Program Excellence

The quality and standards of our events

Programming is the backbone of AZA and BBG. It brings us together and is essential to growing our Movement around the world. Programs should inspire ideas, a connection, action, a new way of thinking, and desire for continued BBYO experiences. Let's showcase for the world the best of what we have to offer.

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Program planning is a skill you build by attending, coordinating, and leading event after event. There are infinite opportunities to get involved in planning programs from the chapter to the International level. Great programming requires participation from all members, and there are roles in committees and as chairs for the planning, execution, and evaluation. What's most important about our programs is that they are fun, meaningful, and affordable to all of our members. Ready to become a programming champ?

Planning

This is your time to dream and be creative. Before any program, you and your planning team will fill out the official AZA and BBG Program Planning Form to ensure you are thinking about all of the event components. Does the program speak to your audience? Do you have an organized supply list? Have you considered the space set-up? These are all examples of things you will think through as you fill this form out. Happy planning!

Program Planning FormProgram Bank

Programming Folds

The AZA and BBG programming folds exist to ensure the experiences we offer are diverse in nature and promote the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth of our members. Not every great program needs to include 6/7 folds, but finding ways to blend multiple into your programming will add depth and meaning.

The Six Folds of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

  • Athletics

  • Community Service/Social Action

  • Education

  • Judaics

  • Social

  • Health

The Seven Folds of the B'nai B'rith Girls

  • Creativity

  • Community Service

  • Jewish Heritage

  • Recreation

  • Sisterhood

  • Social Action

  • Health

Execution

This is when you take your plans and put them into action. How you carry yourself from the beginning to the end of the program is essential to your success. People won't remember exactly what you say, but they'll remember how you made them feel. Learn how to be an excellent facilitator.

Facilitation Tips

Operations and Logistics

There are some key things to keep in mind to ensure your event runs smoothly.

  • Location - Get to your event early to set up. Environment is important to experience. You should be intentional about how setting the room (and choosing the right location) helps you achieve your programming goals.

  • Advisor Presence - All programs need a staff member, advisor or parent present. Be sure to coordinate with one of the three to ensure they can be there the entire time.

  • Budget - Keep track of your program budget and expenses within your Program Planning Form. Remember, you already have resources at your disposal that can save you money. Our programs should be affordable to all members, and even more so for prospects. Create early bird discounts and other incentives to get people to register early.

  • Adherence to BBYO policies - All programs must follow the BBYO Code of Conduct (signed by all Alephs and BBGs when they join).

  • Marketing - Programs should be open for registration or sign up on myBBYO at least 10 days in advance, but everyone in your community should already have the dates saved from when you sent out your calendar at the beginning of the term. This registration link should be blasted on all social media accounts and print on all marketing materials. Create branded flyers and be loud on social media. You want to make it feel like everyone in your community is coming to your event.

  • Program Outline - Turn in your Program Planning Form and get it approved at least 2 weeks in advance by your Regional S’ganim and Staff. They are also great resources if you need help!

Evaluation

This is a step in the programming process that can't be overlooked. If we want to continue to improve our experiences from event to event, we have to ask ourselves what went well and what can be improved. Ask participants for feedback within 48 hours of the program and review with your planning committee and board within a week. Challenge yourself to identify a few areas for strengthening your next program based on common themes from the survey.

Program Evaluation Form

AZAA & BBGG

Aleph Zadik Aleph Athletics (AZAA) and B'nai B'rith Girls Games (BBGG) are AZA and BBG's official athletic leagues. Many communities have seasonal tournaments between chapters. These competitions are great ways to keep members in all grades engaged. Nothing builds camaraderie like sports. How to play:

  • Start a Local League – Any Aleph or BBG can organize an ongoing competition between members or chapters in any sport. Have a big end of season celebration at the championship game.

  • Run a Tournament at Convention – Whether you have a league or not, build a sports tournament into a convention to enhance chapter spirit and attract members and prospects who may be interested in competing.

Plan Ahead  📆

There are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing growing our Movement. These dates include hands-on training opportunities, Movement mobilization moments, registration dates, and relevant programs that tie to membership.

Explore the Calendar

Celebrate Wins  🎉

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

Explore International Awards

Featured Programming Tools

Want to keep learning? Explore more in the Toolbox!

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BBYO On Demand: Community Guidelines

BBYO is committed to creating spaces that are mentally, emotionally, and physically safe for all teens. As such we believe that our virtual community should respect and live up to the values and expectations of our IRL community.

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Chapter Planning: Excellence Assessment

Evaluate where your chapter is and plan goals for your chapter for the upcoming semester.

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Tips for Quieting a Room

Learn how to command the space when running a program.

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Building a Stand UP Campaign

Use this tool to learn how to create a successful Stand UP campaign in your chapter or community.

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How to Moderate a Panel

Bringing in guests is an awesome opportunity for a chapter or community. Make sure you know how to appropriately and successfully moderate a conversation or panel with them

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How to Take Attendance by Text for Teens

Tracking event attendance just got easier: here's how.

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Zoom Meeting Best Practices

AZA & BBG are already across dozens of postal codes, area codes, and time zones (bit.ly/bbyotime), which means that technology is our BFF. Use these tips to help make sure your virtual meetings are engaging, productive, and successful.

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Virtual Programming Ideas

Get inspired while planning your virtual events for your community with these ideas.

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Asset Mapping

Identify the people you know that can help with your events, programs, and experiences.

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