Serving as S’ganit (twice!) has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. I have gained so many skills that extend far beyond BBYO. Here are some key strategies and reflections I’ve embraced during my time as VP that might help you lead your chapter successfully.
My first piece of advice is to text your board group chat almost daily. As annoying as it may seem, it has truly helped the board and me stay on top of deadlines. I often send messages like “Just a reminder to have your scripts complete by Tuesday!” or “Here are my ideas for our upcoming event. Does anyone want to add on?”. It’s easy for us to get sidetracked and overlook deadlines, but consistent communication will help ensure accountability for everyone on board.
This tip might not work for everyone, but for me and my chapter, maintaining an organized Google Sheet has made a huge difference in staying on top of tasks. Whenever someone completes an assignment, whether it’s a phonesquad or purchasing supplies, they mark it off on the tracker. This system saves me from having to jump between multiple documents when checking progress. If you’d like to try it, here’s a template of my tracker for your chapter’s use!
This one has truly helped me greatly. After assigning programs for kickoff, I go over a few things to help everything run smoothly.
1. Communicate if you need an extension!
We are all human, and BBYO shouldn’t be anyone's first priority; however, you are all committed to a board position and are expected to get things done on time. If something comes up, please let me, the N'siah, or our advisor know that you need a little extra time.
2. Actually Try On Everything
Although it may not seem important to you at the moment, you should always try your best on all programs. Think back to when you were at MIT and all the meaningful programs that the board led for you. Our job is to create the same experience we had for the future generation of BBGs. Also, things come up! If someone gets sick and is unable to attend the event, someone else will need to step in and take over. Make everything detailed enough that someone else can run the program if needed.
3. Communicate if you need help!
As I mentioned before, things come up, and it’s okay to need help. The job of the S’ganit is to plan events, develop program ideas, and help the rest of the board plan their individual programs. At least for me, I am always willing to reexplain something or help finish a program. It is super important to communicate if you really need help because everyone wants everything to go as well as possible!
The biggest help for me has been the BBYO toolbox. There are endless programs and event ideas just waiting for you to do them! Even if you don’t copy the program exactly, the ideas on there have inspired me to think of other programs. Talk to your regional counterpart. In my last term as S’ganit (currently serving as chapter S’ganit for the second time), I think I texted my regional counterpart almost every other day. Chances are, at some point, they were also chapter S’ganit, and they will always have plenty of ideas and ways to help you out. Not only that, but you are not the only member on your board! There is a reason that we have advisors, too. Ask if anyone else has any ideas they want to contribute; even if you don’t use them, it can really help.
Above all, keep in mind that BBYO and serving on the board are meant to be enjoyable experiences. Don’t let stress overshadow the fun. At the end of the day, everyone is there to connect and have a good time. If you find yourself overwhelmed or burnt out, take a step back and reflect. Is it due to missed deadlines, conflicts, or simply exhaustion? Revisit my tips to regain balance and make the experience rewarding again.
Serving as S’ganit has taught me that leadership is about communication, organization, collaboration, and maintaining a positive attitude. Embrace these principles, and you’ll not only excel in your role but also help foster an incredible chapter experience for everyone.
Julia Feldman is a BBG from the South Jersey Region, and she is a dancer and cheerleader!
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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