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Safety, Wellness, and Inclusion

Group of diverse young people smiling at a community event

BBYO is committed to creating a mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically safe environment for all teens. We strive to build in our teens the ability to face adversity and developmental challenges and thrive.

BBYO welcomes Jewish teens of all backgrounds, denominational affiliation, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with a range of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities.

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Inclusion at BBYO

From chapter-based regional activities to BBYO International Convention to leadership development and travel programs around the world, BBYO strives to create safe spaces where teens—all teens—can be themselves. Inclusion and wellness are paramount to fostering these environments and to building Jewish communities that are open, accessible, and welcoming to everyone.

Over the past few years, BBYO professionals and teen leaders have spearheaded Gender Inclusivity and LGBTQ+ initiatives in support of BBYO members and allies in these communities. These initiatives have focused on building resources and programming for LGBTQ+ members, keeping gender inclusivity at the forefront of the Movement, establishing responsibilities for local leaders, creating movement-wide experiences focused on fun and education about the LGBTQ+ community, and having safe spaces created for all. In addition, BBYO also seeks to provide an inclusive rooming community and recognizes that teens have a variety of gender identities, not limited to the standard binary. Offering gender inclusive rooming creates a BBYO community where all teens are welcome, comfortable, and safe.

Meet Ari Handel

BBYO’s Senior Director of Inclusion

   

A certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer, Ari supports teens throughout all BBYO programs with any needed accommodations, modifications, and support, and trains staff and volunteer advisors to ensure that teens’ needs are being met. Ari also focuses on promoting inclusion in several programing areas including LGBTQ+, mental health, disability, global, and more. Ari is responsible for hiring and supervising BBYO wellness staff, including a team of social workers and nurses, at all immersive experiences.

You can reach Ari at ahandel@bbyo.org.