As a member of Beth Shean BBG, my chapter in the Pacific Western Region, this is my 4th term on chapter board. However, it is also my 2nd term serving as chapter Sh’licha. Therefore, I’ve had some experience planning a StandUp cause, and I’ve been lucky enough to participate in even more than the ones I’ve planned. Throughout my time in this organization, I’ve learned so much about planning a StandUp Cause, what it is, and how meaningful and special a well-planned StandUp event can be.

So…what is a StandUp Cause? This event takes place in each chapter during the term. It’s separate from J-serve, in which an entire region chooses a cause to support, typically during their Spring term. StandUp Cause allows chapters across the globe to give back to their communities – it fulfills the community service and social action programming folds, and allows teens to take initiative. Some chapters change their StandUp Cause every term, while others will partner with an organization. StandUp Cause is planned by the chapter Shlicha or Shaliach, and it is, in my opinion, one of the most important events of the term.

Although StandUp Cause can be meaningful and important, it can also be difficult to attract attendance to a StandUp event. Other than board members, I’ve found that many people don’t show up for these programs because they don’t seem “fun”. One of the best parts of this event is spending time giving back to your community with your chapter, so it’s important to promote these meetings as much as possible to increase attendance! As soon as you’ve set a date for your meeting with your S’ganit, start promoting it! Tell your friends, invite family and prospects if it is an open event, and post on your chapter’s Instagram to promote.

Now, why is a StandUp Cause so important? I believe that this program is so important because it is so unlike anything else we do during the year. Other than J-serve, StandUp is the time for chapters to personally give back to their communities. In past years, my chapter has organized the Letters for the IDF StandUp Cause, the Care Packages for the Homeless StandUp Cause, and two terms in which we worked with the amazing nonprofit organization Beloved Brain. Each year, I love getting the chance to work with my chapter and give back to our community. I love planning fun, creative StandUp Cause meetings, and I hope that after reading this, YOU are inspired to level up your StandUp Causes, too!