One central BBYO philosophy that regions from all over the world share is that what you put into BBYO is what you get out of BBYO. It may sound cheesy at first, but it really is something true, not only in this organization, but also in life. 

What does “giving” even mean in this sense, you may wonder. Giving to BBYO can come in so many different forms. Whether it’s leading a program for your chapter, being on chapter board, being on regional board, planning a regional event, steering a convention, starting a chapter, attending a convention, staying engaged in programming, or even just showing up for something, this can all be considered as giving to BBYO. Because you are giving your time and energy to the organization, you are naturally adding to the greatness.

What could you possibly “receive” from adding to BBYO? Well, not only are you benefitting the future of BBYO but you’re also benefitting whether you realize it or not! That program you planned helped you lead a group fearlessly, that convention you attended brought you to meet some amazing people who have taught you life lessons, when you were chapter Morah you recruited six people who will lead the chapter when you graduate therefore continiung your chapter's impact, and when you showed up for a meeting, you made someone smile. 

It’s all part of the beauty in BBYO that only we understand. We get to gain and give at the same time which gives our organization the power to bring peace into our lives. 

I know that personally, the more involved I’ve been, the more I enjoy myself. I decided this January to apply to steer PWR’s Spring Convention. I love conventions and I had a feeling, knowing myself, I’d enjoy being behind the scenes of one of the best weekends of the year. These past few weeks I’ve spent planning the convention have been full of work but work that I genuinely enjoy. When I hop on my calls with the steering team on Thursdays after a long day at school, I am already laughing at what everyone has to say about their days. I have yet to feel the sense of accomplishment I’ve been told about feeling after steering a convention, but I know that I will once all my work pays off. Not only am I giving my effort to my region to enjoy but along the way, I am making connections and learning new leadership skills.