In December of last year, I ran for chapter Shlicha as my first-ever chapter board position. I was a freshman, and I had been inspired by the leadership of the seniors on my chapter’s board. As Shlicha during the Spring Term, I had the opportunity to plan events and educate my chapter on holidays such as Purim, Passover, and Tu B’Shvat. I started doing “Shlicha Sundays”, where I’d take over my chapter's Instagram to share Jewish fun facts. (Fun Fact: You are not supposed to climb trees on Shabbos!). This board position led directly to my decision to run for S’ganit, given how much I enjoyed planning events and Shabbats as Shlicha. 

Having held three board positions now, I feel that S’ganit is the one that feels the most rewarding. This is partially because I loved planning events, especially when I was collaborating with other chapters to plan joint ones (one of my favorites was a mocktail “Sip n Paint” where we decorated small boxes to hold our pins – this was a joint meeting with our sister chapter, Dvash).  There is a special feeling that comes from seeing people bond and create new friendships while doing activities and programs that you have come up with and planned out. If there was one thing I wish I could have done as S’ganit that I didn’t have the chance to do, it would have been to have a meeting planned by a general member, as an opportunity to show people who hadn’t been on chapter board that it was an amazing, fun opportunity.

This term, I am N’siah of my chapter. It has truly tested my leadership abilities, and it has forced me to develop my people skills in a way that I never had before. This is one of the reasons I think people should run for chapter board: it is a truly unique leadership opportunity. The chance to practice leading a group of your peers in a safe, comfortable environment is fantastic. It allows teens to develop crucial life skills. If I decide to run for a leadership position in college, I will be grateful for the skills I’ve gained from BBYO.

I reached out to a few friends to hear about their experiences on chapter board, and they all had something wonderful to say! One of my closest friends (and my current chapter Morah) says, “YOU should be on your chapter board!! Being on board made me feel so much more connected to my chapter, the people in it, and PWR as a whole. It has helped me grow so much and taught me so many important skills that I carry with me every day. I would highly recommend doing it if you’re interested!” Vivian was Nsiah last term, and let me tell you: We ARE the best Nsig duo (in my opinion). I also reached out to Chelsea, who is currently Nsiah of her BBYO chapter, and she says, “Running for N’siah of my chapter was scary, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have learned how to lead, persevere, and grow. Being able to leave a meeting knowing you did something to make it happen is the best feeling”.

Finally, I reached out to the person with the most love for BBYO out of anyone I’ve met: Lindsey Shrager, PWR’s own Regional Morah. Lindsey says, “Serving on chapter board helped me gain self-confidence, understand how to work with others, and develop strong leadership and communication skills. Serving on chapter board is such a rewarding experience, and I could not recommend it more!!”

So, if you have the opportunity to run for chapter board, TAKE IT!! Even if you don’t get the position, the experience of running is amazing. It allows you to gain public speaking skills, and platforms are so fun to make if you really get into it!! Some past themes of mine have been Spotify Wrapped, Coffee Shop, and Summer Camp! 

With election season around the corner, this is YOUR sign to run for board!