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!

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.

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.

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.

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 the changes you wish to see. If your chapter, council, region, or country does not have a constitution yet, get started with the resource below.