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Training and Leadership Development

The secret to our success in AZA and BBG is the strength of our leaders. Alephs and BBGs learn new skills and sharpen old ones through year-round training experiences at the local and movement levels. Taking time at the beginning of each year to reflect on our wins and identify opportunities for us to grow—as individuals and as chapters—is one of the most important things we can do. When we set goals, understand the responsibilities of our roles, and use the tools that are available to us, we’re unstoppable.

Group of diverse young people smiling at a community event

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At the start of every semester, chapters and regions run training experiences for teens in formal and informal leadership roles. These moments serve to align teens, staff, and advisors on goals for the upcoming term, learn new and re-fresh familiar best practices, and build plans to kick off their calendar strong. Annually, every community centralizes this training at the community and local levels. Communities offer Regional Board Retreats and local experiences often called Leadership Training Institutes (LTIs). Additional training opportunities are offered year-round on BBYO On Demand for all teens, from any community to join in.

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Models for Leadership Training Institutes (LTIs)

Leadership Training Institutes (LTIs) are held annually or at the start of every semester for a community's leaders. While traditionally for teens with elected leadership positions, it is a best practice to create space for appointed (chairpersons) or aspiring (engaged members) leaders to join as well. LTIs vary in size and structure, but all share the common goals of: (re)sharing tools and best practices, generating relationships between networks and boards, breaking down goals, and uniting the community around a shared vision for the year ahead.

How to Build and Run an LTI

 

Model 1

One-Day Experience

Design to support a one-day training for chapter leaders.

Model 2

Two Days,
One Night

A Shabbaton experience that spans two days and one night for chapter leaders.

Model 3

Weekend-Long Experience

Structure for a three-day, two-night experience for chapter and aspiring leaders.

 

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 Training and Leadership Development Tools

Resource
Active Listening 101

Listening is key to leadership. Use this guide to become an active listener. 

Template
Branding Epic Event Spaces

Brainstorm what you already have and what you want to buy to make your spaces look and feel epic.

Resource
Building Inclusive Programs

BBYO welcomes all Jewish teens, regardless of background, denominational affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with arange of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities.

Resource
Calendar Checklist

Review common events to inform your calendar planning on a Chapter or Regional Level.

Resource
Facilitation Tips

Use this guide to prepare to facilitate a local chapter or community program. 

Resource
Seven Principles of Jewish Leadership

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l sets out seven of the many axioms of leadership done in a Jewish way.