WELCOME NOTE

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

AROUND THE ORDER

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.

IN THEIR WORDS

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