Nisan 5747, April 1987 The by Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG) B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) 'nai gani- n De- Examining The Roles of Teen Leaders ping ma- ld- The Leadership Game n so- By Lewis Hamburger (B) nai B'rith In- and ternational Membership Director) blogy Uni- Can you convince anyone of any- a Jewish organization, knowing what thing? Do people follow you any- being Jewish means to you know- YO, where? Does being a president sound ing something of your people's values com- good? There's nothing complicated and history is a key to being effec- ride, about it. Try it: being a BBYQ leader tive. Self-knowledge helps in every Ben- adds spice to your life! facet of life, and BBYO can be a stim- ealth There's strength that's gained from ulant to push you to identify funda- (roup having been captain of a team, an of- mental parts of your background and ficer in a chapter or organization, or belief. last camp counselor. That experience be- Having begun with a better under- clude comes a part of your baggage and standing of yourself your values, of tends to stay with you for life. In lead- background, thoughts, and feelings a- ing, you 11 test your beliefs. You'll dis- you're ready to begin structuring your cover if there is "anyone out there" life in a more productive way. BBYO ecu- U.S. Representative Sander Levin of Michigan addresses youth executive ator's responding. Do people walk away leadership gives you the chance to de- participants at Capitol Hill. when you talk or hang on to every velop mundane but necessary habits. word? You will have to pay attention to de- BBYO provides you an opportunity tails. Effective leadership demands Youth Execs Adopt AIDS to try out three skills crucial to sound that you maintain constant, struc- leadership and successful life styles: tured contact with the people you're ar, enty Program Priority your skills at relationships, your leading not simply around "busi- skills as an administrator, and your ness" issues, but informally (that's am- skills as a motivator. BBYO leadership often the key to getting things done, ting Expressing concern over the grow- Aside from dealing with business has served as the first stepping stone not the formal meetings). and ing incidence of AIDS around the issues, the youth visited the Vietnam for United States congressmen and Practice being definite. Do not let world, teen leaders of BBYO voted to Veterans and Lincoln Memorials and women, cabinet members, governors, things hang on "we ought to have a adopt an informational campaign on toured Capitol Hill, where they were and leaders throughout the Jewish social soon." Rather, try "let's plan a as- AIDS as the focus of their program- greeted by U.S. Representative world. Their first attempts and mis- dance for December 10th at the JCC." ZA ming concerns for the coming year. Sander Levin (D-Michigan). takes, trial ideas and successes, were Practice follow-up. Have a way of go According to Marlene Zakai, The delegates heard keynote ad- in the safe settings of AZA or BBG checking out your plans periodically BBYO's international program direc- dresses from David Brumbach, direc- chapter activities. that what calendars are for! tor, the youth will conduct activities tor of the Health Education Resource Leadership requires practice, and it Be straight. Someone once said that and both within the organization and the Organization (HERO) of the Maryland is a safe bet that today's success stor- the job of teenagers is "not to be nice ember general community to encourage the Department of Health, and Danny ies worked at their goals while still in to each other but to be real to each rived prevention of AIDS. Siegel, noted author. poet, and high school. Do not buy the line that other." That means knowing what School Said Zakai, "BBYO is joining the lecturer. "leaders are born not made." Yes, cha- makes people happy and what hurts. red rest of the world in educating people Brumbach, who spoke on AIDS, risma helps. However, all three areas It is hard, but try to avoid the phony h-line about their vulnerability to AIDS. It is stressed the responsibilities that in- relationships, administration, and chit-chat that is often not honest or and our hope that we make strides in pre- dividuals have to one another and en- motivation - require sharpening and helpful. If a friend hurts you, tell him venting even one person from becom- couraged the youth to educate those practice that only come from accept- or her. Separate the behavior from the ing an AIDS victim." they love and care about. ing leadership and working on those person. Tell them "when you yelled at The new program was adopted dur- Siegel, who spoke on the topic of skills. No ballplayer skips batting me at the movies Saturday night (for ing the annual mid-winter meeting of tzedakah, addressed the needs of the practice and hits 300. No entertainer example) it hurt." Don't simply let it BBYO's International Executive elderly, physically handicapped, and walks on the stage and "just begins." pass without talking or say "Oh it Boards in Washington. Nearly 100 mentally retarded. Hours of practice precede relatively didn't bother me." Focussing on spe- youths, representing BBYO's 37 re- Also addressing the teen leaders brief performances. Why do some cific behavior helps. Labeling some- gions in the United States and Can- was Elaine Binder, executive director people assume that with leadership one "a jerk" or "a nerd" does not. It ada and the districts of England and of B'nai B'rith Women (BBW), who you've "either got it or you don't"? may only make you feel good for a Ireland, continental Europe, and spoke about the BBW Children's If practice does make perfect, minute. Israel were in attendance at the five- Home in Israel and the services it where is the best place to begin? It is Lead by your example. Most of us day meeting. provides. only logical that the starting point be learn behavior and beliefs from peo- you: know yourself. Be aware of the ple, not from principles. When it way you come across; physically and comes to ethical behavior, we pick emotionally. Beyond the way you are things up from family and friends. rida perceived by others, you must also Find role models for yourself, and East know "the ground you stand on be one for others. With a little time erica as a teenager, as a Jew. For a leader in and practice, you will! ouis rida INSIDE THIS ISSUE cago rida Leadership Letters Page 2 rida Alumni Page 3 East Happenings Pages 4,5 hern Regional Updates Pages 6,7 Award-Winning Programs Page 8 Youth Commission Page 9 Teen Connection Page 10 ersey Soviet Jewry Mobilization Page 11 exas With The Soviet Embassy in the background, members of BBYO's Potpourri Page 12 oma orida international executive boards stage a vigil on behalf of Soviet Jewry tario More photos on Page 8.