Our Movement functions because it's run by us, for us. If you want to see something changed in our Movement, you can write a motion. If you want to serve in an elected position, you can run. If you want to start a new campaign, you can organize. We are member-led and staff supported. You have the power to make this your movement. How will you use it?
For a movement to run and grow, it needs shared operating procedures. In AZA and BBG, we have standardized ways and best practices for elections, running business meetings, writing constitutions, branding ourselves, and more.
AZA and BBG elections generally happen every six months on the chapter level and annually on the council, regional, and International level. While there may be nuances from community to community about running elections, we have standardized procedures on how Alephs and BBGs are elected to leadership positions. If you are running elections for your community, this information will come in handy. There's a lot to know!
Election ProtocolsElections ScriptLearn the basics of what goes into writing a powerful speech for your next election.
ExploreLearn the ins-and-outs of creating a platform that showcases your goals and vision in a creative way.
Explore
While it may seem complicated and confusing at times, parliamentary procedure is incredibly helpful in running a successful meeting. The procedures ensure order, maintain consistency across meetings and protect the rights of the members. We are a democracy, after all! These procedures were adapted from many sources including Robert's Rules of Order, which is a standard across governments and institutions.
Learn the RulesAmendments are proposed by Alephs or BBGs during a business meeting to change the legislation that the group is currently looking at. Use this form so you have an organized way to handle amendments.
ExploreLearn how to write legislation to pass motions and resolutions to bring to business meetings in your community.
ExploreUse this scale to manage motions during a business meeting using BBYO’s Parliamentary Procedure.
Explore
Democracy is at the heart of everything we do in AZA and BBG. Chapters regularly meet to vote on upcoming events and changes they want to see in their chapter or community. Business Meetings are the perfect time to update your chapter on goals and share opportunities happening around the Movement.
At the chapter, council, regional, and International level, Alephs and BBGs are represented by elected board members who serve a six-month or one-year term. All of these elected positions roll up into a counterpart network, a group of Alephs and BBGs that share the same responsibilities to their communities in terms of projects. The twelve Alephs and BBGs elected to International Board manage a counterpart network that they get to know and support throughout the year.
Chairs and committees are excellent ways to spread leadership roles in your community. These opportunities are a great way to pipeline younger members into getting more involved with leadership in your chapter.
Constitutions are the established rules and principles that guide our governance. At every level of AZA and BBG, there should be a constitution. The constitution is our source of truth when we're unsure about decisions, and you have the power through legislation to put forth changes you wish to see. If your chapter, council, region, or country does not have a constitution yet, view AZA's and BBG's International constitutions as a model or contact our International Mazkirim for support.
AZA Int'l ConstitutionBBG Int'l Constitution
New
Explore this platform to learn how legislation works in business meetings, how to submit legislation on a local, regional, and international level, and explore what has been passed by AZA & BBG's Executive Body over the last decade.
ExploreThere are important dates to keep in mind when prioritizing our chapter operations and democratic traditions.
Launch
June 8, 2025
–
–
The ILN is where members can help build the Movement. Teens can sign up for an existing group or build their own
📆 Add to Calendar →
🧭 Learn More→
Deadline
January 26, 2026
–
–
Submit your application for this wave of International Awards.
📆 Add to Calendar →
🧭 Learn More→
Launch
August 19, 2026
–
–
The ILN is where members can help build the Movement. Teens can sign up for an existing group or build their own
📆 Add to Calendar →
🧭 Learn More→
By keeping our traditions alive, you may be eligible for several highly esteemed AZA and BBG International Awards.
Explore International AwardsWant to keep learning? Explore more in the Toolbox!
Form
AZA & BBG are teen lead democracies, which means that regular governance is core to our Movement. Submit legislation for the Executive Body (all council, regional, and country presidents) to review at August or February Executives Conference.
ExploreResource
Use this to learn all about serving as Godol and find more tools and information at bbyo.org/presidents.
ExploreChecklist
Here’s a checklist of what to expect as you learn the ins and outs of your new chapter.
ExploreResource
Learn about the purpose, timeline, and key areas to think through when building out a plan to onboard new leaders.
ExploreVideo
Participate in AZA tradition by learning to open meetings with this video.
ExploreResource
Use this to learn all about serving as Mazkirah and find more tools and information at bbyo.org/mazkirim.
ExploreForm
Submit this petition to become a Permanent Chapter of BBYO.
ExploreResource
Use this guide to learn about why and how to build a BBYO Platform for elections.
ExploreResource
BBYO is committed to creating spaces that are mentally, emotionally, and physically safe for all teens. As such we believe that our virtual community should respect and live up to the values and expectations of our IRL community.
Explore
