Going into tenth grade, I had recently finished my first year in BBYO and I made the decision to run for chapter board. I unfortunately didn’t get the position I ran for but was able to slide to the role of Katvanit and win. During my term on board it started to affect my mental health, with a major burnout and starting to become stressed about anything and everything, resulting in losing some of that love for BBYO because I didn’t have as much time to be a super active board member. 

At the end of my term, I made the decision with my parents to not run for a second term on board, but I still wanted to make sure I could stay an active member. I have had many obstacles keeping me from making it to chapter events and regional things but despite this I try to stay as active as I can. 

There are so many ways you can stay active without being on chapter board. One way that really helped me was applying for the Press Corps journalism team. I have always loved to write and now have a growing interest in communications. It also gave me the opportunity to meet so many teens from around the world that I can’t wait to meet at IC.

IC also became one of the most memorable experiences for me. I love conventions so much and not having the ability to go to a regional convention made me want to go to international conventions more. IC helped me relight my flame because for a while I forgot how much I loved BBYO, sitting in the concert area altogether, or Havdalah with teens from all around the world. 

Another tip to staying an active member without being on board is going to as many chapter and regional events as possible. Applying for a chair position gives you an idea of what a board position might be like and the responsibilities of it.

I have found it so hard this year to coordinate my schedule to make it to everything else on top of BBYO but I am so excited that my little sister is finally able to join and to start going to events. This made me so happy because I want her to see BBYO the same way I did going to my first meeting. 

Being active in BBYO is so important because it can help you keep that love for it and keep you connected with your Judaism. There are so many ways to stay involved whether you are a board member or not and you can do so much with even the smallest role in your chapter.