AZA Dec Packet Final 2013 - BBYO

Declaration Packet
for the
of the
12 th Regional Board
Great Midwest Region
Aleph Zadik Aleph
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My brother Alephs,
Letter from the Godol
Congratulations! You have taken a huge step in your AZA career simply
by looking at this declaration packet. It takes a lot of courage to consider running
for regional board and for that I commend you. Please make sure to read this
entire packet, as each part of the declaration process is very important.
“AZA; we’re on our way.” “Here we are: GMR”. Sure these may be silly
catchphrases but these truly do encapsulate where GMR and AZA stand. Right
now AZA is growing at inconceivable rates. International program attendance is
off the charts, our total involvement exceeds all of years past, and overall our
movement is strong. So how does GMR come in to play with AZA? Well GMR
has aligned very nicely with this level of growth and progress just in GMR’s 11 th
year alone. Internationally speaking, we sent our largest delegation ever to
International Convention; we will be sending our largest delegation to March of
the Living ever, as well as to CLTC.
Even with our exceptional International involvement GMR would not be
where it is today without being a strong region. When GMR set sail for our
Kickoff event we had to get a bigger boat to accommodate the over 200 teens
that wanted to attend. Our attendance at YLTC/Kallah outshot membership at
years past even back to the days when YLTC was separate and there was
Judaism Institute (JI). At Invite 2013, in addition to the phenomenal attendance,
we had 12 chapters competing compared to only 10 from last year. GMR teens
have partnered with other youth groups to organize the 300-400 person J-Serve
event this year and also with other religions for an interfaith event.
GMR has really capitalized on this year being “year of the chapters”. Our
struggling chapters have grown stronger. Our newly developed chapters have
become self-sustaining chapters. Our uncharted chapters are getting chartered.
Overall all the AZA chapters have seen positive growth this year. When it boils
down, Chapters dictates not only regional success but also international success.
We are now a matter of weeks away from Spring Convention 2013, where
our Region will come together to celebrate our successes and plan for the future,
including the selection of the next teen leadership team to continue paving the
way toward success and accomplishment. Being a regional leader requires a
broad perspective on the chapter, regional and international level, something you
may not be accustomed to solely from the exposure you have had on the
chapter, regional and international level.
Deciding to serve on the Regional Board is a big step; I wish you the best
of luck in your candidacy because it will be a rigorous and rewarding process.
This year I have decided to make a few changes to the declaration process to
make a more transparent election and also ensure that candidates are mentally
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prepared as best as possible. Through your candidacy I will be very accessible to
help filter any questions or concerns.
In order to be considered a Candidate for the Regional Board, you must adhere
to all deadlines listed in this guide. Any Aleph who does not comply with the
procedures of the declaration will be removed from the candidate process
at the discretion of the Regional Aleph Godol and the BBYO GMR Staff.
Should any questions arise or if clarification is needed, please do not hesitate to
reach out to me.
Serving on the Regional Board is one of the greatest responsibilities that
any Aleph can have while in AZA. If elected, you will spend the year taking
initiative, being creative, and not giving up. You will be communicating with your
counterparts, visiting chapters, and ensuring the growth of the Region. You must
stay motivated and dedicated throughout a full year that is predominantly behind
the scenes work.
Leading GMR AZA this year has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve
ever had. I have learned more about myself in this year alone then I could have
ever imagined. If you feel that you are committed to this order and the
responsibilities mentioned, then your service on Regional Board would be
welcomed, and I look forward to watching the next generation take the reigns of
GMR AZA.
Fraternally submitted, with undying love for the betterment of the Great
Midwest Region. I remain,
Aleph Joseph Eliezer Sitzmann
11 th Regional Aleph Godol
gmrrag@gmail.com / (847) 226-5639
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OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
All Officers:
• Work Closely with Regional Professional Staff
• Correspond with all Chapter Counterparts
• Attend Regional Board Retreat (Fall 2013)
• Attend Regional Fall Executives Meetings
• Attend Regional Spring Executives Meetings
• Attend All Regional Events/Programs and Conventions (not
necessarily YLTC)
• Serve as a role model at all times
• Work to promote and further all GMR BBYO Regional initiatives
• Uphold BBYO policy as stated in the BBYO Code of Conduct and R-Board
Contract.
• Work with Chapter Counterparts; know counterparts and their plans for
their chapters, thoroughly and work with them on improving their chapters
Godol (President):
• Represents the Great Midwest Region of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
• Represents BBYO in the Chicago Jewish Community
• Leads Regional Execs Body toward building GMR AZA
• Organizes and presides over all meetings and elections of the Regional
Body
• Manages the efforts of the Regional Officers and Regional Chairs
• Coordinates Fall and Spring Regional Executives Meetings
• Visits and assists all Chapters throughout the programming year.
S’gan (Programming VP)
• Runs and mediates all Regional Board meetings *this role may go to
Godol
• Promotes substantial, depth-oriented, creative programming
• Promotes inter-Chapter programming
• Promotes AZA and GMR contests and awards
• Plans State of the Region Address Ceremony at Spring Convention
• Promotes and develops GMR’s AZAA program
• Promotes adherence to and education of the Cardinal Principles
• Oversees designated Chairmen and Committees
• Acts as Regional Aleph Godol in the absence of elected Godol
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Moreh (Membership VP):
• Coordinates all Regional recruitment, retention, and education efforts
• Promotes the Tree of Life Award
• Promotes BBYO Connect program and works to develop relationship
between BBYO Connection and AZA membership; supports efforts to
broaden Regional teen engagement and involvement
• Oversees designated Chairmen and Committees
• Promotes AIT education programs in the chapters
• Plans Regional Inductions Ceremony
Ozer (Outreach VP):
• Represents developing AZA Chapters and oversees all folds of AZA in
these chapters
• Promotes effective meetings, membership promotion, and programming in
developing AZA Chapters
• Promotes chapter fundraising in developing AZA Chapters
• Attends Chapter meetings of developing and outlying Chapters
• Promotes GMR Regional Programming for these chapters
• Promotes Regional expansion and growth
• Oversee the creation of all new chapters in the Great Midwest Region and
outlying areas
• The Ozer will advice the boards of struggling chapters and will oversee the
regional board’s involvement to help strengthen those chapters.
Shaliach (Judaic, Service, and Advocacy VP):
• Promotes Jewish Education and Judaic Programming
• Promotes meaningful community service programming
• Implements and promotes effective advocacy and social action
programming
• Heightens awareness and promotes support of Jewish communities in
need
• Promotes Zionism and Israel education and awareness
• Promotes International AZA Shabbat
• Oversees designated Chairmen and Committees
• Supports and promotes the International Stand Up! Campaign
• Supports and promotes the International Speak Up Campaign
• Supports and promotes the Regional Philanthropy/Community
Service/Advocacy Campaign
Mazkir (Secretary):
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• Promotes all Regional Programs and Regional Meetings
• Oversees all Regional Communication Initiatives (Phone-a-thons,
mailings, etc.)
• Records and distributes Minutes at every Regional meeting
• Builds regional relationships and encourages a regional organization
• Enhances and promotes communication at Regional and Chapter levels
• Coordinates Dashboard and B-linked training for Chapter Boards
• Trains and encourages Chapter Boards to effectively market and publicize
BBYO and BBYO activities
• Oversees designated Chairmen and Committees
• Promotes usage of Dashboard and B-linked throughout the Region
• Promotes all Regional Globalization efforts
• Fosters Globalization efforts on the chapter level.
Gizbor (Treasurer):
• Coordinates Regional Fundraising
• Enhances and promotes the International Stand Up! Campaign
• Enhances and promotes the Regional Philanthropy/Community
Service/Advocacy Campaign
• Promotes successful and engaging fundraising in Chapters
• Promotes I$F fundraising in Chapters.
• Educates chapters about I$F
OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS
a. Aleph Godol - To have been a member of AZA during two consecutive
programming years preceding elections and to have held one of the following
offices previously: Regional officer or Chapter Aleph Godol. This officer may not
hold chapter office. The Regional Aleph Godol shall also be required to attend
International Convention in the winter immediately following his election;
unforeseen circumstances are subject to review by the Regional Director.
b. Aleph S’gan - To have been a member of AZA during two consecutive
programming years preceding elections and have held one of the following
offices previously: Regional officer or Chapter Aleph Godol or Chapter Aleph
S’gan. This officer may not hold the chapter offices of Godol, S’gan or Moreh.
c. Aleph Moreh - To have been a member of AZA during the two consecutive
programming years preceding elections and to have held one of the following
offices previously: Regional officer or Chapter Aleph Godol, Chapter Aleph
S’gan, or Chapter Aleph Moreh. This officer may not hold the chapter offices of
Godol, S’gan, or Moreh.
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d. Aleph Ozer – To have been a member of AZA during the two consecutive
programming years preceding elections and to have held one of the following
offices previously: Regional officer or Chapter Aleph Godol, Chapter Aleph
S’gan, or Chapter Aleph Moreh. This officer may not hold the chapter offices of
Godol, S’gan, or Moreh.
e. Aleph Shaliach, Mazkir, Gizbor - To have been a member of AZA for at least
one programming year and to have held any office in AZA previously. This officer
may not hold the chapter offices of Godol, S’gan, or Moreh.
*Note- If you do not meet the above mentioned qualifications, you can still
run for board. However, you must do as follows:
You must submit a 1-page case in writing to Joseph Sitzmann and Adam Bilsky
or Jessica Leving explaining why you feel you are qualified to run. Then you
must meet with Joseph Sitzmann, Adam Bilsky or Jessica Leving, and your
chapter advisor. You must receive approval from 2 out of these 3 people. If all
this is completed, you may run for Regional Board.
POLITICKING POLICY
The number of people aware of a decision to run for Regional Board (until
declaration information has been revealed) will be limited, and the closed caucus
rule WILL BE ENFORCED. The only people who will officially know about a
candidate's decision to run are the candidate, the candidate's parents, the
chapter advisor, appropriate regional staff, and me. I understand the value and
need of some people to have conversations with others regarding the decision of
whether or not to run for Regional Board and of parents to have conversations
with other parents, etc. If it is necessary to do this, a candidate should ensure
that this conversation occurs in the greatest of confidence. Please do not think
that this policy is for show and is not serious. On the contrary, if you politick, I will
find out about it. If I find out you were politicking, I withhold every right to
withdraw your caucus. There is no fine print about this policy. It is what it is.
Please do not try to test this policy or my willingness to withdraw a caucus. Any
questions about this declaration process, getting help with platforms, speeches,
etc can and should be going through me. I am here to help you guys!
Examples of politicking:
“Hey vote for me”
“I’m running for board”
“Wanna help me with my speech?”
“Don’t vote for him, he’s an awful person”
“There is no chance he’ll win”
If you are not sure if something is politicking, I strongly urge you to ask me
before you engage in what I may consider politicking.
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TIMELINE OF CANDIDACY
PROCESS
In order to be a declared candidate at Spring Convention 2013, you MUST
complete each of the tasks by the dates listed below. Each task must be
completed by midnight that night or earlier. Please be in touch with questions.
1. Dec Packets go out March 10 th
2. Turn in:
• Regional Board Declaration Form to Joseph Sitzmann
• Election Consent Form to Joseph Sitzmann: April 1 st
3. Schedule a call with Joseph (by phone, skype, etc) to:
• Discuss the position
• Go over qualifications
• Review the procedures for running:
• Call must take place before April 8 th April 1 st
4. Schedule a separate call with Jessica Leving*,
Candidate, and parents April 1 st
5. Email platforms to Joseph for final approval, or bring
a hard copy to the Declared Candidates meeting April 9 th
6. Email Mission Statement and Vision Statement to Joseph April 9 th
7. MANDATORY declared candidates/parent meeting
at Northbrook JCC:
• Parent must be present April 9 th
8. Run at Spring Convention 2013: April 19-21
9. Installations/Discharges & Joint Board Meeting: TBD
10. First Regional Board meeting: TBD
*Contact Information for our Program Associate Jessica Leving:
jleving@bbyo.org / (224) 406-9261
Please be in contact with Jessica to schedule your separate call with her as well
as if you or your parent have any questions that I may not be able to answer
about this process or regional board overall.
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SELF-REFLECTION
Below is a series of questions that will help you further think about why you are
aspiring for Regional Board. The answers are intended for personal reflection.
Before you fill out the Declaration Form, I strongly recommend that you
consider these questions; there is no need to turn your responses in:
1. Is your Chapter strong enough to survive without your leadership next year?
2. Does your Chapter have enough dedicated members for you to be able to put
your time towards helping the Region rather than towards helping your
Chapter?
3. Do your have enough time in your schedule to fulfill everything required of
you as a Regional Board member?
4. Are you ready to put forth an extreme amount of time and energy into helping
GMR thrive?
5. Do you truly understand what the position entails for which you want to run?
6. Will you be able to be punctual with attendance and deadlines?
7. Do you have the experience and qualifications necessary to serve as a
Regional Board member?
8. Can you inspire Alephs of all ages in the region to be passionate about
BBYO?
IF YOU ANSWERED NO TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS I URGE YOU
TO THINK TWICE ABOUT DECLARING FOR REGIONAL BOARD.
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MISSION STATEMENTS AND VISION
STATEMENTS (**NEW**)
This is a new part of the Declaration Process that is being added this year. The
mission statements and vision statements will both be posted Friday night, April 19 th at
Spring Convention in the AZA sleeping quarters. Obviously these papers will make
public who is running, and what they are running for. The intent of this change is to make
the declaration process more transparent. This is not an invitation to begin
politicking. Now that the whole region will know that you are running you will be held to
a very high standard. As a potential regional board member, this is an opportunity for
you to feel like you are being watched all the time. In most cases this is a good thing:
feel free to impress people, and be the leader that you are. However, this can be a bad
thing if you discuss the candidacy unjustly. The details for this process will be explained
at length at the Declared Candidates Meeting
Do not worry about formatting for these; I will make all
of them identical for each candidate.
Mission Statement
(DUE APRIL 9 th )
In 35 words or fewer, please state your name, the position you are caucused for,
and why you should be elected
Example: “I, _______, am declared for the position of ________ because I am
_______ and will __________ for GMR
Vision Statement
(DUE APRIL 9 TH )
In 250 words or fewer, discuss your priorities and a strategic plan for how you will
execute them.
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PLATFORM GUIDELINES
Each declared candidate is allowed to distribute a PRE-APPROVED platform
during his speech. All candidates must submit their platforms no later than April
9, 2013. Should platforms not be received by this date, you will NOT be allowed
to use your platform at Spring Convention.
All platforms must be approved again at Spring Convention. If the platform a
candidate brings to Spring is NOT the platform received and approved by
Joseph, that candidate will NOT be able to use it. Obviously, if a candidate was
asked to make a change, and those changes were made, that is acceptable.
Please read the following guidelines very carefully, and do not hesitate to ask
any questions. If any changes have to be made, you will need time to correct
them before Spring; it is suggested that platforms are submitted as early as
possible. Don’t leave it for the last minute.
• Platform may be on any color paper
• Only black ink may be used
• Adhesives are not permitted (e.g. glue, tape, staples)
• Candidates are responsible for their own platform design
• Platforms may cover both sides of a sheet of paper that is no larger than
8.5 by 11 inches.
• Folded, or cut platforms in any shape are NOT allowed
• Please indicate the length of each term of previous offices held—6
months/year
• You will not be permitted to amend OR copy your platform during Spring
Convention
• All information on platforms must be true
• Platform may be signed by hand in black or blue ink
• Under NO circumstances is it permissible to hand out ANYTHING but your
platform during the election process)
• You will need to print most likely 60 platforms. Once we have a better
idea for attendance I will notify you on how many platforms are
needed.
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ELECTIONS AT SPRING
Platforms:
You should come to Spring Convention with 60 identical copies of your Platform
printed. Please read the Platform guidelines articulated above. Any corrections
that were required to be made must have been made on the version of your
Platform you are distributing at Spring Convention. Platforms will be approved
again at Spring Convention.
Speeches:
A speech is the time when you will have the opportunity to share your ideas,
visions, goals, and dreams for the position with the entire convention body. It is
strongly recommended that you read and time your speech beforehand to avoid
being cut off by the gavel at elections.
• Godol candidates have a MAXIMUM of 5 minutes
• All other candidates have a MAXIMUM of 4 minutes
• Off the floor candidates have a MAXIMUM of 1 minute to read their
qualifications
• Drop downs have a MAXIMUM of 1 minute to say whatever they would
like
Elections Procedure:
1. “Meet the Candidates” will be on Saturday afternoon:
a. Godol candidates will answer 5 pre-determined questions (1 minute
to answer each question)
b. All other candidates will answer 4 pre-determined questions
2. On election day (Sunday):
a. Candidates for the position will be recognized
b. Nominations (This step is omitted in elections for Godol)
c. Speeches (first Declared Candidates, then off the floor, then drop
downs)
d. Voting*
e. Presentation of new officer
*If runoffs are necessary they will be in-between voting and presentation of new
officer
• These elections will go from Godol down to Gizbor. If an Aleph loses the
position he has aspired for, he is allowed to drop down to a new position.
Only drop down if you think you can fulfill the position just as well as you
would your aspired position.
• If an Aleph has parental permission to run, he may run off the floor by
accepting a nomination
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Election Day Dress:
Candidates are encouraged to wear professional attire for elections (i.e. suit and
tie).
Voting:
As stated in the GMR AZA constitution:
Representation in the Great Midwest Region shall consist of a select number of
delegates from each chapter in proportion to chapter size. This number shall be
determined by:
a. Dividing the previous month’s membership by 5;
b. Adding 4 to this number;
c. Rounding the number down if it is not a whole number.
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REGIONAL BOARD
DECLARATION FORM
If you would like to declare your candidacy for the GMR AZA Regional Board
elections, please complete and return this to Joseph Sitzmann NO LATER THAN
April 1, 2013. You can also mail to the regional office at Bernard Weinger JCC,
300 Revere Drive/Northbrook, IL 60062. Your parents or guardian must sign this
form and accompany you to the Declared Candidates Meeting. If there is an
extenuating circumstance and either you or your parent cannot make this
meeting, you must contact me immediately at (847) 226-5639 and set up
alternative arrangements; however, this meeting should be a priority.
Name: Address:
Chapter: Phone:
Year in School: E-mail:
Instructions: For items 1-7, please answer directly on this sheet. For items
8-11, attach a separate, typed sheet answering with 100-250 word
responses.
1. State the position for which you are declaring your candidacy:
2. List the positions you have held on Regional Board:
3. List the positions you have held on Chapter Board:
4. List all the chair positions you have held on a Regional Level:
5. List all the chair positions you have held on a Chapter Level:
6. List all the International BBYO Programs you have attended, and any positions
you have held at these programs:
7. List the years you have attended these Regional Conventions:
Fall: Invite Convention:
YLTC: Spring Convention:
Kallah:
8. Why are you running for this position, and what ideas or programs would you
like to put into effect if elected?
9. If not elected to this office, would you drop down to another position? If so,
which position(s) would you run for and why?
10. Name two ways you plan on gaining respect from members at Regional
events.
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11. What type of relationship do you have with other chapters and chapter
leaders in the region that would affect how you perform while on Regional
Board?
12. What relationship do you have with adults in BBYO (advisors, regional
directors, etc)? How will this affect your work on regional board?
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ELECTION CONSENT FORM
I, ________________________________, officially declare myself as a
candidate for the position of Regional Aleph _________ of the Great Midwest
Region AZA. I have taken all of the steps necessary to prepare myself for the
election and, should I be elected, for my year on the Regional Board.
I understand the responsibilities of a Regional Board member and, if elected,
pledge to fulfill these responsibilities to the best of my ability from the day that I
take office until the day that my term ends. I will strive always to uphold the
principles and policies of our organization, both inside and outside of BBYO
events. I realize that serving AZA in this capacity entails a time commitment and
that it may also involve, at times, stress and frustration. I am prepared for this
and vow to maintain optimism even in the face of adversity.
If I am not elected, I will seek out other opportunities to serve the Aleph Zadik
Aleph. I will not allow the experience to frustrate me but, instead, will learn from it
all that I can. I will rededicate myself to the service of my Chapter and Region.
My commitment to the AZA and its principles will not waiver.
X____________________________________________________________
Signature Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN SUPPORT OF CANDIDACY
Being on regional board is a large responsibility, but also an incredibly rewarding
experience. Throughout the year, teens on regional board learn countless
lessons, serve as role models to the region at all times, and are expected to
place BBYO as a significant priority in their lives. Having parental support is
crucial to the success of regional board members. I urge you to discuss your
teen’s candidacy and commitment with your teen prior to elections. Please
understand that, if elected, your teen will automatically begin a new and exciting
journey. Regional board terms last one year. By signing this form, I hereby
acknowledge that my child is running for a position on Regional Board for the
2013-2014 programming year. I have read the expectations and duties of the
Regional
_____________________(position) and the expectations of a regional board
member listed in this packet. I consent to my son’s declaration and commitment
of her time to furthering the Great Midwest Region Aleph Zadik Aleph.
________________________________________________________________
___
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
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