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International
Constitution
Of
the
Grand
Order of the
Aleph
Zadik Aleph
(Revised and Updated:
February 1998)
PREAMBLE
The Aleph Zadik Aleph of the B'nai B'rith Youth
Organization has for its purpose:
-The spiritual, mental and physical development of
Jewish Youth.
-The inclusion of a love and understanding of their
cultural heritage.
-The stimulation of responsibility as good citizens of
the community in which they live, as well as the larger Jewish
community.
-The development of a commitment to the state of Israel
and K'lal Yisrael.
-The encouragement of good will among the youth of all
peoples, and interests in humanitarian, philanthropic and
educational endeavors.
The mission statement of the Aleph Zadik Aleph is:
The purpose and desire to unite all Jewish male youth
The Seven Cardinal Principles
The seven cardinal principles of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
are:
Patriotism-loyalty to my homeland, to its laws, to its
principles, to its ethics. To die for it if need be, but
primarily to live for it.
Judaism-always to observe the tenets of my faith; ever
to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord my
G-d.
Filial Love-ever to honor and love my parents. To be
considerate of my elders and respect age.
Charity-to give of myself and my substance for all
worthy causes; to be kind and generous to all in need,
regardless of race or creed.
Conduct-never too bold, never too forward, ever humble,
ever observing the principles of gentlemen.
Purity-to keep my soul pure, my mind active and my body
healthy.
Fraternity-a spirit of sociability, of cooperation and
of friendship toward towards all AZAs that shall make us one
of fellowship; a love of and loyalty to AZA and its ideals.
ARTICLE I. NAME
The body shall be known as the International
Organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph of the B'nai B'rith
Youth Organization.
ARTICLE II. B'NAI B'RITH YOUTH ORGANIZATION
The International Organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
is hereby declared to be part of the B'nai B'rith Youth
Organization, under the sponsorship of the B'nai B'rith Youth
Commission. Nothing herein shall be construed to conflict with
the rules, policies and regulations of the B'nai B'rith Youth
Commission. The provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws and
those of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission as they now read,
or may be later amended, such provisions of the Constitution
and By-Laws of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission shall be
supreme in every case.
ARTICLE III. FUNCTION
The International Organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
shall be the coordinating body of all Aleph Zadik Aleph
chapters. It shall conduct the activities of the Aleph Zadik
Aleph in accordance with the philosophy, Constitution and
By-Laws of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission. It shall be the
highest governing body of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and shall be
under supervision of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission.
ARTICLE IV. HEADQUARTERS
The Headquarters of the International Organization of
the Aleph Zadik Aleph shall be located in the headquarters of
the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission.
ARTICLE V. CHAPTERS
Section 1. Eligibility for Charter
A. To be eligible for a charter, a group must be
officially sponsored by a local group of B'nai B'rith
International. Should there be no B'nai B'rith chapter or
lodge in the location, the group shall be sponsored by a
committee of adults and a responsible Jewish organization or
institution, subject to the approval of the local B'nai B'rith
Youth Committee.
B. The group petitioning for a charter must agree to
abide by the uniform Constitution and By-Laws for Aleph Zadik
Aleph chapters.
C. The group must have an adult advisor who has been
approved by the Regional Director.
Section 2. Petitioning for a Charter
A. To petition for a charter, a group must have at
least 12 Jewish boys of High School Age.
B. Groups with fewer members than specified must have
the special approval of the International Director of the
Aleph Zadik Aleph before a charter is granted.
C. To be eligible for membership, one must be in at
least the ninth grade while not having graduated from high
school; with eighth graders eligible as of April 1st of each
year. Special expectations may be made with the approval of
the Regional Director. Under extenuating circumstances, the
Regional and International Directors may allow a chapter to
begin recruitment at the beginning of their eighth grade year.
Section 3. Election to Membership of the International
Organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
A. An application must be filled out by the group,
signed by its members and the adult advisor, and approved by
the sponsoring B'nai B'rith group. The application must be
submitted to International Headquarters through the office of
the Regional Director.
B. Upon receipt of the application, the Chairman of the
B'nai B'rith Youth Commission shall conduct an investigation,
and upon finding the group qualified to be considered for
membership shall recommend to the headquarters of the office
that a temporary charter be issued to the group.
C. The petitioning group, on receipt of the temporary
charter, shall be known as an Aleph club, and shall continue
to be known so for a period of at least six months. During
this period, the Aleph club shall adhere to the Aleph Zadik
Aleph program, and familiarize its members with the
philosophy, structure and functions of the B'nai B'rith and
The B'nai B'rith Youth Commission, and it shall complete all
payments of International and Regional dues and fees. Chapters
in the communities of at least 2,500 Jews should acquire an
active membership of at least 25 boys.
D. The International Director of BBYO shall review the
program and organization of the Aleph club after a six month
period, and shall, if necessary, extend this period of
probation. Immediately upon approval by the International
Director, a permanent charterwith the Seal of the Aleph Zadik
Aleph and the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission shall be issued to
the chapter. Only those petitioners who, at the time of the
approval by the International Director, are members in good
standing of the chapter or any members who may have in the
interim joined B'nai B'rith shall be designated charter
members.
Section 4. Surrender of Charter
Any chapter or Aleph club may surrender its charter and
thereby terminate its existence by a two-thirds vote of its
members, following a thirty days advance notice of the action
contemplated. When a charter is surrendered or chapter of
Aleph club ceases to exist for any cause, all books, records,
and other property real or personal, belonging to it, shall
immediately revert to the Headquarters Office of the B'nai
B'rith Youth Commission.
Section 5. Incorporation
No chapter may become a corporation under the laws of
any state or country except by the permission of the B'nai
B'rith Youth Commission.
Section 6. Revocation of Charter
Upon the recommendation of the International Director
of the Aleph Zadik Aleph, the charter of any chapter or Aleph
club which has failed to pay the fees and dues of the
International Organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph for a
period of one year, or for other causes, may by vote of the
B'nai B'rith Youth Commission, be revoked. Such revocation
shall be final, and any chapter desiring reinstatement
thereafter, shall follow the procedure and pay the usual fees
required for a new chapter.
Section 7. Membership in Two Chapters
It was resolved that any member of an AZA chapter is
ineligible to hold membership in a second AZA chapter until
and unless his resignation of mem bership has been received
and accepted by his first chapter, except in the case of
extenuating circumstancesthat are approved by the BBYO staff.
Section 8. Membership Recruitment
It was resolved that AZA and BBYO chapters be allowed
to recruit eighth graders in April of their eighth grade year.
ARTICLE VI. FEES, DUES, AND ASSESSMENTS
Section 1. International Dues
1.International dues shall be:
FOR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
General Membership $14.00
Insurance $1.00
Convention Subsidy $1.00
Membership Promotion $1.00
Trust Fund for BBYO's future $10.00
Total $27.00
FOR EXTENDED MEMBERSHIP
US Canada
General membership 11.50 13.80
Membership promotion 2.00 2.40
Insurance 1.50 1.80
Youth Budget 2.50 3.00
Special Trust 2.50 3.00
Convention Rebate 1.00 1.00
Sub-total 21.00 25.00
Trust Fund for BBYO's future 10.00 10.00
Total 31.00 35.00
B. The members of all established Districts of the
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization shall pay membership dues
towards the International Administrative Budgets, in a sum
deemed appropriate and assessed by the International Director,
in consultation with the various Districts Directors and the
B'nai B'rith Youth Commission.
C. Annual membership cards shall be issued to each dues
paying member by the headquarters Office.
D. A membership pin and the Aleph Zadik Aleph Inside
Information Handbook, shall be issued to each new member by
the Headquarters Office.
E. The minimum contribution to the International
Service Fund (ISF) for a chapter is $4.00 per member.
F. The International Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
will only recognize International Members (overseas) who have
paid their dues to the BBYO International Office each year.
The deadline for member registration will be June 30 for the
following program year. Eastern Europe District Members will
pay 50 cents and the rest of the Districts will pay $1 this
year in order for them to participate on International
programs. The cost will be evaluated by the members at the
August Executive Meeting each year.
ARTICLE VII. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS
Section 1. Time and Place
A convention of representatives of all regions shall be
held annually at such time and place as shall be fixed by the
Executive Committee of the International Organization of the
Aleph Zadik Aleph.
Section 2. Representation at the International
Convention
A. When the total number of delegates to the
International Convention has been officially determined, this
number shall be proportioned among the various regions
according to their membership, providing however that each
region has a minimum delegation of two.
B. The remaining number of delegates shall be
proportioned among the regions on the basis of their
enrollment.
C. The Grand Aleph Godol, Grand Aleph S'gan, Grand
Aleph Moreh, Grand Aleph Mazkir, Grand Aleph Shaliach, Grand
Aleph Kohen Godol, Regional Godolim, Council Godolim in
Council Predominant Regions shall be considered members of the
Executive Board and will have separate voting and delegate
status, apart from regional delegations. In the event of a
Regional or Council Predominate’s Aleph Godol’s absence at
International Convention, their International Executive
delegate status shall be delegated to their region or
council’s delegation’s head, with the understanding that
no Regional/Council delegate receives more than one vote per
delegate. If Regional or Council Predominate Godol is on the
International Board, his vote is passed down.
In Three-Council Predominant Regions, no automatic
votes are added to the membership allotment vote. (Membership
allotment is calculated by the membership in the region as a
whole.)
D. In the election of delegates, preference should be
given to regional and council board members in descending
order from Aleph Godol down as stated by their constitution.
In the event that none of the above is available, any member
in good standing may be elected as a delegate.
E. The delegates allotted to District 14 shall be seven
(7).
The delegates allotted to District 15 shall be three
(3).
The delegates allotted to District 19 shall be five
(5).
The delegates allotted to District 20 shall be one (1).
The delegates allotted to District 21 shall be one (1).
The delegates allotted to District 23 shall be one (1).
The delegates allotted to District 24 shall be one (1).
The delegates allotted to District 25 shall be one (1).
F. It was resolved that the non-delegate members of the
International Convention Steering Committee be guaranteed a
non-delegate position at the respective International
Convention. It was further resolved that International
Convention steering committee members be accepted to
International Convention after all delegates are accepted but
before all alternates.
Section 3.
Powers and Duties of the International Organization of
the Aleph Zadik Aleph
A. The International Organization of the Aleph Zadik
Aleph shall coordinate the activities of all the chapters of
the Aleph Zadik Aleph. It shall carry out the philosophy and
the program of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization.
B. The International Organization of the Aleph Zadik
Aleph shall evaluate the program and the activities of the
chapters and regions and make recommendations for future
programs and projects.
C. The International Convention shall devote part of
its sessions to training seminars dealing with B'nai B'rith
Philosophy and the Aleph Zadik Aleph programs and
organization.
D. The International Convention shall elect
International Officers.
ARTICLE VIII. INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS
Section 1. Name
The International Organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
shall have the following elected officers: Grand Aleph Godol,
Grand Aleph S'gan, Grand Aleph Moreh, Grand Aleph Mazkir,
Grand Aleph Shaliach, and Grand Aleph Kohen Godol.
Section 2. Duties
The Grand Aleph Godol shall preside at all sessions of
the International Convention and at Executive Committee
meetings. He shall appoint the necessary committee(s) to carry
out the decisions of the International AZA Convention. He
shall coordinate the work of all such committees. He shall be
in contact with all regional officers, in order to be familiar
with the plans of the regions. He shall be the youth
representative of the International Order of the Aleph Zadik
Aleph and shall, through his office, spread the
philosophy of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization.
As a member of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission with
preference given to the order of the Grand Aleph S'gan, Grand
Aleph Moreh, Grand Aleph Mazkir, Grand Aleph Shaliach,
International Chairmen, and Regional and Council Godolim; who
will attend the annual meetings of the Commission and have
such powers and duties as delegated to them by the Commission.
Those delegates appointed by the Grand Aleph Godol to
represent the AZA at the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission
meetings will be considered as having been elected to the
Convention body.
The Grand Aleph Godol shall act and visit Districts,
Regions, Councils, and chapters for the purpose of guidance
and overseeing.
The Grand Aleph Godol shall foster AZA Alumni
development.
The Grand Aleph Godol shall act as the liaison between
the following: AZA and BBI, AZA and BBG, and youth and staff.
B. The Grand Aleph S'gan shall assume the duties of the
Grand Aleph Godol in his absence. He shall assist the Grand
Aleph Godol in the implementation of the decisions of the
Convention. He shall coordinate the International Convention.
He shall be a member of the Executive Committee.
The Grand Aleph S'gan shall be responsible for the
publicity and implementation of all AZA Simultaneous Programs.
He shall act as a program resource for all levels of the AZA,
and will disseminate the program "How-To's" and
leadership material to the chapters.
The Grand Aleph S'gan shall be in charge of all 5-Fold
Programming stemming from the International Level through
Districts, Regions, Councils and Chapters.
The Grand Aleph S'gan shall promote International
Contests on all levels.
The Grand Aleph S'gan shall promote drug and alcohol
awareness programming.
The Grand Aleph S'gan shall oversee the AZAA tournament
and appoint an coordinator from the Host City to run the
tournament. The coordinator shall be chosen in conjunction
with the Aleph Godol from that Region/Council though a letter
of intent.
C. The Grand Aleph Moreh shall coordinate the Chapter
Leadership Training Conference (CLTC). He shall act as the
International Liaison for all interested and prospective
participants for CLTC. He shall be a member of the Executive
Committee.
The Grand Aleph Moreh shall oversee and coordinate all
District, Regional, Council and Chapter membership drives led
Internationally.
The Grand Aleph Moreh shall disseminate information and
act as a resource of information regarding membership and AIT
training.
D. The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall record the minutes of
the Convention and the Executive meetings. He shall be a
member of the Executive Committee.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall oversee and coordinate all
District, Regional, Council and Chapter fundraising drives,
pertaining to the International Service Fund (ISF), led
Internationally.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall disseminate information
and shall act as a resource for information regarding ISF.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall stress communication
between all levels of the Order.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall act as the International
Liaison for all interested prospective participants for the
International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC), and shall
act as Youth Coordinator for ILTC.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall update the various ISF
Publications that have become outdated due to the change in
structure and function of ISF. This is to be done prior to
International Convention each year.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall update the AZA
International Constitution immediately following International
Convention.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall be responsible for showing
all Alephs the similarities and differences of AZA throughout
the world and produce an annual presentation on that topic at
International Convention.
The Grand Aleph Mazkir shall coordinate and promote the
International Pen Pal System.
E. The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall be in regular
communication with the District, Regional, Council and Chapter
Shalichim. He shall be a member of the Executive Committee.
The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall act as Youth Coordinator
for International Leadership Kallah.
*The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall promote the "Teens
Actively Serving Communities (TASC)," disseminating
information about youth volunteering in their local areas for
the benefit of their communities.
*The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall disseminate information
about oppressed Jewry around the world.
*The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall promote the
"Actively Concerned Teens (ACT) Network,"
disseminating information about taking a stand on political
and social issues and having youth express their voice in the
community on social and political matters.
The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall promote Israel Education
and current affairs concerning the State of Israel.
The Grand Aleph Shaliach shall promote Jewish Heritage
to our order, and shall oversee the International Jewish
Awareness Chairman, except on International Simultaneous
Programs, on which the IJAC will still work with the Grand
Aleph S'gan.
Section 3. The Executive Committee
A. The Committee shall consist of the Grand Aleph Godol,
Grand Aleph S'gan, Grand Aleph Moreh, Grand Aleph Mazkir,
Grand Aleph Shaliach, and Grand Aleph Kohen Godol, the current
President and other member (chosen by the District Director
and District President, preference given to the
Vice-President, then (District Officers) of each of the
established Districts, Regional Aleph Godolim, Council Aleph
Godolim of Council Predominant Regions.
B. The body shall meet prior to the convention and
evaluate the work of the International Order of the Aleph
Zadik Aleph and to plan for and make recommendations to the
convention. The new Executive Committee shall meet immediately
following the adjournment of the International Convention for
the purpose of implementing the decisions of the convention.
C. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the
budget and fiscal policy of the International Organization,
subject to the approval of the International Director.
Section 4. Eligibility for International Office
A candidate must be present at the Convention to be
eligible for election to an International Office.
Section 5. Installation of International Officers
The installation of International Officers shall take
place prior to the conclusion of the convention.
Section 6. Term of Office
Each officer shall be elected for a term of one year
and shall serve until his successor is duly elected and
installed.
ARTICLE IX. INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEES
The Grand Aleph Godol shall appoint such committees as
he deems necessary to carry out the International AZA Program,
subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE X. INTERNATIONAL CHAIRMEN
Section 1. Name
The International organization of the Aleph Zadik Aleph
shall have the following Chairmen, to be appointed annually by
the newly elected International Officers every August: Jewish
Awareness Chairman.
Section 2. Duties
The AZA International Jewish Awareness Chairman shall
serve as AZA representative to the Center for Jewish Identity
(CJI) of B'nai B'rith International and attend the annual CJI
meeting.
He shall coordinate a Jewish Education Program at
International Convention annually.
He shall be the coordinator of the AZA Shabbat
International Simultaneous Program.
He shall communicate with the leaders of AZA and
promote his areas to them.
He shall compile, distribute and promote a round-table
discussion guide/program guide on Jewish issues.
ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any
International Convention of the Aleph Zadik Aleph by a
two-thirds vote of the delegates, and subject to the approval
of the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission.
This article will always be the last article in the AZA
Constitution and regardless of the newly numbered article, it
will remain in the same form. Only will the number of the
Article be changed and this is to be determined by the last
numbered article in the AZA Constitution.
BY-LAWS OF THE ALEPH ZADIK
ALEPH
ARTICLE I. FINANCES
Section A.
It was resolved that a line in the ISF be created to
aid in the development of the Perlman Leadership Village at
the B'nai B'rith Beber Camp, the site of CLTC.
Section B.
It was resolved that an ISF $500.00 Club be established
for AZA chapters, including recognition in the Shofar.
Section C.
It was resolved that the AZA establish a new ISF line
for a Philanthropic Fund.
Section D.
It was resolved that the AZA establish a new ISF line
for the Julius Bisno Learning Center.
Section E.
It was resolved that an ISF $1000.00 Club be
established for AZA chapters, including recognition in the
Shofar.
Section F.
It was resolved that the AZA establish a line in the
ISF Budget for the ILSI.
Section G.
It was resolved that the newly elected International
Executive Board Officers have the power to allocate the
Administrative Budget after International Convention each
year.
Section H.
It was resolved that the annual allocation to the AZA
ISF Philanthropic Fund be no less than 5% of the total amount
of contributions to ISF that year.
Section I.
It was resolved that the Grand Aleph Mazkir and the
editor of the Shofar profile the organization(s) that received
AZA's Philanthropic Find Allocations in the Shofar.
Section J.
It was resolved that those regions meeting their $4.00
per member ISF commitment will receive 10% of their donation
back through the "Back to the Regions Fund."
Section K.
It was resolved that the "Back to the Regions
Fund" may be used by the Regions as deemed appropriate by
the AZA Regional Executive Boards. Only those Regions or
Councils (in council pre-dominant regions) that fulfilled
their $4.00 per member commitment will receive the "Back
to the Regions Fund."
Section L.
It was resolved that the line of the ISF Budget
entitled "Overseas Tour of US," be changed to
"District Leadership Training in North America." It
was further resolved that money allocated to this line could
be used to supplement the cost of ILTC and CLTC for the
District Delegation.
Section M.
It was resolved that an ISF $2,000.00 Club be
established for AZA chapters, including recognition in the
Shofar.
Section N.
It was resolved that an I$F $3,000.00 Club be
established for AZA chapters, including recognition in the
Shofar.
Section O.
It was resolved that AZA establish a $750.00 I$F Club,
$1,500.00 I$F Club, and a $2,500.00 I$F Club.
ARTICLE II. INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Section A.
It was recommended that an award called the "Monsky/Albert
All Around Chapter Award" be established for outstanding
Regional BBYO Chapters. It was further recommended that each
individual Regional/Council Executive Board establish its own
application using the Henry Monsky Award and Miriam Albert
Award as guidelines. It was recommended that completed
applications be evaluated and approved by the Regional/Council
Director before being submitted to the Headquarters Office for
final approval. It was further recommended that the award be
presented at the Regional/Council Convention with the
recipients being given further recognition at IC.
Section B.
It was resolved that the Perlman Community Service
Recognition Award be established to recognize all AZA/BBG
members who fulfill the following requirements:
1. The applicant must complete a minimum of 50 hours of
community service work which can be accumulated over the years
of membership.
2. This is an achievement award which a member can
receive one time while in AZA.
3. The work can be done in chapter community service
programs as well as in independent community service work.
Section C.
It was resolved that the AZA/BBG Mitzvah club be
established with the following criteria:
1. This club is for chapters participating in 36 hours
or more of community service work during that programming
year.
2. There are two types of service a chapter must
participate in:
A. Direct Service - "Doing things actively" -
at least 30 hours required (i.e. visiting an orphanage,
working with the elderly)
B. Indirect Service - Fundraising through
"A-thons" or other activities - at least 6 hours
required
3. The award will be a certificate and Mitzvah Club
members will be recognized Internationally.
Section D.
It was resolved that an Outstanding BBYO Chapter Award
be established that is modeled after the Miriam Albert and
Henry Monsky Awards. It was further resolved that the name of
this award be the "Maurice Bisgyer Outstanding BBYO
Chapter Award." Recipients will be recognized at
International Convention and in the Shofar.
Section E.
It was resolved that a Regional Retention Award be
established. A banner will be presented to the region with the
highest membership retention percentage. Other qualifying
regions will be placed on an Honor Roll.
1. Senior members will be subtracted from the
membership total.
2. The region must achieve a minimum of 80% retention.
Recipients will receive recognition at International
Convention and in the Shofar.
Section F.
It was resolved that a banner be presented to the
region with the highest percentage of new member increase.
This will be calculated by the increase in percentage of new
members recruited compared to the membership of the region.
Second and third place will also be recognized. Recipients
will receive recognition at International Convention and in
the Shofar.
Section G.
It was resolved that the region with the highest
percentage increase in membership will receive a banner.
Second and third place will also be recognized. Recipients
will also receive recognition at International Convention and
in the Shofar.
Section H.
It was recommended that all regions present first and
second place programming awards to chapters annually for the
outstanding programs in each of the five folds.
Section I.
It was resolved that a chapter that retains 85% or more
of its members, excluding seniors and members who have moved
away from the chapter from the previous year, receive a
certificate recognizing them for their achievement. These
certificates will be passed out at International Convention
each year.
ARTICLE III. INTERNATIONAL CONTESTS
Section A.
It was resolved that all contests be supported on the
Regional Level through the publication of a Regional
Tournaments "How To" booklet published out of the
International BBYO Headquarters. It was further resolved that
BBYO publish a new program guide, "BBYO Recognition
Awards."
Section B.
It was resolved that youth be involved in the judging
of International Contests. This youth may be the Grand Aleph
Godol, or a representative he so appoints.
Section C.
It was resolved that the AZA establish a Genesis Award.
Regions that increased in AZA and BBYO chapters by one or more
will receive this Internationally sponsored award, to be
promoted and coordinated by the Grand Aleph Moreh and
presented at International Convention.
Section D.
It was resolved that the AZA and BBG establish a
President's Award to be given by the Grand Aleph Godol and
International N'siah to a chapter or a group of chapters that
has participated in an on-going community service project
throughout the year.
ARTICLE IV. ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICES
Section A.
It was resolved that each District, Region and Council
in the Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph have an Aleph with the
duties of maintaining a tie between his District, Region or
Council and the Grand Aleph Shaliach.
Section B.
It was resolved that the Grand Aleph Godol delegate one
Aleph to be in charge of assembling a program booklet
containing winning programs corresponding to the Program of
the Year Awards.
Section C.
It was resolved that material and programs relating to
oppressed Jewry be assigned by the Grand Aleph Godol and Grand
Aleph Shaliach annually to an Aleph they find most capable.
Section D.
It was resolved that a Big Brother/Little Brother
program be instituted and promoted on the International Level.
Section E.
It was resolved that those Alephs serving as
International Officers are required to serve as
"true" International Officers, in that they are
responsible for all geographic locations within our Order.
Section F.
It was resolved that the Grand Aleph Godol will
establish a committee to review the State of the Order and the
officer reports given by the previous Grand Aleph Godol and
International Officers following the conclusion of
International Convention.
Section G.
Be it resolved that an Aleph in good standing be chosen
as a coordinator for the International Leadership Study in
Israel by application process and monitored by the
International Board. An AZA coordinator would be chosen for
the even years. A requirement for selection is that the
applicant must be an alumnus of the ILSI program.
ARTICLE V. PROGRAMS
Section A.
It was resolved that BBYO and BBI annually designate a
Sunday in January as a Simultaneous program called "B'nai
B'rith Interaction Day" where the B'nai B'rith Family,
consisting of BBYO and BBI hold joint activities.
Section B.
It was resolved that the Aleph Zadik Aleph and the
B'nai B'rith Girls establish "Actively Concerned
Teens" to respond to situations that need our immediate
attention. Each region, Council and Chapter will appoint an
ACT Chairperson or have a Regional Shaliach with the
responsibilities of ACT. The Grand Aleph Shaliach and the
International Sh'licha will be in charge of the promotion of
ACT. They will be responsible for disseminating information to
the Regional, Council and Chapter ACT Liaisons.
Section C.
It was resolved that the AZA hold an International
Outreach Month to the homeless in the month of January. This
will be promoted by the Grand Aleph S'gan.
Section D.
It was resolved that the Opening and Closing Ceremony
used at AZA business meetings on all levels, as printed in the
AZA Rituals Booklet and practiced throughout the Order, be
revised to include a Hebrew Prayer (with transliteration
included) to be read upon the completion of the invocation and
also led by the Aleph Kohen Godol. It was further resolved
that a chairman appointed by the Grand Aleph Godol would
better research and choose the prayers.
Section E.
It was resolved that a created theme be given to AZA/BBG
Shabbat every year, as a suggestion, voted upon at the
February Executive Board Meetings. It was further resolved
that AZA Shabbat will take place in the third week in March.
Section F.
It was resolved that the Grand Aleph Shaliach and the
International Sh'licha be in charge of the Youth Volunteer
Corps on the International Level. It was further recommended
that a YVC chairperson be appointed on the Regional, Council
and District levels. If it is not possible to appoint a
Chairperson, the responsibilities can be assigned to an
already existing officer.
Section G.
The following was resolved about the AZAA Basketball
tournament:
1. Sectional and final tournaments shall be awarded to
host cities on application basis. The cities holding
sectionals pay for running costs and must have proper housing
facilities.
2. The International will not be held in Washington, DC
any year. Instead, the tournament will be held in cities
chosen by application.
ARTICLE VI. ELECTION PROCEDURE
Section A. Pre-Election
1.Written notification of date of election and election
procedure should be distributed a minimum of two weeks in
advance.
2.Candidates for any position must declare or be
nominated.
3.An oral form of questions should be given to be
answered by the candidates. Youth and staff should determine
the appropriateness of questions to the candidates.
4.No seconds for declarations and nominations. A
caucusing candidate is not eligible for nominations for the
position he caucused for.
5.Barring unusual circumstances, a candidate must be
present at elections. Regional staff and youth may review
these circumstances.
6.All speeches must have a time limit; the limit for
each position is to be determined by youth and staff.
7.The order in which self declared candidates deliver
their speeches shall be determined by lot.
8.Elections shall be heard in order from highest
office, Godol, going down the line in succession.
9.Prior to the day of elections, the Grand Aleph Godol
shall designate Shotarim to monitor the question and answer
period. Furthermore, the Godol shall meet with the Shotarim to
discuss rules and procedures for the upcoming election.
10.All those caucusing for International Office must
have consent of their parents or guardian prior to the
election.
Section B. Actual Election
1.The B'nai B'rith Youth Commission has ruled that a
youth must be involved in the counting of ballots.
2.The staff at the appropriate level (advisors,
professional staff) must be involved in the counting of
ballots.
3.The treatment of the chair's vote shall not be any
different than the treatment of the votes of the Convention
Body. No "Pocket Votes."
4.Abstentions reduce the number needed for a majority.
The effect of an abstention must be explained to the voting
body. Only those present for the election process for each
office may vote for that office.
5.The use of acclimation of "White ballot"
votes shall be determined at each election meeting.
6.If the total number of ballots does not equal the
total number of voting delegates, the entire ballot shall be
considered invalid and a new vote shall be taken.
7.The need for a question and answer period before
re-balloting is left to the discretion of the election body.
8.Mis-marked or damaged ballots shall not be considered
and will thus reduce the simple majority.
9.If no candidate obtains a majority:
10.A. It there is a two-way tie with only two
candidates remaining, there is a re-balloting until the tie is
broken.
11.B. If there are a number of candidates remaining,
additional individuals may be dropped if their number of
votes, when added to the votes of the person(s) below him do
not equal a majority.
12.Examples: 75 votes- 38 Majority
13.Candidate A- 19
14.Candidate B- 17
15.Candidate C- 15
16.Candidate D- 13
17.Candidate E- 11
18.Candidate E, with 11 votes is dropped.
1.Candidate D, with 13 votes, when added to the 11
votes of Candidate E would not have a majority and therefore
still has a chance of winning. He is not dropped from further
balloting.
2.A re-ballot of candidates A, B, and C is then
conducted.
19.Candidates who have declared for a higher office
then drop down to run for another office be given one minute
to say whatever they want. Candidates who have not
self-declared at all will be given one minute to state their
qualifications only.
Section C. Post Election
1.The name of the winner is announced by the chairman
of the meeting. The actual tally of votes must never be
disclosed.
2.All ballots must be destroyed, except one ballot that
may be presented to the winning candidate.
3.All results must be reported to the Council, Region,
District and/or International, as applicable.
Section D. International Platforms
It was resolved that the following guidelines be
adopted as regulations for all platforms used at all
International Elections.
1.Platforms must be on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper (or
comparable metric size).
2.Platform paper's maximum weight shall not exceed 60
pound paper.
3.Platform paper may be any color.
4.A candidate may write whatever he wishes
(Qualifications, goals, etc.) on his platform.
5.Platforms may be typed on a typewriter, letter
quality printer, dot matrix printer, or laser printer.
6.The only fonts or typefaces allowed are Standard
Courier, New York, Times, or a standard typewriter font.
7.Platforms may be typed in any color(s) of ink.
8.Platforms may not contain any form of artwork other
than your signature and/or the AZA/BBG logo(s). No geometric
shapes, (i.e. boxes, circles, ovals, etc.)
9.Platforms may be only one sheet of paper. Both sides
may be used if necessary.
10.Platforms may not contain any professional
screening.
11.Origami (paper folding) is allowed.
12.All platforms must be approved by the Grand Aleph
Godol before the official start of International Convention.
It was resolved that the following guidelines be
observed in all Districts, Regions, Councils, and chapters
that have delegates, and promoted and suggested within all
Chapters:
- That elections of officers for all executive
bodies within the Aleph Zadik Aleph be scheduled as not to
coincide with the two week time period in which the
International March of the Living in Poland and Israel is
taking place;
- That elections of officers for all executive
bodies within the AZA not occur during the 48 hours
following or before the arrival of March of the Living
participants back home;
- That elections of officers for all executive
bodies within the AZA in all Districts, Regions, and
Councils be held using these guidelines, even when no
declaring candidates are attending the International March
of the Living;
- That these guidelines be observed every year,
including years when BBYO does not send a represented
delegation to the March of the Living
ARTICLE VII. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Section A.
It was resolved that International Convention be
extended from six (6) days to seven (7) days.
Section B.
It was resolved that all IC Steering Committee Members
who are not delegates to the convention receive the same
travel rebates according to the above.
ARTICLE VIII. SUPPORT
Section A.
It was resolved that the Aleph Zadik Aleph support and
do all in it's power to work for the freedom of the Jews in
Syria.
Section B.
It was resolved that the Aleph Zadik Aleph support and
do all in it's power to work for loan guarantees for Israel.
Section C.
It was resolved that the Aleph Zadik Aleph support the
decision of the United Nations stating that no equation be
made between Zionism and Racism.
Section D.
It was resolved that the following be established b the
Grand Order of the Aleph Zadik Aleph as the
"Environmental Protection Acts":
1) All a) international award applications (i.e.: Henry
Monsky, Tree of Life, Shield of David, etc.), b) international
minutes, and c) international board releases (including
"State of the Order" addresses) be published
exclusively on the international AZA web site and/or via
e-mail. All of the above may be distributed via standard mail
if requested or deemed necessary by an international officer.
2) All official publications of the AZA (i.e.:
"business Booklet," "Guide to a model AZA
Chapter," "International Convention Workbook,"
etc.) be printed on both sides of the paper being used, and in
a manner such that as little paper as possible is used.
3) Recycling facilities for aluminum, plastic, glass,
and all types of paper be set up at B’nai B’rith Perlman
Camp and B’nai B’rith Camp Beber during all BBYO programs
held there.
The enforcement of these measures and the promotion of
environmentally sound policy on the international level will
be the responsibility of the Grand Aleph Shaliach. In
addition, along with the Grand Aleph Shliach, the
International Internet Chairman shall be responsible for
enforcing measure 1.
ARTICLE IX. POLICY
Section A.
It was resolved that when an aleph joins our Order, he
and his parents are sent a letter explaining the BBYO Drug and
Alcohol Policy, and he is asked to sign a statement saying he
understands the policy. Regions and councils were also given
the right to send out their own letter if they so desired.
It was also resolved that the consequences for breaking
the policy will be:
First Time: Consequences will be determined by the
District/Regional/Council Director and Aleph Godol, and the
chapter Advisor and Aleph Godol.
Second Time: All officers will be asked to resign.
Suspension from BBYO. The length of the suspension will be at
the discretion of the District/Regional/Council Director and
Aleph Godol, and the chapter Advisor and Aleph Godol.
Section B.
It was resolved that all BBYO clothing indicate as part
of the wording: AZA, BBG, or BBYO.
Revised and Updated by:
George Scheer
11/30/1998
Grand Aleph Mazkir
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