When I first joined BBYO, I was a morim’s worst nightmare, being that I showed up to nearly nothing and never gave BBYO a real chance. In my MIT year, I went to all of three programs and had no desire to continue BBYO or knew anything about what it truly was. This was until my ninth grade year, when I made the decision to become an active member rather than dropping out of BBYO completely, and this changed everything. Now, only one year later, I show up to every chapter and regional event. I’ve served on multiple regional and international committees, I look forward to every program, and I have friendships across the Order. I am my chapter’s Morim, I plan to continue running for positions, and above all, I am a damn proud BBG.

But this change from an inactive to active member didn't just happen overnight, but rather required lots of effort, work, and pushing myself to show up more and more for the region.

The first step to becoming an active member of your chapter doesn't begin when you join BBYO, but when you find a true belonging with your fellow BBGs. And although this may seem challenging, there's only a few simple steps you can take to become more involved, because spoiler alert: it's never too late.

1. Reach out to a board member
   Your chapter leaders want to see people who care and want to grow, so a simple text or a quick coffee date with a board member can open doors. It shows that you’re trying, and it gives you a chance to learn about BBG, get advice on next steps, and build a real connection with someone who believes in you.
2. Show up even if you're nervous
   Attending programs can be really nerve racking and scary, especially if you are going in not knowing many people, but when finding ways to involve yourself more with the community, this is the most efficient and important step: to show up. The more you show up to programs and push yourself to make the effort of going to something you wouldn't normally go to allows you to grow not only as a BBG, but as a person. Through every program you push yourself to attend, you'll meet more and more people and create real connections that allow you to build your social skills and build that sense of community for yourself. TIP: If you are worried about coming to the program, text a board member to come meet you by the front or if you could hang out for a bit before, and trust me, they'll happily help!‍
3. Start a conversation with someone new
   Once you’re showing up, take the next step: talk to someone you haven’t met yet. It’s easy to stick with the people you know or stay close to the board member who first welcomed you, but pushing yourself to talk to new BBGs builds friendships you never expected. Who knows, that new person you talk to could end up being your best friend!
4. Join a committee or run for a board position
   When you're ready to take your involvement to the next level, consider joining a committee or running for a board position! This will allow people to see that you are passionate about BBG and your intentions lie in making the community better. Whether it's an international, regional, or chapter committee, there's loads that work towards different people, and you can ask a board member if there are any open for you to apply for. As well, running for a board position, one that you are passionate about and care about, will allow your fellow BBGs to understand how serious you are about BBYO. Win or lose, you'll still be seen as someone trying to become more involved.
5. Reach out outside of BBYO
   The last and final step is to bring those connections and friendships you're making within BBG outside of just BBYO, so you build real, solid relationships with your fellow BBGs. BBYO is about so much more than just attending programs, but actually building friendships, which makes this step the most important. Send someone a text asking about how their sport is going, congratulate someone on a high mark on a test, or genuinely listen to how their week has been. These tiny interactions build lifelong friendships and make BBYO so much more special.

So let me remind you that the first step to becoming a damn proud BBG doesn't begin with joining BBYO, but rather creating and finding that sense of belonging, whether that's as a MIT, a ninth grader, or a senior, because spoiler alert: it's never too late.