To: Our Readers
From: Our Leaders
The theme of this year's Young Leadership
Conclaves was "Training an Army of Leaders,"
for that is one of our major goals in Michigan
BBYO. We are the place that teens get their
first taste of running their own program, setting
goals and working toward them, learning to
work with others and how to compromise,
defining responsibilities and assuring follow-
up. These are some of the parts that make up
the leadership training experience that being
active in an AZA or BBG chapter can afford. A
key element of that experience is exposure to
the chapter's adult advisor. How important is
this volunteer? Please take a moment and read Gabe Craig's article on his
advisor, Jay Bassin, on page 4 of this issue.
That's OK, I'll wait.
Well, now you know, and hopefully, now you will realize that
BBYO cannot keep doing the good works that we do without one of
the key elements of our program - the volunteer adult advisor! That's
why we are embarking on a new campaign, which I have entitled,
"Recruiting an Army of Mentors." Michigan BBYO is in serious need of
a new group of adult volunteers to serve as AZA and BBG chapter
advisors. These people are key to our being able to continue to
accomplish our organizational goals of reaching out and involving
every Jewish teen possible in a successful small group experience.
The Michigan BBYO Board of Directors are partners with the staff in
reaching out to YOU - parents and alumni who have benefitted from
the BBYO experience for themselves or for their children, in seeking
some of YOUR time and effort in reinvesting in the future of our Jewish
community. Everyone has had a mentor sometime in life - a parent, a
teacher, a rabbi; yes, even a youth group advisor. BBYO advisors are
so important due to the effect they can have on our Jewish teens. They
are an integral part of what BBYO has to offer. We won't go far
without them. That is why I am appealing to each and every one of
you to pick up the phone and call me at BBYO (248-788-0700) to say,
"Yes, I want to help," or "Here's a person who I think would be good."
Let's all realize that "If it is to be, it's up to me!"
Sincerely,
Arnold J. Weiner, MSW
Thanking you in advance,
Sherry Kanter
Senior Executive Regional Director
Chairperson, BBYO Board of Directors
MAY 5
JUNE 4
Jewish Heritage Night at the Movies -
"All My Loved Ones" at Lenore
Marwil Jewish Film Festival -
United Artists/Commerce - 3:00 p.m.
AZA-BBG Regional Life Ceremonies -
WBJCC - 4:00, 7:00 p.m.
MAY 10-12
Elections Training Conclave -
Camp Maas, Ortonville
MAY 19
Detroit Teen Connection Gameworks at
Great Lakes Crossing - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Jewish Heritage Night #3 - Adat Shalom -
6:45 - 8:30 p.m.
MAY 28
AZA-BBG Council Installations & Awards
Night - Cong. Beth Ahm - 7:00 p.m.
FLANS
Everyday we look around and think of all the
things for which we are thankful. Over the past
six months, the United States has had first-hand
experience with terrorism and felt its effects.
Now, the State of Israel's fight against terrorism
has intensified to unprecedented levels.
During these times of conflict and fear, war
and despair, we as a people come together to
fight for our beliefs and for human rights. Yet
while all this turmoil has touched our lives in
varying ways, our daily lives continue on.
As a parent, I try to protect and assure my
children. There is a resolution to the world's problems. We may pray for
world peace and for an end to senseless acts of terror against innocent
people. Yet, the turmoil has become part of our lives now on a daily basis.
Consequently, the youth of our community have a true need for something to
turn to that will help them cope with and comprehend world events, both
globally and locally. This is where BBYO comes in.
BBYO is an organization that allows our teens to proudly say, "I'm
Jewish!" It expands their understanding of their role as a Jew in our
community, the history of our people, and how they can help others
through this difficult time. BBYO programs are geared to increase their
knowledge about Jewish heritage, enhance their leadership skills, involve
them in community service, and encourage the establishment of lifelong
friendships. Through participation in programs on chapter, regional, and
international levels, teens become stronger and more independent
individuals, keenly aware of their Jewish identity.
Your support of BBYO is imperative for the benefit of our Jewish teens.
Whether you can help find advisors to supervise our chapters, offer your
home for a function, or simply encourage your child to be involved, we
need your help! We are in the midst of our annual fundraising
campaign for Michigan BBYO. I hope you will be able to make a
financial contribution, because it is with these funds that we are able
to maintain staff services and programming at the highest level.
MAY 30
Board of Directors Annual Meeting -
Cong. Beth Ahm - 7:30 p.m.
JUNE 2-12
BBYO Staff Mission To Israel
JUNE 17-30
Chapter Leadership Training Conference IV
- B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp, Starlight, PA
JUNE 18-30
Kallah Aleph - B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp,
Starlight, PA
JUNE 19
Detroit Teen Connection at Cedar Point,
Sandusky, OH
JUNE 21-23
AZA-BBG Exec Weekend - Milan
Conference Centre, Belle River, Ontario
JUNE 24-JULY 7
Chapter Leadership Training Conference I -
B'nai B'rith Beber Camp, Mukwonago, WI
JULY 1-24
Kallah - B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp,
Starlight, PA
JULY 2-15
Chapter Leadership Training Conference V
- B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp, Starlight, PA
JULY 9-22
Chapter Leadership Training Conference II -
B'nai B'rith Beber Camp, Mukwonago, WI
JULY 17-30
Chapter Leadership Training Conference VI
- B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp, Starlight, PA
JULY 24-AUG. 6
Chapter Leadership Training Conference III
- B'nai B'rith Beber Camp, Mukwonago, WI
JULY 25-AUG. 14
International Leadership Training
Conference - B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp,
Starlight, PA
AUG.15-21
International Convention - B'nai B'rith
Perlman Camp, Starlight, PA
AUG. 19-23
VIP Leadership Camp - Milan Conference
Centre, Belle River, ON
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