skip to main content

Stand UP

Judaism teaches and obligates us to support those among us in need. Rooted in Jewish values and BBYO tradition, Stand UP is how we practice tikkun olam, the act of repairing of the world, by giving back to our communities. This initiative empowers you to identify a cause that you're passionate about and develop your own campaigns, partnerships, and ongoing programs. Let's be a generation of self-aware, motivated change agents and make our local community and the world better places for all.

Group of diverse young people smiling at a community event

Get Started

Stand UP is a priority because of Alephs and BBGs just like you, who care deeply about building a better world and using AZA and BBG as a platform to do so. Launched during the 2009–2010 programming year, Stand UP encourages members, chapters, and regions to personalize their service efforts to reflect the causes and issues that matter most to them.

Stand UP is more than just direct service. We look at Stand UP through the lens of SPACE, which stands for Service, Philanthropy, Advocacy, Community Organizing, and Entrepreneurship. When you select a Stand UP cause, we want you to consider all of the ways you can make an impact.

tab-block-2

Service

Service is about volunteering our time to benefit a cause in a direct or "hands-on" way. Common examples of direct service include cleaning up a park, working at a food bank, or visiting a children's hospital. 

Find an organization for your chapter to partner with and see what ongoing support they need. Build an army of volunteers in your community to participate in direct service with the organization regularly.

Selecting a Stand UP Cause

Stand UP causes can be selected for chapters, councils, regions, or countries each year, or for multiple years to achieve greater impact. This is an opportunity to choose a cause that truly reflects your members' interests, ensuring their ongoing engagement and participation. Selecting and supporting a cause for your community will be like running a nonprofit with efforts throughout the year. The possibilities of what you can do with your Stand UP cause are endless. 

P.S. Selecting a Stand UP cause is a great example of a piece of legislation you can bring to a business meeting.

Three friends sitting on a hammock

J-Serve 2027

Save the Date: April 18

J-Serve is the International Day of Jewish Youth Service where Jewish teens worldwide amplify year-round efforts to make the world a better place.

Explore the Movement Calendar

There are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing Stand UP. These dates include hands-on training opportunities, Movement mobilization moments, registration dates, and relevant programs that tie to service. Check back as new campaigns launch and calls, rallies, and events pop up.

BBYO Stand UP Gemilut Chasidim Award

The BBYO Stand UP Gemilut Chasidim Chapter Award recognizes chapters that work to better their community through civic action. To ensure that our endeavors are well-rounded, we utilize direct service, philanthropy, advocacy, community organizing, and social entrepreneurship.

Anita M. Perlman Stand UP Award

The Anita M. Perlman Stand UP Award honors individuals who have worked to Stand UP and improve their community through consistent, high-quality service. Every member who actively participates in their chapter’s Stand UP campaign, excels in independent service work, and is regularly immersed in any efforts of service is eligible to apply for this award.

More Stand UP Tools

Resource
BBYO Stand UP: Community Assessment

Identify the needs and values of your community to help select a Stand UP cause.

Resource
BBYO Stand UP: Leadership Roles

Everyone has a role in making a Stand UP campaign successful. Get ideas for general Stand UP campaign responsibilities and see how roles can be divided between board members, chairs, and general members.

Resource
BBYO Stand UP: Choosing an Organization

Find an organization that connects to your Stand UP cause.

Resource
Fundraiser Ideas

Explore creative ways to layer fundraising into your calendar in the short-term and long-term.

Resource
Guide to Planning J-Serve

Since 2005, J-Serve has provided teens with a unique opportunity to band together through service as a united global network committed to fulfilling the Jewish values of gemilut chasidim, acts of loving kindness, tzedakah, just and charitable giving, and tikkun olam, the responsibility to repair the world.  Use this resource to navigate the 5 steps to build a meaningful and memorable J-Serve.

Resource
Service Text Studies

Utilize these texts to enhance your programming, leadership training, services, and more.