As BBYO concludes its centennial celebration and looks forward to the next 100 years, it is important to reflect on how immensely our organization has grown. Yet with new memories, ideas, countries and regions, traditions, and more, we have still found ways to build on our roots through new and old ways. Through separates, a film festival, BBG bootcamp, story telling, and so much more, we have proven the importance of tradition, and this is what these amazing IC steerers have created. This is the 2025 IC ritual showcase!

The first rituals featured were meaningful experiences which showcased tradition such as inductions, bigs/little, and alumni experiences! By inducting BGG’s into the order and pairing up upperclassmen with lowerclassmen, the Ritual Showcase provided meaningful experiences for members to gain more knowledge about BBYO and helped up-keep the traditions we have had for a century! Next was learning from BBYO alumni about the importance and impact of tradition by having teens create “wired autocomplete” interview sheets. Alumni were able to peel paper off and answer questions about their experiences during their time as BBG’s and AZA’s, highlighting their experiences and uncovering old traditions. Additionally, AZA and BBG bootcamp taught members spirit cheers and the traditions of sisterhood and brotherhood, a film festival celebrated teen-made films about community, AZAA and BBGG sparked friendly competition, freshman and senior experiences bonded of the same age across the order.

The final program to be highlighted during the Ritual Showcase was separates! Through 5 AMAZING experiences, these steerers truly went above and beyond. All separates were in calming and dark environments and were beautifully decorated, some having fairy lights and others giving out tea lights. These experiences were a time to celebrate our differences and prove our similarities. Through writing letters to our future selves, learning about our sisterhood, making bracelets, and more, BBG traditions are truly alive and well! One program focused on our dealing with insecurities and emphasizing that, as BBGs, we’re not alone. Everyone was given a cup and when they related to an experience that was read, you dropped your cup, creating a large collective noise, when it was otherwise silent. Then, BBG’s created bracelets with their insecurities on them, reminding them that they should be celebrated rather than shamed. Others wrote letters to BBG’s of the past that have inspired us, BBG’s that are currently here, and BBG’s of the future!

It can be hard to prioritize maintaining traditions while we continue to grow, especially with over 3500 teens attending this year’s International Convention, but these steerers created programs that truly harnessed these traditions with engaging and passionate experiences. At the end of the day, these traditions, new and old, are what makes this organization so special and unique. As we continue to change and grow, these traditions will continue to do the same, and I cannot wait to see how they are shaped as we move into our next century!