Dear Parents,

We’re so excited to welcome your teens back and look forward to seeing them at Fall Kickoff events! Each year, tens of thousands of Jewish teens from hundreds of communities around the world plan big, epic events to reunite with friends and welcome new members into AZA and BBG. From boat cruises to pool parties to mega-dances, everyone is celebrating that BBYO is back in action.

Since joining BBYO three years ago I’ve been dedicated to supporting our staff and their well-being, ensuring they’re at their best to support your teens effectively. One program I’m incredibly proud of is our new Fellowship—a paid, full-time two-year immersive program offering professional experience working alongside BBYO teen leaders and an opportunity to learn all the facets of a non-profit business. We’re thrilled that our first class of 17 Fellows recently began their second year, and we’re excited to welcome our new class of Fellows this week!

On a personal note, I was honored to visit Israel for the first time with my peers on the BBYO Management Team this summer. It was a life-changing trip that sparked something in me I didn’t know was there. Our purpose was to show support and engage in volunteer activities with organizations such as Eran’s Angels and Pantry Packers that provide food and supplies to those most in need. We also had the opportunity to tour Kibbutz Magen at the Gaza border and participate in a discussion with American and Israeli teens to understand firsthand what it was like to be attacked on October 7. We visited the NOVA Music Festival site, which was heartbreaking but necessary to understand the true devastation of that day. One especially happy moment from our trip was participating in a “silent music rave” on the streets of Jerusalem. Imagine 100 Jewish teens dancing down Ben Yehuda Street at night to music only they can hear through headphones. While this is taking place, people on the street are looking on curiously. Once they hear the music they start to dance with us, holding hands, making dance circles, singing and smiling without a care in the world. Many of them asked, “what group is this?” We proudly shared it was BBYO.

That night we chose to be hopeful and find joy in the moment. I encourage everyone to look for joy this coming year with family, friends, and community.

Wendi Colby
Chief People Officer

Tune in LIVE: August Execs | The annual August Executives Conference brings together the highest-elected Alephs and BBGs from around the world to engage in top-tier programming, innovative workshops, and unforgettable social experiences, igniting new ideas to energize their home communities. This year, we have the special privilege of installing the 100th Grand and 80th International Boards, marking a historic moment for our Order. Tune in live for the installations, as well as the inaugural address by our Teen Presidents, on Facebook or Instagram on Thursday, August 15 at 8:00 PM ET (or join the watch party on BBYO On Demand).
 
Near You: Fall Kickoffs | As summer wraps up and the school year approaches, the excitement of BBYO Fall Kickoffs is just around the corner! Across regions, chapters, and communities, we're gearing up to launch the new BBYO year with a bang. From block parties to pool parties and everything in between, these events are all about welcoming teens and sparking their excitement for what's to come. Don't miss out on the fun—find out what's happening near you and sign your teen up to join the celebration! 
 
Be First in Line: BBYO Summer 2025 | Although summer 2024 is just winding down, we’re deep into planning for summer 2025, with exciting programs and incredible adventures to BBYO Passport destinations around the world. Mark your calendars for September 18, when registration opens and lock in the lowest early bird rate of the year! Want to be first to know what’s ahead and reserve your teen’s spot at the program of their choice? Fill out our quick, commitment-free Interest Form.
 
Save the Date: BBYO International Convention (IC) 2025 Launch Night | Every year over U.S. Presidentsʼ Day weekend in February, more than 5,000 of the Jewish community’s top teen leaders, educators, influencers, professionals, and philanthropists gather for one of the largest Jewish communal events of the year!  Teens get an experience filled with leadership development, inspiring speakers, service in the local community, exclusive music performances, and a moving Shabbat celebration with their closest friends. Registration for IC 2025, which takes place in Denver, Colorado, kicks off on October 9 worldwide, and we expect a sell-out event. Check out the IC website in advance so your teen is ready to snag their spot!
 
Leadership Opportunities Await: ILN Applications | The International Leadership Network (ILN) is the core of our Movement’s leadership and consists of committees, cohorts, clubs, networks, and coordinators in countless interest areas. The ILN allows all BBYO teens, regardless of age or position, to contribute to our growth and build their own skills. Applications for most committees close September 2, so don’t delay! There are more opportunities than ever—explore them all on the BBYO Lead page.

Do you know a creative teen? We are thrilled to share a new initiative aimed at celebrating Jewish culture and fostering positive dialogue in schools and communities nationwide. In partnership with JSU, USY, Young Judaea, and NFTY, we've launched a Rosh Hashana poster design contest for Jewish high school students, with a top prize of $5,000 toward college tuition or a gap year in Israel.

This contest invites students to create artwork that reflects the uplifting aspects of the Jewish New Year while extending warm wishes to our diverse communities. The winning design will be prominently displayed in public schools across the country, showcasing Jewish pride and encouraging compassionate dialogue.

Recent surveys indicate that over 70% of Jewish teens face harassment, both online and in-person. This contest provides a powerful platform for students to express themselves creatively and combat misinformation and antisemitism. It’s an opportunity to share their experiences and celebrate their heritage positively and constructively.

All Jewish teens in grade 8–12 are invited to enter. Submissions are due by August 2. For complete rules and guideline, visit jewishartcontest.com.

Welcome to our newest Parent Pulse column: Dear Drew! Drew Fidler, LCSW-C, is the Senior Director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness, where she helps ensure that BBYO and other youth-serving organizations are places where teens can thrive through best practices in health and wellness. Email your burning questions to Drew and she’ll select questions to answer in future Parent Pulse issues.

Dear Drew: I keep hearing about mental health’s “golden moment,” especially as it relates to the Olympics. What is it and how does it relate to my teen?

Dear Parent: Great question! If you look at the headlines around mental health, it usually involves alarming stories and scary statistics. Rarely do we get good news. However, beyond the normal feel-good message around the Olympics, the athletes competing in them are shattering the stigma around mental health.  

From Simone Biles talking about the process of going through the “twisties” and getting help, to Noah Lyles discussing his diagnoses and dealing with depression, mental health isn’t just a sub-plot in the Olympics: it has taken center stage. Athletes are helping us see that achievement comes when we prioritize mental health just as much as physical health. When athletes on the national stage talk about their struggles and the mental work they put in, light shines through the cracks. Everyone who watches them starts to understand that true mental health is not the absence of challenge but the embracing of them and working through difficulties.  

Challenges and adversity are normal parts of life. Having good mental health means being able to navigate those challenges resourcefully—building a toolkit for self-help, getting help from others, and nourishing all the parts of oneself. As parents or professionals working with teens, our job is to help them grow these skills so that they can take on challenges resourcefully as they grow. These are three vital messages that you can share with them from what we are seeing take place at the Olympics:  

1. Build your struggle muscle. To face challenges, teens need to feel they have the skills to overcome them. Help grow their struggle muscle and tolerance for discomfort not by removing challenges in their path but assisting them in working through it.  

1. Embrace failure as part of the process. Very often failure is something that is feared—if I don’t do well on this test, then I won’t get into college and my life will be over. However, failure is the opposite. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow. We need to help teens think about failure differently and accept it as a part of the process.  

1. Ask for help. As adults, we don’t have all the answers, so why should teens? They need to know it’s okay to ask for help. Build a bench of adults that they can turn to for inspiration, help, and support because they may not always want to come to you.    

No one is perfect. Good mental health embraces failure, struggle, and hard work to succeed. Having role models that let us see the journey allows everyone to learn that it’s okay to not be okay, and that everyone experiences bumps in the road. This is mental health’s golden moment: let’s all be here for it.

In the months following the October 7 attacks in Israel, BBYO and its travel arm, BBYO Passport, introduced Volunteer Israel, a transformative 10-day service-based trip. This program empowered teens to make a difference in the lives of displaced border communities while deepening their connection to Israel. Participants immersed themselves in service projects, dedicating four to six hours each day to hands-on volunteer work such as packaging food, preparing meals for IDF soldiers, and assisting at food banks.

Ashley P., a participant from South Africa, shared, “The one thing I’m taking away from the program is how strong the Jewish people are and how Israel still functions as a country even during a war. It made me realize how we are stronger together and that the Jewish people will never give up or stop fighting for their beautiful country and religion.”

Addy J., another participant from South Africa, found the visit to the Nova Music Festival site deeply moving. “Going to the Nova Music Festival, where the tragic events of October 7 occurred, was the most moving part of my trip. I realized how fragile and short life can be. Being there made me see how strong, brave, and resilient the Jewish people are and that during hard times, we all come together stronger than ever.”

Through these personal experiences, Volunteer Israel participants witnessed the resilience of border communities and the strength of the Jewish people, making the program a deeply impactful journey for all.

Dear Fellow Parents, 

We cannot thank BBYO enough for providing a place where our three daughters have been able to be proud of their Jewish heritage and identity, develop their leadership skills, and create lifelong friendships. With two of them attending college this past fall, we know they are well equipped to face to challenges that may come as students, and will maintain a strong shared connection to Judaism for many more years. 

An important part of their BBYO experience was their involvement in summer programs offered by BBYO.  Travel throughout Europe and Israel with BBYO gave our children a glimpse of a bigger world—with a Jewish eye. Their participation taught them to be global citizens, and to learn and appreciate our history. Every trip helped each of them to be able to articulate why Israel needs our support. CLTC, ILTC, and International Kallah experiences allowed each of our children to start to hone their desire and ability to lead in their own style, and to understand how to work with others who are vastly different from them. These perspectives will last them a lifetime. 

Additionally, I was personally lucky enough to experience BBYO myself by attending the past three International Conventions. I have to believe in the future of the Jewish people after seeing 3,000+ thunderous teenagers singing and cheering with one another. Many of the attendees came to each of these conventions because of their summer program. They needed and wanted more time together, seeking more understanding about the world and more learning. I’m so grateful to BBYO for providing them with these life-changing experiences—perhaps you are too (or you’re considering signing your teen up to attend this year)! 

And of course, the fun at BBYO isn’t just for the teens—as Co-Chair of BBYO’s Parent Advisory Council, I support our local parent committees to foster a sense of community across BBYO by creating special parent events and gatherings, deepening connections, and helping with philanthropy. I look forward to keeping in touch with parents this year as we launch another incredible year of BBYO for Jewish teens and their families across the world. Thank you for being a part of our Movement. 

Staci Marlowe 
Co-Chair Parent Advisory Council  
Proud BBYO Parent of 3 HVR Teens and Alumni