This year, we made real progress across the movement in ways that felt both exciting and meaningful. One of our biggest accomplishments was raising a record $1.2 million through #GivingBBYODay, made possible by 8,200 donors and more than 1,200 teen solicitors across 20 countries. That kind of turnout showed just how much energy, care, and belief there is in this movement when people are given a chance to rally behind something bigger than themselves.

We also helped reach an important milestone by raising over $100,000 from communities outside North America on #GivingBBYODay. That was a motivating reminder that BBYO’s impact is truly global, and that our communities around the world are ready and eager to show up in powerful ways. At International Convention in Philadelphia, IC Shuk brought in more than $60,000 in merchandise sales and represented 45 communities worldwide, adding even more pride and connection to the convention.

Another major highlight was launching the International Service Fund Committee, which gave us a new way to build awareness and excitement around BBYO’s giving efforts. We also passed international legislation to strengthen the role of the International Service Fund within BBYO’s operations, which helped make the work more structured and more connected to the movement as a whole. On top of that, we worked with an incredible group of 39 AZA and 41 BBG counterparts across the movement to keep philanthropic initiatives moving forward on a global scale.

A big part of our year was focused on bringing people in and making sure the work felt shared, not siloed. We used our networks to spread the word, build momentum, and help more communities understand where they fit into the bigger picture. That made a huge difference, because when people feel connected to the purpose, they are much more likely to get involved and stay involved.

#GivingBBYODay was the clearest example of that. It showed how powerful this movement can be when teens, alumni, and communities across the world all work toward the same goal. The campaign raised money, of course, but it also built excitement, created connection, and reminded people that every contribution matters.

Our network also played an important role in building support for the International Service Fund Committee and for the legislation that strengthened its place in BBYO. Those efforts were successful because we had people helping push the work forward from different places and different perspectives. In a lot of ways, the year was a reminder that the more connected we are, the stronger our impact becomes.

One of the biggest things we learned this year is that big goals are possible when people feel both inspired and organized. The strongest moments came when there was a clear goal, real energy behind it, and a simple way for people to contribute. We saw over and over again that people want to help — they just need to know how to plug in.

We also learned that giving is most powerful when it feels personal and meaningful. When people understand why the work matters, they are much more likely to care deeply and show up fully. This year showed us that international leadership can bring people together, create momentum, and help build something that lasts beyond a single term.

More broadly, this role taught us that movement-building is really about people. It is about trust, communication, consistency, and making sure people feel seen. The results were impressive, but the relationships and shared ownership behind them were just as important.

Our wish for 102/82 is to keep dreaming big, stay connected to the communities they serve, and never lose the excitement that makes this work so special. Keep making it easy for people to get involved, keep creating space for new voices, and keep reminding everyone that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

We hope they continue to lead with energy, heart, and a real sense of fun, because that is what helps movements like this one grow. The best work happens when people feel included, inspired, and proud to be part of it.