Get to Know BBYO Chapter Showcase & Info Session
Sunday, September 15
1pm-3pm
Bender JCC
Prospective members and parents will join us for an info session to learn about all things BBYO. Teens will be invited to stay for our chapter showcase to explore and get to know our chapters, while parents will stay for a parent-specific presentation.

Preference Night
Saturday, September 21
6:30pm-8:30pm
Bender JCC
Prospective members will attend three short chapter programs of their choosing so that they can get to know a few of our groups. We encourage prospects to attend the full duration of this event to get the best experience possible! 

Chapter Rush Programs
September 28 & September 29
Each chapter will have their own program geared towards prospective members to help them get to know the chapter and its members. Teens are able to go to whichever chapter rush program they'd like. View information on each chapter and their rush program below!

Post Recruitment Programs
After our recruitment events, teens can attend any three chapter programs before they have to become a member of BBYO. You can reach out to the chapter's mit mom or moreh below to learn about upcoming programs

BBYO Dictionary: The official cheat sheet for all commonly used BBYO terms 

• AZA: Aleph Zadik Alephs- these are the most closely to male identifying teens in BBYO, also referred to as “Alephs” 

• BBG: B’nai B’rith Girls- these are the most closely to female identifying teens in BBYO. 

• NRE: Northern Region East-Since BBYO is an international movement, the order is broken up into regions by geographical location. Our region includes DC Council, Baltimore Council, and NoVa Council. 

• DC Council: A council is made up of all of the local AZA, BBG, and BBYO Chapters. Council's will have their own programming where members from all the chapters can come together to participate and make new friends.

• Chapter: DC Council is made up of 17 chapters, 6 AZA chapters (with most closely to male identifying teens) , 10 BBG Chapters (most closely to female identifying teens) , and 1 BBYO Chapter ( a co-ed chapter with both Alephs and BBGs. Teens get to pick which chapter they would like to join based off where they feel the most at home.

• Chapter Programs: In DC Council most of our chapter program most Saturday nights throughout the school year. Programs can be anything from a baking program at a members house, to going to SkyZone, to playing sports in a member's backyard. Chapters will also occasionally have Shabbat programs on Friday nights, and sleepovers.

• Prospective Member: A prospective member is someone who has not formally joined BBYO. To become a member, one must register at bbyo.org/become-a-member. Membership last from the day you sign up till the end of your senior year of high school. Members can only join once they are in 8th grade.

• MIT/AIT: Member-In-Training (For most closely or comfortable around female identifying teens) Aleph-In-Training (For most closely or comfortable around male identifying teens). Prospective members become MIT/AIT once they join the chapter for their first term in the chapter.

• Term: Each school year in BBYO is broken up by Fall Term (August-December) and Spring Term (January-June).

• Conventions: Throughout the year there are a few overnight conventions members have the opportunity to attend. We have Regional Convention (where DC Council come together with Baltimore and Northern Virginia Council) for a weekend long chapter spirit competition. International Convention, where teens from all over the world come together over president's day weekend to engage in 4 days of Jewish programming, bonding, sight-seeing, concerts, and more! Council Convention, where all fo DC Council comes together for a weekend to wrap up our year, and elect our new Council Board. Finally we have Chapter Conventions, where each chapter has it's own elevated one night sleepover to come together as a chapter at the end of the school year. Conventions and all overnight programs are members only.

• Chapter Boards: BBYO is a teen led organization where each chapter elects it's own Chapter Boards that help plan everything for the chapter each term. In each chapter, the board usually ranges from 5-7 positions that plan and run all chapter meetings, events, etc. The board is made up of (Not all these positions are required for a board):

  • N'siah/Godol: President   

  • S'ganit/S’gan: VP of programming   

  • Mit Mom/Moreh: VP of recruitment, retention, and re-education  

  • Sh’lichah/Sh’liach: VP of community service and Jewish learning  

  • Mazkirah/Mazkir: VP of communications and take chapter minutes  

  • Gizborit/Gizbor: VP of fundraising

Check out these FAQs on Joining a Chapter:

• Where can I see upcoming chapter programs?
  Upcoming chapter programs will are continuously posted on our site here. Register for any chapter program, and the location will show in the confirmation page once registered.

• Where can I make sure I am on all the chapters I am interested in contact lists?
  All chapter Morim (Vice Presidents of Recruitment) and their emails are listed below. If you click on their email address, an email window will pop up addressed to them as well as copying [email protected]. Let them know you are interested in checking out the chapter and we'll be sure to get you upcoming program information

• Can I join any chapter I want?
   Yes! You select the chapter you want to be in and every chapter accepts every new member. Chapters are not assigned or capped in DC Council.

• How do I join a chapter?
  To join a chapter you must first become a member at bbyo.org/become-a-member. As you are registering, you will be prompted to select the chapter you wish to join. Once registered, the chapter will be notified that you have joined!
  *If you joined before selecting a chapter, email [email protected] and we will make sure the chapter is added to your profile.

• Can I join BBYO before I know which chapter I want?
  Yes! You can become a member at bbyo.org/become-a-member and leave the chapter question blank. Once you have decided what chapter you'd like, just let us know and we will place you in that chapter!

• Why should I become a BBYO member?
  Once you are a registered member of BBYO you can attend all events, including chapter sleepovers, regional conventions, member only programs and more! You also will be able to participate in chapter traditions such as big and little pairings, inductions, and so much more.

• Is there a deadline to join a chapter?
  After Rush Programs, a prospective member can attend 3 chapter programs before they must sign up to be a member of BBYO; however, a chapter can be selected at any point after becoming a registered member. If you are still unsure of what chapter, you can become a member at bbyo.org/become-a-member and leave the chapter question blank. From there, you are able to continue trying out different chapters, just as a general member of BBYO. Once you have decided what chapter you'd like, just let us know and we will place you in that chapter

FAQs on Joining a Chapter

Q1: How do I join a chapter?
A: To join a chapter, you can visit our website and fill out the membership form. We also recommend attending one of our recruitment events to learn more about the chapters available.

Q2: Are there any prerequisites for joining?
A: No specific prerequisites are required. All you need is an interest in joining and being in at least 8th grade.

Q3: What should I expect during the recruitment process?
A: You can expect to attend introductory events where you can meet chapter members and learn about the chapter activities. This helps you decide which chapter fits you best.

Q4: How can I learn more about the chapters?
A: Each chapter has its own unique programs and activities. Attending recruitment events and speaking with current members can provide insight into what each chapter offers.