings in your community.

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Scale of Motion Disruptiveness

Use this scale to manage motions during a business meeting using BBYO’s Parliamentary Procedure.

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Business Meetings

Democracy is at the heart of everything we do in AZA and BBG. Chapters regularly meet to vote on upcoming events and changes they want to see in their chapter or community. Business Meetings are the perfect time  to update your chapter on goals and share opportunities happening around the Movement.

Sample Business Meeting AgendaTips for Running Successful MeetingsHow to Write a Motion

Leadership Structure

At the chapter, council, regional, and International level, Alephs and BBGs are represented by elected board members who serve a six-month or one-year term. All of these elected positions roll up into a counterpart network, a group of Alephs and BBGs that share the same responsibilities to their communities in terms of projects. The twelve Alephs and BBGs elected to International Board manage a counterpart network that they get to know and support throughout the year.

Board Position Descriptions

Chairpeople and Commitees

Chairs and committees are excellent ways to spread leadership roles in your community. These opportunities are a great way to pipeline younger members into getting more involved with leadership in your chapter.

Learn More

Constitutions

Constitutions are the established rules and principles that guide our governance. At every level of AZA and BBG, there should be a constitution. The constitution is our source of truth when we're unsure about decisions, and you have the power through legislation to put forth changes you wish to see. If your chapter, council, region, or country does not have a constitution yet, view AZA's and BBG's International constitutions as a model or contact our International Mazkirim for support.

AZA Int'l ConstitutionBBG Int'l Constitution

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Legislation Library

Explore this platform to learn how legislation works in business meetings, how to submit legislation on a local, regional, and international level, and explore what has been passed by AZA & BBG's Executive Body over the last decade.

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Plan Ahead

There are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing our chapter operations and democratic traditions.

Explore the Calendar

Launch

International Leadership Network (ILN) Applications Open

June 8, 2025

The ILN is where members can help build the Movement. Teens can sign up for an existing group or build their own

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Launch

International Leadership Network (ILN) Applications Close

August 20, 2025

The ILN is where members can help build the Movement. Teens can sign up for an existing group or build their own

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Deadline

International Awards Deadline 🏆

January 26, 2026

Submit your application for this wave of International Awards.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Celebrate Wins  🎉

By keeping our traditions alive, you may be eligible for several highly esteemed AZA and BBG International Awards.

Explore International Awards

Featured Governance Tools

Want to keep learning? Explore more in the Toolbox!

Form

BBYO Chapter Excellence Assessment

This checklist will help you assess your chapters current strengths and opportunities to grow—and you have the opportunity to apply for a Chapter Excellence Award!

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Form

Start Up Chapter Notification

Let us know that you are interested in starting a new chapter and we'll help you get started!

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Resource

Parliamentary Procedure Placemat

Everything you need to know on Parliamentary Procedure! Learn about what you need to run a successful business meeting, how to write legislation, and how to be an active participant at business meetings.

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Template

Sample Constitution Ratification Motion

Customize this motion to present your updated constitution at a business meeting.

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Resource

Guide to Being Chapter Mazkir

Use this to learn all about serving as Mazkir and find more tools and information at bbyo.org/mazkirim.

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Script

Elections Script

Utilize this script anytime you’re running elections.

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Resource

Building a BBYO Constitution

Learn what a constitution is, download a template to help you write one, and determine how to present it at a Business Meeting.

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Resource

Lista de Control del Calendario

Ten este documento abierto al lado del Calendario Semestral (o en otra pantalla, o con un amigo a tu lado) para asegurarte de que incluyes los momentos más importantes y emocionantes de la experiencia BBYO para tus miembros.

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Resource

Guide to Being Chapter Shaliach

Use this to learn all about serving as Shaliach and find more tools and information at bbyo.org/shlichim.

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