Is Regional Board right for me?

Ask yourself these questions to determine if you're ready to run for Regional Board:

Do I have fun in BBG/AZA?

Once on regional board, the main thing fueling you is passion and excitement. Furthermore, it is the Regional Board’s job to inspire and motivate other members. You will be a role model, and as a role model, you must set a good example. If you are passionate about the work, others will be too. 

What is the state of my chapter?

On regional board, you represent the region. You are expected to be less active in your chapter. However chapters are the heart and sole of the region. If you leave, what will be the state of your chapter, will it operate functionally without your presence, or will it struggle? We encourage you to think about what this question also says about your leadership within the chapter.

What do Regional Board Members do? 

We encourage you to reference the general responsibilities of Regional Board members for more information.  You can find that info here.

What does my next year look like?

You are taking on a major leadership role on regional board. Think about how you will be able to balance school, college applications, BBYO, and any other extracurriculars. Understanding family and school are a priority, will you be able to devote the time necessary to BBYO without sacrificing mental health. 

Can I act as a good role model for others?

If the answer isn’t something you’re proud of, then that’s a sign that you may not be the best role model, and Regional Board may not be for you. 

Once on regional board, people will always be looking at you. YOU are the role model of this region and you help set the standard of what is appropriate, safe, and respectful. You’ll be expected to follow the rules and set a good example in and out of BBYO. On Regional Board, you must put the needs of the region before yours on a daily basis. You must always be able to put the “we” before the “me”. 

Do I like working with other people?

Regional Board is the most team-oriented leadership experience offered in BBYO. Your success will be determined by how well you and the other board members work together and support one other. Regional Board is an experience with fewer concrete accomplishments than chapter board, and it’s a lot about creating positive relationships with other people and having positive conversations to help others move forward. It’s all about relationships. Regional Board members connect with their co, their counterparts, their N’siah/Godol, Regional staff, and their International counterpart, to name a few. 

Who is my work for? 

While you’ll get a lot out of serving on regional board, your primary purpose will be to work for the chapters and individuals of Central Region West. Ask yourself: are you ready to put the group before yourself? Does the region need what you have to offer? 

Why do I want to take on this position?

This isn’t a role that you should take on as a stepping stone or because of power or entitlement. Regional Board isn’t about you, it’s about serving others. It’s about working with counterparts and helping the region, and truly using your passion and intrinsic motivation to make a difference on a larger scale.

The number one indicator of a successful regional board member isn't being charismatic, or being intelligent, or being super experienced… it's a willingness and motivation to work hard. Hard work beats talent every day of the week. At the end of the day, it's about motivation and follow-through. The best Regional Board members are the most passionate ones who execute. Run for Regional Board not for college, or for the prestige, or just to be on Regional Board… run for Regional Board because you love what you do and you want to see every AZA and BBG chapter in the Bay Area hit its potential and you’re going to work hard as hell to further that agenda.

Is Regional board Right for me?

There is no “right” answer to any of these questions, but there are answers that should make you reconsider a candidacy for the regional board. Especially if you are someone that hesitated with their answers to the “why do I want to take on this position?", or "do I have fun in BBG/AZA?" It is a serious commitment, and has the potential to make struggles with mental health, academic work, family life, and other personal issues more challenging. If this doesn’t sound like you…if you feel like there are expectations that you simply cannot fulfill, then Regional Board may not be for you. Reconsider running, both for your own sake and for the sake of your chapter and your region, and find another wonderful, equally pivotal way to contribute – we want you involved.