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.
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 BankThe 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
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 TipsThere 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!
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.
A convention is a members-only overnight experience that unites chapters in your area for spirit, celebrating Shabbat, regional business, training, Jewish learning, sports, service, and more. Learn about what goes into convention planning in the video below.
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.
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 CalendarBy keeping our traditions alive, you may be eligible for several highly esteemed AZA and BBG International Awards.
Explore International AwardsWant to keep learning? Explore more in the Toolbox!
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Check out program ideas, helpful links, and traditions for your region or chapter.
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Apply for a Gamechanger Grant to give your chapter the opportunity to receive $100-$1,000 directed for programs and initiatives that will make a bigger difference in your chapter and elevate your local chapter experience.
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Learn how to host your friends online (spoiler alert: it can be done well and you can have fun doing it, too).
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Request a video from a member of the Grand or International Boards to celebrate, surprise, or energize your community.
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Understand BBYO’s overarching strategy to activate a pipeline for membership growth.
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Use these guidelines as a blueprint to seamlessly host and plug-in your guests.
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Evaluate where your chapter is and plan goals for your chapter for the upcoming semester.
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Evaluate where your chapter is and plan goals for your chapter for the upcoming semester.
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Here's a list of icebreakers and opening mixers that will help kick off your event with some relationship building.
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