Opinion
First Time Being on Board? Here Are Some Tips
- Be proactive: If you get confused about your tasks, don’t be scared to ask for clarification, but do it as soon as you’re asked to do something. People are always super understanding so if you work your hardest to stay on top of what you have to do, there shouldn’t be too many issues.
- Work with others: Not only is working with others super fun, but it’s an important skill to learn for your future. By working with another board member or chair to plan something, you’ll be able to best understand how you work and how you fit in a group dynamic.
- Communication is always key: Always respond to communications and read texts and emails. If necessary, have calls with others. Also, it’s always a good idea to update your N’siah or counterpart on your progress or what you’re working on, so they can best help you!
- Hold yourself accountable: Most of the time, other people will be holding you accountable for what you do, but at the end of the day, it is your job. You can use a planner, calendar, or reminders on your phone to keep yourself on top of your job.
- Things won’t always go perfectly: even if somebody asks you to plan a program down to the minute, it likely won’t go exactly as planned, and that’s okay! The chapter response will always be different than expected and if people are enjoying themselves, that’s all that matters.
- Put things in perspective: Conflicts will arise, but they’re unavoidable. If you make an effort to be the bigger person, you should be able to avoid them. Don’t beat yourself up over little mistakes or miscommunications because we’re only teenagers.
- Be creative: Get creative with your planning. Use your platform, past chapter platforms, or online databases (such as the fisher platform database or platforms on chapter websites) for inspiration!
- Take it seriously but not too seriously: You get out of BBYO what you put in, so live up to your responsibility and put in work. It will pay off and the chapter will realize that. That being said, don’t get caught up in trying to do your position perfectly; this is a youth group for fun! While you might see BBYO from a different lens, let that add to the magic of this organization, not take away from it.
- Ask for help: Never be scared to ask for help; everybody wants to see you thrive. Your chapter Nsiah, counterpart, other board members, or even alumni are great people to ask for help whether you need some inspiration or advice. Asking for help shows your dedication and love for the chapter.
- Be a role model: You represent your chapter to people in your chapter but also to people outside of it. This is an incredibly special opportunity so be sure to act positively and respectfully!
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.
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