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Program Excellence

Programming is the backbone of AZA & BBG. It brings us together and is essential to growing our Movement around the world. Programs should inspire ideas, connection, action, a new way of thinking, and desire for continued BBYO experiences. Let's showcase for the world the best of what we have to offer.

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Get Started

Program planning is a skill you build by attending, coordinating, and leading event after event. There are infinite opportunities to get involved in planning programs from the chapter to the International level. Great programming requires participation from all members, and there are roles on committees and as chairs for planning, execution, and evaluation. What's most important about our programs is that they are fun, meaningful, and accessible to all of our members. Ready to become a programming champ?

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Planning

This is your time to dream and be creative. Before any program, you and your planning team will fill out the official AZA and BBG Program Planning Form to ensure you are thinking about all of the event components. Does the program speak to your audience? Do you have an organized supply list? Have you considered the space set up? These are all examples of things you will think through as you fill this form out. Happy planning!

Programming Folds

The AZA and BBG programming Folds exist to ensure the experiences we offer are diverse in nature and promote the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth of our members. Not every great program needs to include every Fold, but finding ways to blend multiple into your programming will add depth and meaning.

The Six Folds of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

  • Athletics

  • Community Service/Social Action

  • Education

  • Judaics

  • Social

  • Health

The Seven Folds of the B'nai B'rith Girls

  • Creativity

  • Community Service

  • Jewish Heritage

  • Recreation

  • Sisterhood

  • Social Action

  • Health

AZAA & BBGG

Aleph Zadik Aleph Athletics (AZAA) and B'nai B'rith Girls Games (BBGG) are AZA's and BBG's official athletic leagues. Many communities have seasonal tournaments between chapters. These competitions are great ways to keep members in all grades engaged. Nothing builds camaraderie like sports. How to play:

  • Start a Local League | Any Aleph or BBG can organize an ongoing competition between members or chapters in any sport. Have a big end-of-season celebration at the championship game.
  • Run a Tournament at Convention | Whether you have a league or not, build a sports tournament into a convention to enhance chapter spirit and attract members and prospects who may be interested in competing.
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Conventions

A convention is a members-only overnight experience that unites chapters in your area for spirit, celebrating Shabbat, regional business, training, Jewish learning, sports, service, and more.

Explore the Movement Calendar

There are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing programming. These dates include hands-on training opportunities, Movement mobilization moments, registration dates, and Jewish holidays.

The Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award of the Aleph Zadik Aleph

This is the most prestigious honor an AZA chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations—a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions to and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.

The Miriam Albert Chapter Excellence Award of the B'nai B'rith Girls

This is the most prestigious honor a BBG chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations—a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.

The Maurice Bisgyer Chapter Excellence Award for BBYO Chapters

This is the most prestigious honor a BBYO chapter can earn. It requires that the chapter represent top quality in all areas of chapter operations—a growing membership, diverse and rich programming, healthy chapter organization, and consistent contributions and participation in the initiatives and programs led by the International Order.

More Programming Tools

Resource
52 Program Ideas for 52 Weeks of the Year

Get inspired for your next program.

Resource
The 5 Ws of Programming

Talk through these questions with your programming team before completing your Program Planning Form. 

Resource
Asset Mapping

Identify the people you know that can help with your events, programs, and experiences.

Resource
The Big-Little Experience

Learn how to build fraternity and sorority culture in your chapter.

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Essential Questions of Programming

While you’re brainstorming for your program, ask yourself these questions as helpful ‘gut checks’.

Template
Prospect List: Event

Make a copy of this record spreadsheet for great attendance at your next event.