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 Meetings

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

Plan Ahead

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

Explore the Calendar

Training

Officer Training Calls

January 15, 2023

Interactive workshops to learn the ins and outs of elected leadership roles in BBYO.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Deadline

International Awards IC Deadline 🏆

January 16, 2023

Submit your application for this wave of International Awards. If you submit by this deadline, we will feature your name on our Honor Roll at IC.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Deadline

International Awards Deadline 🏆

April 30, 2023

Submit your application for this wave of International Awards.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Training

Officer Training Calls

April 30, 2023

Interactive workshops to learn the ins and outs of elected leadership roles in BBYO.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Launch

International Leadership Network (ILN) Applications Close

June 4, 2023

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 Open

June 8, 2023

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→

Training

Officer Training Calls

September 18, 2023

Interactive workshops to learn the ins and outs of elected leadership roles in BBYO.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Deadline

International Awards Deadline 🏆

November 1, 2023

Submit your application for this wave of International Awards.

📆   Add to Calendar →

🧭   Learn More→

Training

Officer Training Calls

November 13, 2023

Interactive workshops to learn the ins and outs of elected leadership roles in BBYO.

📆   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!

Script

BBG Opening and Closing Rituals

Participate in BBG tradition by opening and closing meetings with this script.

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Template

Business Meeting Agenda

Utilize this template to prepare for your Chapter or Regional business meeting.

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Resource

LTI Models

Use these models to build your community's Leadership Training Institutes.

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Resource

Descripción de Cargos de la Junta Directiva

Comprenda las responsabilidades específicas de nuestros cargos comúnmente elegidos en AZA y BBG.

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Video

Get to Know BBYO | Episode 4: Leadership

Get to know the governance of AZA & BBG and how you can lead in our teen-led democracy at all levels.

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Resource

International Awards

International Awards are how the order recognizes the outstanding contributions teens have had on the movement.BBYO offers a variety of awards and honors teens can apply for. Check out this list to learn more about each award and how to apply or be considered for each.

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Template

Chapter Constitution Template: AZA

Use this template to write or update your chapter constitution.

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Template

Regional Constitution Template: AZA

Use this template to write or update your regional constitution.

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Resource

Guide to Being Chapter Mazkirah

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

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