Being an involved member of BBYO is the most incredible experience, but it can be a lot of work. For many, the end goal of your BBYO journey is to be on board - whether it's the board for your chapter, region, or even national order. Whatever the reason you are not on board - maybe you joined late, maybe you weren’t ready, maybe you lost the last election - there are plenty of other ways to stay involved in BBYO! Keep reading to hear how I do my best to stay involved despite not being on board.

1. Chair positions - Being a chair is such a wonderful experience where you get to learn more about the inner workings of your chapter board without holding a position. Chairs have the opportunity to create chair-run events, where they help the board plan a super fun event that they lead! This is a great opportunity for members to get a feel for being on board and taking up more responsibilities. Last year, I was a Shabbat chair in my chapter, so I helped our Sh’licha lead Shabbat services.
2. RLN committees - Joining RLN, or Regional Leadership Network, committees are a great way to stay involved in your region. Regions have various committees depending on your interests, and they allow members to join and be involved. Examples of RLN committees include Press Corps, Jewish Enrichment Committee, Rising Leaders, and Shuk Committee, to name a few. These committees have meetings, whether in person or over Zoom and also serve as an amazing way to meet new friends in your region. One hobby of mine is writing, so I decided to join my regional Press Corps committee last year and am writing again this year. Being involved in RLN committees helps members stay involved in their region, and they don't need a board position to do so.
3. Steering - Steering events, whether chapter or regional, is also a great way to be a leader without holding a formal leadership position. Steering allows members to help plan and lead certain events, which takes a lot of hard work but has many benefits. Steering committees meet before the event to make sure they have all aspects covered, and then steerers help lead various activities at the events.
4. ILN committees - Like RLN committees, you can also join ILN committees to be part of the International Leadership Network!! This year, in addition to writing for my Regional Press Corps committee, I am so excited to also write for the International Press Corps. In fact, this is my first-ever article!! I'm so happy to be involved! Aside from the press corps, there are plenty of other ILN committees for people of all interests, including IC steering, #givingBBYOday, and many more. You have to apply to be on these committees in June, and they are very worthwhile!

I hope you enjoyed my list! Always remember that BBYO is not about positions but about being involved and making a difference in your community.