Regional N’siah Midstates
“Identity, Identity, who am I a BBG, I am one, though only one, there is so much I can do”. We scream these words at cheer sessions, proudly chant them after Elections and teach these words to new members. However, what do these words even mean? What does it mean to be a BBG? Why do we identify ourselves as BBG’s?
I believe that it is the moments in BBG that define us. All of us can look back and remember that moment when everything clicked. That moment when you realized that this organization is so much more than just hanging out with fellow Jewish teens or having fun on a Saturday night. No, you discovered the power and unity of the community that is BBYO. The strong bonds of sisterhood and fraternity, the opportunities for leadership and growth. This is the moment that you became a BBG.
At elections, I ran on the platform of living every moment to its fullest, promising to serve this region with my complete dedication and best effort, stating the mantra, “There’s only us, there’s only this, forget, regret, or life is yours to miss, no other road, no other course, no day but today”. We must always remember that we only have one chance at life, one chance to make a change and one chance to love another.
Unfortunately, this region is not living up to this ideal. A perfect example is the sisterhood in this region. Overall, CRW’s sisterhood is deplorable. I am ashamed of the number of cliques and the level of malicious gossip prevalent in our region. Girls, bad sisterhood not only hurts you, it destroys us all. I was horrified to hear that for Friday night’s Separates activity, which involved girls writing a letter to another BBG prior to the retreat, that girls had requested to switch partners because they were unable to write something positive about the other girl. What has this region come to that girls have such enmity that they cannot write a kind letter to one another? Girls have called me informing me of needed a break from BBG, some time off. But isn’t that what BBG is, a break from reality and school and stress and some time off from that other world? Why has BBG become a place that people want to get away from?
As for cliques, think back to that moment when you were sitting all alone at an event and how all the girls were laughing about an inside joke and you were isolated and excluded and how that felt. Then remember what it felt like when one girl came up to you and grabbed your hand pulling you into the group and introducing you to the other girls. I challenge you to strive to be that girl, the one who takes action when she notices someone sitting alone, who reaches out to the new member or prospective at events.
Every BBG is a candle, a small flickering light of life, love and passion. Even through dark times, these candles brighten the room, and persevere through difficult times of change, heartbreak, fights, and disappointment. These candles are resilient and determined to not be blown out prematurely, but instead to be carefully extinguished at a Life Ceremony in the presence of fellow loved sister BBG’s. However, does this romanticized story and pattern of our journey’s through BBG hold true? Can we all honestly say that ‘not once have I ever wanted to give up or have been frustrated with my chapter’? The answer is no, we can’t.
Girl’s flames are extinguishing, hence they are burning out. Everywhere, in every chapter I see the dangerous cycle continue: lack of older leaders, forces younger girls to step up and take leadership roles that they are not prepared to and equipped to take, and after a few terms, they leave their chapters and BBG exhausted and depleated, only to abandon the chapter with younger members without mentors and guidance. Girls, it is our job as BBG’s to kindle the flames of our sisters and keep them strong and embrace their vitality.
Additionally, girls are not seizing and living for the moment. Motivation is greatly lacking in this region. Why are girls not interested? Why don’t girls want to try anymore? What has happened to this region to cause girls to lose the love and passion for this organization? Once again, remember that moment when you realized what it meant to be a BBG. Younger girls, think of the older members that have inspired you to continue your participation in the organization, and older girls think of what you can do to inspire the new generation and instill a fervent passion. Strive to live up to these ideals every moment, every second; try to embody the character and enthusiasm of a B’nai B’rith Girl.
My Brother Alephs, I am addressing you because many times there is sexism present in BBYO. Initiated by ignorance, this concept is detrimental to this region. I know that AZA’s are strong, but so are BBG’s and the only way for this region to be successful is if we overcome our differences and work together as one, cohesive unit. It is important for you all to be aware of your fellow BBG chapter’s strengths and weaknesses in order to both help them succeed and to learn from them accomplishments.
As a whole, our region is doing well, but we could be doing so much better. We have low points, including the current membership levels. At this time, four out of the nine BBG chapters have less than 15 registered members and no BBG chapter has broken a membership of 30 in years. Recruitment and retention need to be prioritized in order to achieve stable chapters. Girls, you may think that you are safe with a chapter of 15, but you are far from it. It only takes a few terms of mistakes to cause the downfall of a chapter. For example, Hannah Senesh BBG #109 had 16 members a few years back and where are they now? Well, they have two registered members, both of which are inactive. We cannot let this happen to any other CRW BBG chapter because all chapters are necessary for the well-being and stability of this region. Numerous chapters including Atz Chaim, Chai, El Al and LHA have been restarted in the past few years. We need to terminate this cycle of chapters constantly dying and the restarting, only to die again within a few years. Currently, there are 113 registered BBG’s in CRW. This number is scary. Last year at midstates, we had 132 members. What happened? It is manifest that we need to focus on recruitment and retention in order to increase the membership in this region.
Strong programming is the first link in the chain to attracting prospectives and new members, its what draws girls to BBYO. I know that CRW has creativity and I urge you all to incorporate that into events and programming. Additionally, utilize all of the six folds of programming, especially Judaism, Social Action and Community Service.
Regional Event attendance has been inconsistent. Kick off Dance was fantastic and I was ecstatic to see girls from all over the bay area present. However, the BBG Regional Business Meeting and MBA was quite pathetic with barely 20 girls staying for the afternoon’s activities which included extraordinary programming. Remember, our region is large and we need to rotate the locations of our regional events, so all areas of the bay area are represented equally and all chapters have the opportunities to host events.
Finally, the chapters of CRW BBG #45 fall across the spectrum with some flourishing, while others are struggling.
Atz’ Chaim BBG #2043:
Let’s face it, you girls are where every other chapter wants to be. You lovely ladybugs have the highest BBG membership, solid and consistent programming and inexorable enthusiasm and tradition. However, do not let this get to your heads, instead reach out to other chapters and share your success and experience. You girls have worked so hard to help and support your brother chapter, HoD restart and I know that they will succeed. Also, I know that you girls are in the midst of making an extremely difficult decision over your territory. Remember that there is no wrong decision in this situation and that you girls will continue to flourish no matter what the outcome is.
Chai BBG #1728
Chai, last year, your newly restarted chapter was being torn apart by major sisterhood issues and cliques. This year, I am happy to see that you girls have overcome much of these issues. First, as great as it may sound, you cannot continue to be ‘Kyle Prosen BBG’, what I mean by that is that you girls need to start recruiting more of your own members. Additionally, work with Keren on programming and try to have more structured events and include different folds of programming. With stronger programming, event attendance and membership will grow. I am delighted to see you pink and purple girls developing chapter traditions, learning more BBG traditions and having events with other BBG and AZA chapters including El Al and HoD. However, you girls are not being completely honest with yourselves and are afraid to ask for help. Tell your regional counterparts what is exactly is going on in your chapter, for we are not here to judge you, but rather to help you. Also, listen to all members of the chapter, especially if these girls are older and more experienced members, disregarding their Board positions. Overall, it is great that there are so many of you all here and I cannot wait to see what is coming for you all future, for the chai-phy is certaintly back.
El Al BBG #1863
I was worried about you girls this term because of many extremely influential members graduating, Keren and I on regional board and our Advisor Alison being pregnant. However, you girls have proved me wrong. Despite a slow summer, you girls have kicked into high gear and demonstrated that you are not a force to be reckoned with. With 14 prospectives at your prospective event, many of which are returning, you have the possibility to greatly increase your membership. However, this will not be the case unless you girls focus more attention and reach out to prospectives and new members at events. Additionally, some basic BBG education, communication skills and programming help with benefit the chapter. Finally, I strongly encourage you girls to preserve what little tradition El Al has before it disappears. Overall, you girls are flying high and I know that you will soar to new heights next term.
Hannah Senesh BBG #109
Hannah Senesh is currently struggling with no chapter Charter, no advisor, and only two members, both of which are inactive. All chapters should look at Hannah Senesh as a warning of what can happen if you lose motivation, interest and passion. Hannah Senesh is my focus chapter and unfortunately I have made little headway. I have found a little interest in the Marin area and hope to possibly have a few members of a joint Roshe/Hannah Senesh BBYO in the next term.
Hatikvah BBYO #5756
Hatikvah’s distance and separation from the rest of the region has made communication difficult. This Chico chapter is struggling with low membership and event attendance. Hopefully, regional board will increase communication with Hatikvah and help end them end the feeling of isolation.
Jerusalem Shel Zahav BBG #1516
This year has been quite difficult as the past has started to catch up with you and you girls find yourself with a small senior class. The lack of older experience, leadership and guidance can be challenging. However, Your newer members and prospective have so much energy and potential for the future and your chapter spirit is stronger than ever. Be careful though, many of these younger girls are stepping into leadership positions that they are not yet equipped for and burning out. I am glad to see that you girls are trying to prevent this cycle from continuing by attempting to have an even distribution of girls in all classes. Additionally, you girls need to continue working on respecting each other both older and younger members. Younger members need to respect the older leaders who are leading events, and the older leaders to respect the younger members and learn to be less authoritative at events. Overall, you girls are randier than ever!
L’Hadash Ahava #2120:
You girls have so much energy and enthusiasm. With great advisors and Megan Ziman’s hard work, you girls have had numerous successful events. You have many interested prospectives, consistent meetings and even chapter spirit. However, your current membership is at 6 girls and you have only two girls here today. Why is that? Encourage girls to sign up and become more regionally active and try to have events with other BBG chapters. Other than that, you girls have so much potential and I cannot wait to see where you will go in the next six months.
Marika Winheld BBYO #5224
Mar-Win, hottubbing, PT the penguin, you guys have strong tradition. I know that you were struggling in the beginning of the term with changing board positions, uneven gender distribution and trouble getting people to come to events. However, with the change to 6 month terms and a wave a new members and prospectives you are in a stable place. But don’t get too comfy because there still is opportunity for so much more growth in the future.
Oakland BBG #2
After an amazing prospective BBQ at the beginning of the summer, you girls appear to be in somewhat of a slump. With inactive girls holding high board positions, and busy members, your chapter has had some trouble. It saddens me to see only one tye-dye wearing, Oakland BBG here today. You girls are still having issues identifying as a BBG chapter and need to learn about BBG, programming and recruitment. With your new freshmen members and some motivation, Oakland BBG will be growing and as spirited as ever, once again
San Francisco BBG #1
SF1, you girls are a mystery. You have fun and innovative programming, consistent events, yet incredibly low attendance. I know that many of your members have other commitments, but it is important that you show these girls why they should make BBG a greater priority. Additionally, your membership levels are steady but could be much more. I am extremely happy that you girls have had events with other BBG chapters and that you girls are making more of an effort to incorporate BBG tradition into your chapter, such as having formal midstates this past term. As a chapter, focus on recruiting new members and bringing back inactive members. The higher attendance at events, will lead to more successful programming and more motivation. It also saddens me to see that only two of you girls could be here today. I know that you girls have the potential for so much more and I know that you girls can grow in the future and once again show this region why you are #1.
Regional Gizbarit Nina Tabrizi
Nina, I was so excited when you were elected to regional board. You have an insatiable passion for BBG and are incredibly motivated and dedicated. I remember for elections that you had great ideas, it’s now time to put those ideas to use! This term, I know that you can plan a successful fundraiser and help us raise the highest ISF ever with all chapters participating. I encourage you to try working more with your co and more with your chapter counterparts. Create fundraiser guides and ideas sheets for your counterparts and encourage them to donate to ISF. I know that focus chapter communication has been difficult the past term due to the constant swapping of chapters, but I am excited to what you experience and assistance you will bring to your focus chapters. You have so much in store for the remainder of the term.
Regional Mazkirah Megan Ziman
Megan, you have been amazing. You have worked so hard with LHA and I cannot wait to see where you will help lead those girls in the next months. Additionally, you are always on top of your mazkirah duties, including taking minutes, mailings and counterpart communication. I encourage you to work more with your communication Chair(wo)manwoand more with the Regional Website and chapter Yoramit Machshevs to help them improve their sites. I know that you may not be a techie per say, but you have a lot of ideas about what to put on a website and communication information to offer the girls. Continue the great work, I cannot wait to see what you will bring to the remainder of this term.
Regional Sh’licha Lauren Tkach
Lauren, you started this year great, despite both you and Zach being gone for large portions of the summer. You worked extremely hard at promoting AIDS Walk and you should be incredibly proud of the amount of money that CRW raised and the region’s attendance at this year’s AIDS Walk. For the last few weeks, you have been preparing for this Convention. Your hard work is evident and this weekend has been a success. You kept up constant counterpart communication through email and have many ideas for chapters. I would love to see you assist chapters in incorporating more Judaism, Social Action and community service programs into their events. I know that school is a priority, but you can’t completely forget about BBG! Now, that you are finally done with standardized testing I can’t wait to see what you will contribute to chapters and the region and how you will help your focus chapter.
Regional Morah Natalie Hanyecz
Natalie, I know how important this position is to you and I love your passion and enthusiasm. You have been working extremely hard and contacting your counterparts and focus chapter often. However, use your chairwoman! You have three wonderful ladies waiting to be utilized! Work with Paula on the possibility of restarting Hannah Senesh and expanding Chai, work with Becca to strengthen Oakland and LHA, and work with Erica to start the new South Bay BBG chapter. Also, don’t be afraid of the unexpected. Things sometimes may not go exactly as planned, but remember to go with the flow and change your plan accordingly, don’t cancel it completely. Overall, I am excited to hear your ideas for AIT/MIT this year and your upcoming recruitment and membership seminars. I know that you still have so much to give to the region in the next few months.
Regional S’ganit Keren Kaftan
Keren, its been great having you as my co-captain. You are always there when I need to advice, help or just to talk. Your commitment and dedication to this organization is amazing and you have worked so hard to help improve the chapters of this region. Your chairwoman overnight was a success, despite a somewhat low attendance and your S’ganit overnight was unfortunately canceled last minute because of numerous cancellations. Despite this setback, you are stronger than ever, with great counterpart communication and chapter workshops in the making. You know BBG and programming like the back of your hand and are willing to share your knowledge with others. I am so fortunate that you are my partner in crime and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the term has in store for you, especially JLC convention.
Regional N’siah Beth Holtzman
As strange as it may be to critique myself, it is necessary. Overall, I have worked hard the past few months and kept constant communication with my co, regional Board and staff. Although some weeks were better than others, I tried to make calls, visit chapters, send emails, and serve the region in any way possible. However, I am disappointed in myself. I failed at maintaining constant communication and relationships with my chapter counterparts and was unable to visit every chapter. I can try to blame it on homework or college applications,. But, in the end those things are inconsequential. However, I promise you CRW BBG that I will not let you down again, for I promised to live every moment as my last and to give my complete dedication to this region. For the remainder of the term, I hope to focus more on counterpart communication in order to directly help the chapters in CRW. Additionally, I want to help any member of this region in every possible way. Please know that I am a resource and a fellow BBG, and always here for you.
My brother Alephs and sister BBG’s, remember that we not be here today if it wasn’t for three extradordianry people: Jill, Shanie and Sarah. They have extremely hard for this region, so please be sure to thank them for what they have done. Additionally, always remember the dedication and commitment of our chapter advisors, who are volunteers. Show them your appreciation.
As a last thought, remember the words that I began with, ‘Identity, Identity, who I am a BBG, I am one, though only one, there is so much I can do”. Next time you yell Identity or ‘Up you men’ during a cheer session, make sure that you scream it at the top up off your lungs, with all of your energy and all your heart, for your time in BBYO is only so long. CRW BBYO I challenge you to live up to these words every second of every day, to be proud to be a BBG or an AZA, and to remember that there is no day but today
Submitted with Undying love for the 2008-2009 Regional Board, the amazing girls of El Al BBG#1863, every single unbelievable girl of CRW BBG #45, and this organization, BBYO, that has defined who I am.
I remain,
Beth Hannah Holtzman
57th Regional N’siah
