GMR dec packet 2013 2014 - BBYO

Table of Contents
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My Sister B’nai B’rith Girls,
Spring Convention is almost here, which means it is time to begin preparing for the
election of the 12 th Regional Board of the Great Midwest Region B’nai B’rith Girls. GMR has
had a very successful year thus far, and with this momentum we should be looking forward to
the greatness our future leaders will be bringing to the region next year.
Running for regional board is an incredible opportunity to showcase your passion and
commitment to our movement. You have put in dedication to the region, and now is your
chance to take your ideas, initiatives, and goals to the next level. You will use your BBG flame
to ensure a strong future for the B’nai B’rith Girls of GMR.
As always, with running for regional board comes great responsibility. If elected, you will
need to make regional board one of your top priorities alongside family and school. This is
necessary in order to fulfill your position’s responsibilities and duties. This includes being a
constant role model to all members of the region, and maintaining consistent attendance at
all regional events and conventions.
In this declaration packet you will find many useful resources to guide you in your
candidacy process. This includes the roles and responsibilities of each Regional Board position,
the declaration form, and the election consent form. Please read through the entire packet to
become familiarized with the required election procedures. If you are unsure if you want to
declare for a regional board position, but still believe there is a slight chance you will run off
the floor on Election Day, you need to have the election consent form signed by both you
and a parent. For those of you who do not intend on declaring for regional board, I still
recommend reading through the packet to gain more insight on what is required from
regional leaders, as you will take part in electing next year’s regional board.
My sister B’nai B’rith Girls, it has been an honor to serve as your 11 th Regional N’siah this
year. I am beyond excited to see where all of your dedication to the region and passion for
the B’nai B’rith Girls takes GMR next year. Each and everyone of you makes up future of GMR,
and I am unbelievably inspired by how far we’ve come as a region, and as a community of
BBGs. Let’s use the power of our kehlia kedosha to continue making the Great Midwest Region
the greatest region in the order. I am confident that the 12 th regional board of GMR will go
above and beyond.
If you or your parents have any questions regarding the election or being on regional board,
please do not hesitate to contact Jessica Leving or me:
Jennifer Pollack
GMRNsiah@gmail.com
(847)-814-3846
Jessica Leving
Jleving@bbyo.org
(224)-406-9261
Respectfully submitted with undying love for,
The amazing treasures of GMR, igniting your BBG flame, moving our movement forward,
and the excitement of what’s to come in the 12 th year of GMR,
I forever remain,
Jennifer Brooke Pollack
11 th Regional N’siah of the Great Midwest Region #61
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Is Regional Board right for you?
Before you fill out a declaration form, I strongly recommend that you consider these questions:
• Is my chapter strong enough to thrive without my leadership next year?
• Will I be able to put my time towards helping the region rather than towards helping my chapter?
• Do I have time in my schedule to fulfill everything required of me as a regional board member?
• Am I ready to put forth an extreme amount of time and energy into helping GMR succeed?
• Do I truly understand what the position entails for which I want to run?
• Will I be able to be punctual with attendance and deadlines?
• Do I have the experience and qualifications necessary to serve as a Regional Board member?
• Can I inspire BBGs 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
Reasons NOT to run:
• Outside influences
• You want to feel cool and powerful
• You’ve served on chapter board, so now
this is the only other option
• You want the privileges of being a
Regional Board member
Reasons to run:
• You are dedicated to BBG
• You are dedicated to GMR
• You believe you are the most qualified
candidate for the position
• You know what the position entails and will
be able to do it to its fullest
Regional Election Qualifications – (as written in the GMR BBG constitution)
Section 1: A candidate is only eligible to run for any regional office in the Great Midwest Region #61 if she has
held at least 2 leadership positions and has attended 2/3 of regional conventions in the past year. Acceptable
types of leadership positions: Chapter board member, Regional chairwoman, and/or a regional convention
coordinator
Section 2: A candidate is only eligible for the office of Regional N’siah if she has attended or is signed up to
attend any international BBYO program in addition to the qualifications listed in section 1
Section 3:
a) Candidates who do not meet the above qualifications may alternatively submit a page to the current
Regional N’siah explaining how she can be an exceptional regional leader despite not meeting all the
qualifications
b) Candidates who do not meet the above qualifications also must obtain a 2/3 approval from the Regional
N’siah, Regional Directors, and the candidate’s Chapter Advisor
c) This applies to declared & nominated candidates
Please be cognizant of these qualifications. If section 3 applies to
you, please submit the written page at the declared candidates
meeting. If you run off the floor and win your election, please
submit the written page shortly after Spring Convention.
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All Regional Board members
Officer Responsibilities
• Attend 100% of all Regional events, meetings, and conventions
• Be a good role model (in and out of BBYO)
• Respect and enforce the constitution and bi-laws of the Region
• Work cohesively with the Regional Board and Regional Staff
• Be present and contribute at Regional Board meetings
• Put in an entire year of hard work in order to see GMR succeed
• Abide by BBYO code of conduct and dedicate yourself to the Menorah Pledge Principles
N’siah – president
N’siah presides at regional meetings and at executive board meetings. She is in charge of
communication with the regional officers. N’siah shall also be in contact with the Regional Aleph
Godol and the regional directors on a weekly basis at the very least. She oversees and advises
Chapter N’siot, to ensure the well being of the individual chapters and keep them informed of all
Regional and international information. She coordinates annual fall and spring execs. She is responsible
for delegating any and all non-assigned duties to ensure their fulfillment. She is required to attend
August execs, Feb execs, and international convention. She is the voice of BBG in the Chicago
community and represents GMR BBG in the international order.
S’ganit – vice president of programming
Regional S'ganit is in charge of all regional programming. The position requires organization, flexibility,
and creativity. It is the S'ganit's job to organize, plan, and execute any large-scale regional events
such as kickoff, Formal, and the end of the year program. She must also maintain close contact with
her counterparts to ensure quality and variety in chapter programming. She helps choose all Regional
chairwomen. Should there be an absence of any kind, the S'ganit must immediately take on the role of
Regional N'siah.
Aym HaChaverot – vice president of membership
The regional Aym HaChaverot, otherwise known as the MIT MOM, is in charge of keeping track of
Regional membership, recruitment and education. She creates the membership campaign for the
year as well as ensures that her counterparts are continuing to recruit, hold MIT classes, and plan
sisterhood programs in their chapters. She also oversees the Regional BBYO connect chair and helps
the coordinators plan YLTC. At spring convention, she is responsible for leading Regional Life as well as
Inductions.
Sh’licha – vice president Judaism & service
The Sh’licha is responsible for the implementation of the Jewish Heritage, Social action and
Community Service folds in programming. She is responsible for creating and leading services at all
Regional conventions, unless a committee is specified to plan them. She communicates with her
counterparts to offer assistance where needed, and make sure they are aware of all Jewish holidays
and helps with Judaic programming. She is responsible for planning Regional community service
events, Regional BBG Shabbat, and J-serve. She is responsible for supporting and promoting the
International StandUP! and SpeakUP! Campaigns, as well as organizing local campaigns that
incorporate service, philanthropy, and advocacy. She assists the coordinators in planning Regional
Kallah Convention.
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Mazkirah – secretary
The Mazkirah is responsible for maintaining communication in the region. She takes minutes at every
regional business and board meeting. She will work with her AZA counterpart to send a regional email
at least once per week, manage the webpage, assist coordinator in making promotional videos,
create flyers, manage the GMR Facebook page, and utilize any other forms of social media and
communicative technology when deemed necessary. She is responsible for ensuring that
communication is strong on the chapter level by overseeing and working closely with her network of
Chapter Mazkirot and Katvaniot. She is responsible for Senior Wills, Senior Superlatives, and a Regional
yearbook. Additionally, she will oversee Regional globalization efforts, specifically working to engage
members of the region in connection with any partner communities that may be introduced
throughout the term.
Gizborit – treasurer
The Gizborit is responsible for overseeing and planning regional fundraisers. She is responsible for
communicating with chapter Gizboriot to ensure that they are fundraising for their chapters effectively
and efficiently. She communicates with all chapter treasurers to give assistance where needed in
respect to chapter fundraising and budgeting. She is also responsible for promoting regional and
chapter I$F education and fundraisers. The Regional Gizborit also helps chapters with their scholarship
funds.
Ozeret – vice president of outreach
The Ozeret serves as a representative officer for all new and developing BBG chapters. She helps
create new chapters and assist struggling chapters. She oversees all folds in said chapters. She will be
in close contact with the chapter members, at least bimonthly. She will attend meetings and programs
of these new chapters and promote Regional Programming within the chapters throughout the year.
This position requires flexibility and the passion to bring BBYO to new areas.
Gaining Perspective
Still want to know more about a particular board position?
It is highly encouraged, although not required, that you talk with the current position holder
BEFORE sending in your declaration forms.
Talking with anybody other than the Regional N’siah or Regional Directors after you are
declared for a position is considered a form of politicking.
Regional N’siah Regional S’ganit Regional Aym HaChaverot
Jennifer Pollack Rachel Tenenbaum Sydney Oliff
847-814-3846 847-971-8009 312-401-8230
GMRnsiah@gmail.com GMRsganit@gmail.com chazoliff@gmail.com
Regional Sh’licha Regional Mazkirah Regional Gizborit Regional Ozeret
Jenna Shaw Jessie Gordon Kyle Hoffenberg Beth Brownfield 6
773-633-3574 847-975-7479 847-287-0333 847-630-4122
GMRshlicha@gmail.com GMRmazkirah@gmail.com kyle.hoffenberg@comcast.net bbrownfield0@gmai.com

Type of Candidates
Declared Candidate
A declared candidate submits a declaration form (found at the end of this packet) and has signed
consent from a parent to run for board. She is given more time to speak and is allowed to pass out a
platform. This usually shows a girl's dedication and is highly recommended!
*To run for the position of N’siah, you must be a declared candidate*
Running off the Floor
A fellow BBG nominates this girl at elections. She is given less time for her speech and can only state her
qualifications. She is not able to hand out a platform. At the time of the election, we must be able to
reach her parents for consent or she must hand in a parental consent form (found at the back of this
packet) in the case that she may be nominated off the floor.
Sliding Over
Sliding over is when a candidate loses their original election and chooses to run off the floor for another
board position. She is able to explain why she is sliding over. Each candidate may only slide over twice
within elections. Please understand that you should not slide over just to be on board, but rather you
feel that you are qualified to be that position.
Election Day Procedure
Election Information
Elections run in board order:
N'siah S'ganit Aym HaChaverot Sh'licha Mazkirah Gizborit Ozeret
• For each position, declared candidates go first in alphabetical order, followed by any
candidates sliding over in alphabetical order, and then followed by any nominated
candidates in alphabetical order.
• First you will have 30 seconds to explain your platform (optional), and then you will answer 1
question from the current position holder and 1 question from the body. After you are
finished answering your questions, you will then begin your speech.
• After all candidates have gone, the body will take a vote. If the vote is a tie or no
candidate has a clear majority, there will be a run-off. If there is another tie or no
candidate with a clear majority, those candidates are given 1 minute to answer two
questions chosen by the voting body. There is then another vote, and this process
continues until one candidate gains the clear majority.
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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 BBG body. Your speech
should reflect your aspirations for the 2013-2014 programming year. You may write
whatever you’d like in your speech, however please keep it appropriate and
respectful. It is strongly recommended that you read and time your speech
beforehand to avoid being cut off by the gavel at elections.
• You will be given an additional 30
seconds to explain your platform before
your speech. However, it is not required
that you use these 30 seconds
• Your ‘respectfully submitted with undying
love for…” does NOT count towards your
speech time
• If your speech runs past the time limit, I will
rap the gavel and you must stop. You
may then read your undying love.
Guidelines
Speeches
Speech Requirements
For declared candidates:
5 minutes for N’siah
4 minutes for all other
positions
Slide Overs:
1 minute to state why you are
sliding over
Undeclared candidates:
2 minutes to state
qualifications only
Platforms
(DUE APRIL 9 TH )
• Platforms are to be made on one sheet of paper no larger than 8.5 X11 inches
• Platforms can only be on printer paper (no cardstock or glossy paper)
• Platforms may be on any colored paper
• Only black ink may be used
• One, single colored sticker may be used for sealing purposes only
• You may use any color ink to sign your platforms with your name.
• No other writing besides your signature is allowed
• Only declared candidates are permitted a platform
• Under no circumstances will you be allowed to hand out anything other than your preapproved
platforms
• You will be told the amount of platforms to print at the Declared Candidates meeting
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • NEW • NEW • NEW • NEW • NEW • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
This is an exciting new addition to the declaration process that will help the BBG body
learn more about you in addition to your speech, platform, and question answers.
Explanation
A week before the election (4/14/13), a power point presentation assembled by
the regional N’siah will be made available to GMR. Each candidate will be featured
on one slide. This allows the BBG body to start thinking about which people they want
to lead the region for the 2013-2014 programming year on their own time, since this is a
very important decision.
With that being said, a week before the election the region will be aware of who
is declared for regional board. This means that the no politicking rule will be taken even
more seriously. If members know you are declared, it will be easier to find out who is
politicking. (See page 10 for more information about politicking)
What will be on your slide:
• Your name, grade, and chapter
• A picture of yourself (due to me by April 8 th )
• Your 25 word or less mission statement
• Your 220 word or less vision paragraph
• The position you are declared for
Meet the candidate slides
Mission Statement (DUE APRIL 8 TH )
In 25 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 Paragraph (DUE APRIL 8 TH )
In 220 words or fewer, discuss your top 2-3 priorities and create a
strategic plan for how you will execute them
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All candidates must schedule Candidate Calls (2 separate calls)
with Jennifer and Jessica by Monday, April 1 st
The calls can take place March 10 th -- April 8 th
A parent must be present on the call with Jessica.
Be prepared to discuss goals, ideas, qualifications, and
board responsibilities.
The Declared Candidates Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, at 6:30pm at
the Northbrook JCC. It is imperative that both you and a parent or guardian is in
attendance at this meeting. If there is an extenuating circumstance and you are
unable to attend, then you must set up an appointment with both Jessica and Jennifer
at an alternate date.
AT THIS MEETING…
Candidate Calls
Declared Candidates Meeting
• You will turn in a printed copy of your final platform
• We will be discussing election procedures
• You and your parents will have the opportunity to ask questions
• You will sign the regional board contract
NO POLITICKING Policy
Be aware there is no politicking in any BBYO election, and that you must keep your decision
to run for Regional Board to yourself. If you have a question concerning elections or the
election process you may only discuss that information with Adam Bilsky and Jessica Leving,
the regional N’siah, Jennifer Pollack, or the respective regional position for which you are
considering running. Nevertheless, once you have sent in your declaration form and
become a declared candidate, you may only speak to Adam, Jessica, or Jennifer, as they
are the only ones who will see the declaration packets. I hold the discretion to withdraw your
caucus or take away votes from a chapter as a consequence of politicking.
Politicking includes but is not limited to:
Contact information:
Jessica Leving
Regional Director
847-714-5553
jleving@bbyo.org
Jennifer Pollack
Regional N’siah
847-814-3846
GMRnsiah@gmail.com
“Hey vote for me” “Let’s talk about elections” “Wanna help me with my speech?”
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“Ew don’t vote for her she’s an awful person” “There is no chance she’ll win”

Use this as a checklist throughout
Your declaration process!
Dec Forms due to Jennifer April 1 st
Election Consent Form due to Jennifer April 1 st
Schedule a call (phone, Skype, etc.) April 1 st
With Jennifer AND Jessica to:
- Discuss potential board position
- Go over qualifications
- Review election procedures
- Talk about Rboard responsibilities
Candidate Slide Info due to Jennifer April 8 th
- Picture, Mission statement, Vision Paragraph
Call Jennifer AND Jessica (2 separate calls) April 8 th
A parent must be present
On the call with Jessica
MANDATORY Declared Candidates Meeting April 9 th
A parent must be present
Platforms due to Jennifer (printed final copy) April 9 th
Candidate Slides Released April 14 th
Spring Convention April 19 th -21 st
Elections are on Sunday, April 21 st
Election Timeline
Read Through Declaration Packet Sent out March 11 th
Installs/Exstalls TBD
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Regional Board Declaration Form Questions
If you would like to declare your candidacy for the Great Midwest Region 12 th BBG Board,
please complete and email this form to GMRnsiah@gmail.com NO LATER THAN Monday, April 1 st .
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Candidate Information:
- Name:
- Chapter:
- Year in School:
- Address:
- Cell Phone:
- E-mail:
- When did you join BBYO?
Declaration and Reflection Questions:
1. State the position for which you are declaring your candidacy:
2. If not elected to this office, would you drop down to another position? If so, which position(s)
would you run for and why? (In the event you lose your original election, you will only be allowed to
slide to positions specified on your declaration form. Also, you may only slide over to 2 positions at most.
Keep in mind; you should not slide over just to be on board).
3. List the positions you have held on Regional Board:
4. List the positions you have held on Chapter Board:
5. List all the chair/coordinator positions you have held on a Regional Level:
6. List all the chair/coordinator positions you have held on a Chapter Level:
7. List all the International BBYO Programs you have attended, and any positions you have held at
these programs or on an international level:
8. List the years you have attended these Regional Conventions:
YLTC: Kallah: Fall:
Invite: Spring:
9. Why are you running for this position? Why do you love it? What is your vision?
10. Are you able to step away from your chapter and take on a more impartial view of the region?
11. Explain two ways you plan on gaining respect from members at Regional events.
12. Are you willing to run with the knowledge that you may not win? Will you handle the situation
maturely and still serve as a role model to the region and your chapter?
13. What ignites your BBG flame?
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BBG Election Consent Form
I, ____________________________ promise to serve to the best of my ability if I am elected to
a position on the 12 th Great Midwest Regional Board for the 2013- 2014 Programming Year of the
B’nai B’rith Girls. I vow to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my position and to BBYO.
Furthermore, I promise that I will conduct myself in a manner befitting the Organization and will
do my best to act as a positive leader and role model at all times for my fellow members of BBYO. I
promise that if I am elected to a position, I will take an active role in BBYO during the 2013-2014
programming year.
________________________________________ ________________
Candidate’s Signature Date
Parental Election Consent Form
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 daughter’s declaration and commitment of her time to
furthering the Great Midwest Region B’nai B’rith Girls
________________________________________ ________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
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Best of luck during the election
process! Thank you for taking the
time to read through this
declaration packet.
Get psyched for the 12 th year of
the Great Midwest Region #61
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