The Mazkirah Moment

Oh Hey, Virginia Council Mazkirot!

Congrats on being elected chapter Mazkirah for the fall 2009 term! For
those of ya’ll that don’t know me, my name is Ilana Pinsky and I am the
Virginia Council Mazkirah for the 2009-2010 year! I live in Richmond,
Virginia and my chapter is Tikvah BBG #1713, and I’m currently
S’ganit as well. Being chapter Mazkirah is an amazing position, but yet
it’s also a VERY IMPORTANT position as well. You’re now in charge of all
chapter communication and correspondence, which makes your
chapter run successfully. Throughout the term, I will be working with
all four of ya’ll to make communication the best it can be throughout
Virginia Council! Some of my goals when working with you are: building
strong communication in your chapter weekly about two-three times,
showing the importance of communication, promoting summer
programs, and helping you increase your chapter attendance! Just
remember girls, a good chapter won’t get very far without
WHAT’S IN THIS RELEASE!?
communication because IT IS THE CHAPTER’S LIFELINE! One thing I
will be asking you to do from now on, EVERY WEEK, is to inform me in
anyway whether it’s facebook, calling me, or texting me about your
upcoming program! This tells me that your chapter has great
communication and that correspondence is looking sharp. But in this
release, you will find ways on communicating with your chapter every
week, DASHBOARD AND B-LINKED (WOO), how to take minutes, and some
other fun things to look at. Remember ladies, if you ever need me
for anything or have any questions PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! I’m always
here for you, and I love all of y’all! Oh and please check out
VACBBG2009-2010.piczo,com!!!
With undying love for I’m a senior, college apps...NOT, football games, ILTC and Kallah 2009,
Tikvah BBG, you, me, and VAC BBG
I remain,
Ilana Suzanne Pinsky
Your VAC Mazkirah 2009-2010

Oh Hey Guys!! Page 1

(Introduction)

Wait, sorry what’s my job again!? Page 2

Communication Nation! Page 3

When I say DASH you say Page 6
BOARD…DASHBOARD!

B-linked…WHAT?! Page 9 Me and My Co’s Aimee (NCC) and Matt (VAC)!!!

Just wait a few MINUTES! Page 10
Let’s wrap it up now! Page 13

Save the Date! Sept. 7- Labor Day, Sept. 18- ROSH HASHANAH, Sept. 27- Kol Nidre, Sept. 28- Yom Kippur, Oct. 3-
Sukkot, Oct. 11-Simchat Torah, Oct. 16-18-MIT/AIT, Nov. 6-7 BBG Shabbat, Nov. 12- MY BIRTHDAY , Nov. 20-22-JR/SR
 What’s my Job Again!?

Ok so, these are the tasks of what a chapter Mazkirah does and I will
discuss them:
1. COMMUNICATION!!- Ok so this is the key in a Mazkirah’s role. It is so vital that every chapter has great communication! As I
said earlier, I will be working with each of ya’ll to build strong communication in your chapters, and finding a successful way
that will work in your chapter. Some forms of communication that I will be discussing in the release later on are: calling,
texting, emails, and facebook messages/events, sending flyers, creating websites with chapter information, instant messaging,
and anything else you can think of! With these forms of communication, it can increase your chapter’s attendance rate
because people are being informed of programs!

TAKING MINUTES!- Taking minutes is when you write down everything that happens in a chapter business meeting/board
meeting. This is important because it will create a record of things that go on in your chapter and how well your chapter is
keep track of important issues and events. Taking minutes can be annoying sometimes but…HAVE NO FEAR BECAUSE I WILL
HELP YOU WITH THEM! Later on, you will see what a minute taking outline looks like and what you’re going to do with it.

PROMOTING BBYO SUMMER PROGRAMS!- Right now, this isn’t too big of an issue right now because dates and prices haven’t
been released yet for the 2010 year. However, they will be released very soon, and it is VERY important to start promoting
them in your chapter and plan a Summer programs program. My next release will be talking about summer programs and
how to plan a summer programs program…BECAUSE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PLAN ONE! Haha, don’t feel pressured about
that right now, but before your term ends you’ll have to plan one! I will be helping you with this.

Dashboard and B-linked EDUCATION!- Dashboard and B-linked are great sources of communication, and all programs MUST
be posted on both, or else you will not be allowed to have a program! It is your job to have a basic knowledge on how to use
dashboard and b-linked, and teach members in your chapter on how to use it and why it’s important. We will talk more about
this, don’t worry.

ROLL CALL- So lastly, this is pretty simple and not hard at all. During a business meeting, roll call is led by the chapter
Mazkirah and they simply ask the board members to say, “My sister N’siah, my sister Mazkirah, my sister B’nai B’rith Girls,
one present, one voting.” Make sure that their hand is in a fist and placed over their heart when speaking. And all you have to
do is record down how many present and how many voting in your minutes and you’re done!
PAGE 2
 Communication Nation!

““RReem
meemmbbeerr tthhaatt M Maazzkkiirroott aarree tthhee bbaassiiss ooff BBB BYYO O.. W
Wiitthhoouutt M Maazzkkiirroott,, tthheerree w woouulldd bbee NNO O
ccoom mmunication. Without communication, you can’t reach your members. Without m
m u n i c a t io n . W it h o u t c o m m u n i c a t io n , yo u c a n ’ t r e a c h yo u r m e m b e r s. W it h o u t meem
mbbeerrss,,
yyoouu ccaann’t’t hhaavvee aa cchhaapptteerr.. W
Wiitthhoouutt aa cchhaapptteerr,, yyoouu ccaan n’t’t hhaavvee aa ccoouun ncciill oorr rreeggiioon n.. A
Anndd w
wiitthhoouutt aa
ccoouun c il o r r e g io n , y o u c a n’ t h a v e I n t e r n a t i on
ncil or region, you can’t have International Order of the B’nai B’rith Girls.”a l O r d e r o f t h e B ’ na i B ’ r it h G ir ls .”

So let’s talk communication!! Here are some effective ways of communicating in your chapter:
o Calling members, or even parents, prospects, COUNCIL COUNTERPART, president/board, or even your city director!

o Phone calls are the best form of communication because it lets you talk one on one with a person on them being
informed. I will also give you examples on how to make a perfect phone call and how to keep track of your phone calls!

o When making phone calls, please make your calls 3-4 days in advance! And if people don’t answer, just simply leave a
voicemail.

o Sending Mass texts to members in your chapter

o TEXTING SHOULD NOT JUST BE YOUR ONLY WAY OF COMMUNICATION!! DO NOT SIMPLY JUST TEXT! I REPEAT DO NOT JUST TEXT!
Why? Because some people may not have texting, or some people may not check their text messages. Just remember
there are other ways to communicate then texting .

o Facebook events/chapter fan page updates/messages

o Creating facebook events can be fun! The show the time when the event starts and ends, the date of the program
being held, a brief message on what’s happening at the program, and who is attending/possibly attending/not attending

o A chapter fan page can be useful as well because whenever you post a new update, every fan in that group will get an
update on their facebook, and some sort of information will be given! Still don’t understand what a fan page on
facebook is, click on this link to see the NCC BBG page
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=ncc+bbg&init=quick#/pages/North-Carolina-Council-
BBG/66358709452?v=wall&viewas=1569300739&ref=sgm

o Facebook messages can be a two day reminder before an event, so make sure to send out a message!

 NOTE: Not everyone has a facebook too, so just make sure you know what people use to communicate so you
can easily get a hold of. Most people have a facebook, but there are people in my chapter that don’t have one,
I rest my case.

o Emails

o So mainly the N’siah sends out a weekly email about an upcoming program, but you should oversee any form of
communication that your N’siah corresponds to. If your chapter is different and the chapter Mazkirah sends
them...then send them out four days in advance!
PAGE 3
o
 Communication Nation! CONTINUED

o Emails Continued

o If your chapter N’siah doesn’t send emails to the members parents, then maybe you should start sending emails to
the member’s parents to inform them what their daughters are doing in their chapters.

o Flyers!

o So most chapters don’t send flyers out to their members, but you can change that! Think outside of the box because
you can create a flyer template on your computer and change it around every week.

o Flyers can be a good way of communicating because every chapter member has a home and a mailbox of course! So they
can always get mail every week and be informed about a program.

o Although, since BBYO is GO GREEN organization, flyers should really be used for big upcoming events your chapter is
planning like a chapter weekend or something HUGE! That way, this saves paper and postage.

o Websites

o Create a chapter website! And update it weekly with upcoming programs and any details/information you have!

o This can be extremely fun, so I’d give it a try. If you do make one, definitely let me know about it so I can check it
out myself  Also check out VACBBG2009-2010.piczo.com for an example

o Instant Messaging

o Create a chapter Screen name for example: Maz4Tikvah and in the profile box update it with a calendar of events!

o Make sure to collect members screen names and send them messages through whatever program you use or they use!

o DASHBOARD AND B-LINKED

o ALL PROGRAMS HAVE TO BE UP ON BOTH WEBSITES! The chapter N’siah generally posts the events on Dashboard, but make
sure to oversee it and make sure it has lots of information!

o You can’t have a program if a program isn’t posted on Dashboard or B-linked!

o Calendars

o Make a calendar of all the chapter events, city events, and convention dates!

o Send them out to your chapter members and everyone will know what is happening at the next program and when they
will be.

o Phone trees

o If your chapter uses a phone tree system, please let me know. I will explain phone trees another time!
PAGE 4
 Communication Nation! CONTINUED

Below, is a calling chart. This will help you keep track of your calls and you can def print this chart out as many times as you need to! I
highly recommend using it because it will help you to your fullest advantage.
Name: Spoke to: Busy and can’t Left Voicemail: Didn’t reach: Attending:
attend:

Samantha

Ilana (myself)

Sarah call back on

Friday

JoEllen

Courtney call back on

Thursday

Tips on Making Phone calls:

1. Make the call personal! Ask them how their summer was, how has their day been, anything new in their life...this makes the call
personal.

2. After some small talk, start to explain the upcoming program/event. Make sure you include the times, the dates, any costs,
anything you should bring, what to expect. Make sure you sound excited, friendly, and enthusiastic when speaking, it displays
positivity!

3. Also ask them if they attend the program or not. If they can’t make it because they don’t have a ride, offer them one! If they
can make it and have a ride, but they don’t know how to get there, give them some directions.

4. If they have other questions or need anything, then tell them not to hesitate to call them or the N’siah.

5. CCoommmmuunnicicaattioionn CCoonnssiiddeerraattiioonnss::
Communication involves much more than a written or verbal exchange. Familiarize yourself with these communication consideration tips
and use them as a checklist for positive and effective in your chapters. A further release will be about Effective Communication in
Person, presenting ideas, and online communication.

When talking to face to face:

oo WWaattcchh ffoorr nnoonnvveerrbbaall
oo CClulueess:: AAppppeeaarraannccee,, ggeessttuurreess,, ffaacciaiall eexxpprreessssioionnss,, ppoossttuurree,, eeyyee ccoonnttaacctt,, aanndd vvooicicee qquuaaliltityy
oo BBee sseennssititivivee ttoo ssigignnss tthhaatt mmigighhtt ininddicicaattee uunnhhaappppinineessss,, jjooyy,, aannggeerr,, nneerrvvoouussnneessss,, eettcc
oo IInn ggrroouuppss,, mmaakkee aann eeffffoorrtt ttoo ininvvoolvlvee eevveerryy ppaarrtticicipipaanntt inin ccoonnvveerrssaattioionn.. PAGE 5
When I say DASH, you say BOARD…DASHBOARD!

Oh Dashboard, what a wonderful tool! This tool provides so much information to your benefit, and not to mention how important it is!
Dashboard is only accessible to board members, hence the name DashBOARD, so you feel totally special that you have access to this amazing
website. I promise Dashboard will become your new best friend . And just remember one important thing, all programs must be up on
dashboard, OR YOU CAN’T HAVE A CHAPTER PROGRAM!!! SO PLEASE POST THEM UP! So anyways, here is a list on what Dashboard does for you:

1. Easily E-mail Large Groups

a. Email everyone from chapter members, to parents who have no re-registered their teen’s membership; to people from your
chapter who have yet registered for your next convention!
2. Check Event Registration
a. See who is signed up for events, who still needs to sign up, or who’s going on the next set of international programs!
3. View Resources/Releases from around the order!
a. Learn from other’s creativity and success! Use their resources and adapt their suggestions! These resources can be found
on the I-board pages.
4. Access tons of helpful BBYO Data
a. The dashboard can create many different lists of people and organize it in an helpful way
b. Identify rising seniors in your chapter; learn who hasn’t re-registered for membership see how many BBYO’ers from your
local city attend each local high school; determine who will need kosher food at conventions-the possibilities are ENDLESS!
5. Take Easy Event Attendance
a. The Dashboard has a great event attendance sheet for you to download! Taking great attendance shows you how successful
your program was, and helps you target people to attend future programs!
i. Print out copies of the sheet before every program and meeting
ii. Make sure every person there fills out every column on the sheet
iii. Submit the sheet to your chapter advisor or BBYO staff
6. Become a marketing expert!
a. Use the Marketing Resources section to download official BBYO fonts, find tons of different flyer templates to promote your
next event, and download official BBYO logos and graphics! (MARKETING RESOURCES ARE THE BEST)!
7. Get direct access to the I-board
a. Have questions or concerns for the I-board-ask them directly on their I-board officer
b. Your Sister BBGs from other regions can also respond with advice
c. You can offer advice to questions from members across the order
8. Know your chapter and Regional membership!
a. Use MyStats function to get daily updates on chapter and regional membership
b. Track your membership as you progress towards the goals you set!

PAGE 6
When I say DASH, you say BOARD…DASHBOARD!
To get a Chapter Roster
1. Click on Reports on the left side menu

2. Click on Teen reports

3. Check the box that says, by persons

4. Then check the box that says, Member and Members-Lapsed

5. Scroll down to the Data Fields box and check of First name, last name, and other information you

want.

6. Then, scroll down and click on the green excel button, and there you go!
To Record Attendance after an Event

1. Click on Event Maintenance on the tasks menu

2. Click on past events

3. Find a specific program and then click on the attendance button

4. Then find all the members who attended that program and click the check box saying

Attended
5. Scroll all the way down and save

PAGE 7
When I say DASH, you say BOARD…DASHBOARD!
Sending a Chapter Email

1. Click on the Communication on the tasks menu

2. Click by Chapter and click on your chapter (if on Council board, that is a council board feature, so your chapter will
be the only one to click on).
3. Click on By persons, and click on members, and recent
Lapsed members

4. Scroll down and click on the send email button and you get everyone’s email and you can email people from there
or copy and paste and make it creative with COLORS
Posting Events to Dashboard

1. Click on Event Maintenance

2. Click on new at the top

3. Fill out the necessary and required information for your program
4. Hit Save!
5. Wait for the program to be approved. A program with black A’s means the program is approved. A program with
a red P means pending and hasn’t been approved yet. Your program MUST be approved in order for it to be an
actual program!
Posting Events to Dashboard
1. Click on reports on the task menu
2. Click on Event Registration Reports
3. Check off by chapter(s), click your chapter
4. Check off By Registration and then click on the event and scroll down to the excel button.

PAGE 8
 B-linked…WHAT!?

So we might consider B-linked to be the BBYO or yet “Jewish version” of Facebook. It’s exclusively for Jewish
teens or teens registered for BBYO. You can send messages to your friends, write on their walls, look at events,
and upload pictures! B-linked’s main purpose is to register for chapter/city/council/regional events. If you ever
have a problem with your b-linked account, please contact your city director or Ellen Goldstein! Below here is a
taste of what the NEW AND IMPORVED B-LINKED IS LIKE:

The new homepage

What a B-linked profile looks like 

Sign up for events

LOOKS PRETTY COOL HUH!? Check it out today!! PAGE 9

L
 Just wait for few MINUTES!

Taking Minutes can be really fun, if you MAKE IT FUN! At every chapter board meeting and Business meeting, YOU
MUST, MUST, MUST take minutes! It’s very crucial that you do so! You must also send me all of your minutes
typed up and email them to me at Hollisterchickilana65@hotmail.com. Make them creative, colorful, and cute. Make
top tens and fun things to think of! Here is an outline on how to take minutes:

Date:
Starting Time:
Attendance:
Roll Call:
Officer in charge of the meeting:
Minutes taken by:

I. Opening Rituals: (TIME)

Shomeret Ha-Brit-
Her words of wisdom:
II. Menorah Pledge (TIME)
Citizenship-
Jewish Heritage-
Community Service-
Philanthropy -
Interfaith Relations-
Tradition-
Good sisterhood-
III. Singing of Hatikvah (TIME)

Motion to move into Roll Call:

2nd:
Call:
PAGE 10
 Just wait for few MINUTES!

IV. Roll Call (TIME)

Motion to move into Officer Reports:

2nd:
Call:

V. Officer Reports (TIME)

Parlimentarian (Richmond BBG Chapters):
Orechet:
Safranit:
Gizborit:
Sh’licha:
Mazkirah:
Mit Mom:
S’ganit:
N’siah:
Motion to move into Old Business:
2nd:
Call:

VI. Old Business (TIME)

Whatever business you have to take care of

Motion to move in New Business:

2nd:
Call:

PAGE 11
 Just wait for few MINUTES!

VII. New Business (TIME)

Whatever business you have to take care of

Motion to move into Closing Rituals:

2nd:
Call:

VIII. Closing Rituals (Time)

A. Shomeret Ha-Brit:
Her words of wisdom:

Meeting End Time:

Also whenever you are taking minutes, it is important to write down

every single AMI!! All you have to do is write AMI in wherever you are
in the meeting onto that section of you minutes and write the time they
left. Keep your eyes open when they come back as well because you
must write the time they return as well. Also in your minutes be sure to
record down anything silly, goofy, or random that happens in your
business meetings. Taking minutes is really simple, but if you still need
help with them PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
PAGE 12
 Let’s Wrap it up now!

Well, I’m sad to say that this is the conclusion of the Mazkirah Moment: September 2009 Edition, The
next release will be coming out in mid-October and it will be about Effective Communication through
personality and actions. Also, information about Phone trees and contact systems will be included in
there as well. Keep making me proud girls, I know that this year we will all work together to make
communication the key in Virginia Council. Remember to check out VACBBG2009-2010.piczo.com!!

Contact information:
Ilana Suzanne Pinsky
1905 Stonequarter Road
Richmond, Virginia 23238

Email: Hollisterchickilana65@hotmail.com
Cell- 804-836-6355
Home- 804-740-2223
Facebook me!
Oovoo- Ilana .Pinsky
AIM SN-iPinsky1112

Your Counterparts:

Cohen BBG: Kruger BBG: Simcha BBG: Tikvah BBG:

Sara Belza Sara Brodsky Nikki Mandell Courtney Richmon