We’d like to start by saying Mazel Tov! Just thinking about running for International Executive Board is a huge step. This may seem like a daunting task, but trust me it isn’t as scary as it seems! In this packet you will find information explaining everything you need to know about the IEB: the application process, the election process, and being on board itself.
Being on Board is a huge commitment, so I hope you are up to the task! Running for IEB is a year-long position, so if you’re running, be ready to make the time. This year will be unlike any other and require an immense amount of flexibility throughout your term. Despite all the work, being on IEB is incredibly rewarding. IEB has helped me grow, think differently, work well with others, and become a true leader.
Board members are expected to be Dugmaot (role models). The position you are running for is very different from being on regional or chapter board, in that you must be willing to make being on IEB a large part of your life. Remember to volunteer during USY programs, speak or participate during sichot, pray loudly with ruach, and have meaningful conversations with everyone. There will be people looking up to you, so be proud of what you’re showing the international community!
Serving on the International Executive Board is a rewarding experience. You learn how to work with others, take initiative and be a leader. I hope you will all consider this amazing opportunity. Please know that you can reach out to anyone on the current IEB with any questions, comments, or concerns!Â
The vision of the International Executive Board of USY is to create a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community that inspires and empowers our members to become leaders, build meaningful connections, and strengthen their Jewish identity.
Our board will work together to develop and implement innovative programs that engage and educate our members, foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, and promote Jewish values and traditions.
We will prioritize collaboration, communication, and transparency, seeking to create an environment where all members feel valued, heard, and supported. We will cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence, striving to constantly improve and innovate in all aspects of our organization.
Through our work, we aim to create a lasting impact on the lives of our members, inspiring them to become active and engaged members of the Jewish community and to lead lives of purpose and meaning.
All International Board election materials for the international board must be submitted via this form by the deadline Sunday, March 8, at 10 pm local time.
Applications must be received ON TIME. There will be no exceptions. If your application is not complete by this date, you will not be allowed to run. Please review application for due dates of community board elections materials.
The President shall serve as the chief administrator, presiding officer, and accredited representative of United Synagogue Youth.
The President shall serve as a member ex-officio of all committees.
The President shall, with the advice and consent of the executive board, determine rules for parliamentary procedure of United Synagogue Youth, and shall be responsible for their enforcement.
The president shall serve as a voting member of the USCJ Board of Directors.
The President shall report on the state of United Synagogue Youth to the general Board or to a delegate assembly of United Synagogue Youth not less than once per year.
The President shall oversee all community officers. The president shall oversee these officers to ensure regions are programming & executing their jobs to the best of their abilities.
The President shall preside over meetings of the International Executive Board and ensure that the board is functioning effectively.
The President shall work collaboratively with the International Executive Board to establish the strategic direction and goals of United Synagogue Youth.
The President shall monitor the progress of the International Executive Board in achieving the organization’s objectives and take appropriate corrective action if necessary.
The President shall ensure that the International Executive Board is effectively communicating with all members of United Synagogue Youth, including sharing important information about upcoming events, programs, and initiatives.
As International President, it is your job to be the voice of the teens. You must be able to listen to what your peers have to say and communicate on their behalf. You should be a good team leader and worker. You are expected to schedule and lead the IEB meetings (must create an agenda beforehand).Â
Some of your responsibilities include:
-Communicating with USY professional staff on behalf of the teensÂ
-Communicating with outside organizations that are interested in partnering with USYÂ
-Communicate with other teen leaders in USY to check in and see if there is anything you can offer them
The Programming Vice President shall be responsible for overseeing all programming run within USY. The Vice President of Programs will be responsible for year-round programming and initiatives that engage USY members. This will include all aspects of Israel programming and advocacy, social action initiatives, leadership training, social programming, and all other areas of general programming (excluding summer programs and immersive experiences where there is local leadership taking the lead) that do not fall under the scope of another officer. They will work with appropriate USY professionals to take the lead in planning the immersive weekends that are run during the year.Â
The Programming Vice President will oversee International General Board (IGB) committees focused on Israel and SA/TO to ensure that those efforts move forward. The Programming Vice President can create IGB committees to help expand their projects while also engaging more USYers in high level leadership positions.Â
The goal of the Programming Vice President is to engage all USYers in a diverse range of programming ranging from Israel education to Social action initiatives that further USY’s goals. Programming created by the Programming Vice President should always be an active representation of USY’s core principles and values.
The Programming Vice President must participate in International Executive Board meetings and provide input on issues and concerns surrounding USY programming. The officer shall seek to learn from other members of the International Executive Board by attending and participating in their meetings and activities.
The Programming Vice President shall develop a deep understanding of all aspects of USY programming and operations in order to provide effective leadership and support to the organization.
The Programming Vice President shall foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork among all members of the International Executive Board and encourage them to work together to achieve the organization’s goals.
The Programming Vice President shall actively seek opportunities to collaborate with other board members and support them in their respective areas of responsibility, with the aim of becoming a well-rounded board member capable of learning from each area.
Some of your responsibilities will include:
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The Jewish Life Vice President shall be responsible for the implementation of all aspects of Jewish Life, some of which include education about Israel and Judaism. In addition to overseeing all standing committees pertaining to the aforementioned areas, the officer shall also be responsible for overseeing any committee(s) determined by the President in consultation with the Executive Board.
The Jewish Life Vice President shall work collaboratively with other members of the International Executive Board to ensure that USY is providing a comprehensive and integrated program for its members.
The Jewish Life Vice President shall support other board members in their positions by collaborating with them to integrate religious and educational elements into their programming.
The Jewish Life Vice President shall actively participate in meetings of the International Executive Board and provide input and feedback on issues related to religion, Israel, and education.
The Jewish Life Vice President shall seek to learn from other members of the International Executive Board by attending and participating in their meetings and activities.
The Jewish Life Vice President shall develop a deep understanding of all aspects of USY programming and operations in order to provide effective leadership and support to the organization.
The Jewish Life Vice President shall foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork among all members of the International Executive Board and encourage them to work together to achieve the organization’s goals.
As the International Jewish Life Vice President, you are expected to be an active member of the international board. This means that you are to show up to all meetings prepared and on time unless specified beforehand. During meetings you are expected to pay close attention to everything said and contribute regularly.Â
Outside of meetings, you are expected to check in with the regional board members who are responsible for the Jewish Life aspects of their regions, whether they are a Religion/Education Vice President, Israel Affairs Vice President, or a similar position of that sort. It is your job to stay connected with them and help them in any way possible. Some check-ins may include:Â
Before a convention, helping them plan their religious activities
Helping them find leaders for servicesÂ
Sharing docs with them that may have helpful information
As International Jewish Life Vice President, you are expected to spread Judaism through USY respectably and engagingly. This may include articles or videos to be sent out to the larger USY community.Â
As an international board member, you are given the space to start your own programs and initiatives to help involve the greater USY community and help everyone stay connected. Your ideas and input are highly valued and important.Â
At any International conventions or events, you are expected to prepare the religious services and any Israel activities. It is important that you are not the one leading all of the services as your position is to spread knowledge and teach others. This involves asking people to lead services, teaching them if they don’t know how, and providing resources as needed.Â
The Outreach VP will focus on the recruitment and retainment of USYers. They will work to highlight and amplify USY around the Conservative/Masorti Jewish Movement. They will work creatively to present USYs image to others to boost involvement.
The officer will set goals for boosting involvement and will build strategies to achieve those goals. They will work with the rest of IEB to determine how they will effectively present all aspects of USY.
The officer will work with all chapter and regional boards, providing guidance and strategies for boosting membership.Â
The officer will always actively look for possible new members, and always present USY in a constructive light. They will reach out personally to possible new members, and actively engage in discussions to promote USY.
The officer shall work to increase the visibility and awareness of USY among Jewish communities, organizations, and individuals, and promote USY’s mission and values.
The officer shall oversee all standing committees related to outreach and work with committee chairs to create and implement programs that engage new members and promote USY to new communities.
The officer shall work closely with the International President and other board members to develop strategies for increasing USY’s outreach efforts and expanding its reach.
The officer shall actively seek out opportunities for USY to collaborate with other Jewish organizations and youth groups, with the aim of building strong relationships and increasing USY’s visibility.
The officer shall develop and implement initiatives aimed at engaging underrepresented and underserved communities, with a focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
The officer shall actively participate in meetings of the International Executive Board and provide input and feedback on issues related to outreach.
The officer shall seek to learn from other members of the International Executive Board by attending and participating in their meetings and activities.
The officer shall develop a deep understanding of all aspects of USY programming and operations in order to provide effective leadership and support to the organization.
The Communications Vice President shall be responsible for the implementation of all aspects of Communication.
The Communications Vice President will focus on marketing USY, making it accessible, and engaging people to interact with USY consistently.Â
The Communications Vice President will focus on working with the USCJ marketing team to maintain all of International USY’s Social Media Accounts (@usyeverywhere), it’s social media strategy, alongside its website. They will also be responsible for: Â
Work with the USCJ marketing team to manage all USY social media accounts, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and shall work to ensure that they are up-to-date, engaging, and reflective of USY’s values and mission.
 Managing all regalia that USY sells on the international level. They will ensure that USY’s merchandise is up to date with current trends, is appropriate, and uplift’s USY.
The Achshav Blog and making sure that it is updated each month with new articles, quizzes, and engaging content. They shall ensure that all aspects of the Achshav Blog are appropriate and accurate.
The Communications Vice President shall work with the USCJ marketing team to draft emails and communications sent out by international USY and draft statements and press releases made by USY regarding current events and pressing issues for the Jewish people around the world.Â
The Communications Vice President shall oversee all standing committees related to communications and work with committee chairs to create and implement marketing campaigns and initiatives.
The Communications Vice President shall actively seek out new methods, platforms, and trends that may be useful to USY, and shall make recommendations to the International Executive Board regarding their adoption and use.
The Communications Vice President shall work with all members of the International Board:Â
International Outreach Vice President to develop and implement strategies that promote USY, engage members and potential members, and increase the organization’s visibility and reach.
International Religion/Education Vice President to create and curate media related to Jewish holidays, rituals, and values, as well as USY’s commitment to social justice and Tikkun Olam.
International Israel Affairs Vice President to create and curate media related to Israel and USY’s connection to the Jewish state.
International Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice President to create and curate media related to USY Tikkun Olam initiatives.
The Communications Vice President shall actively participate in meetings of the International Executive Board and provide input and feedback on issues related to thoughtful communication strategies.
The Communications Vice President shall take meeting minutes throughout all meetings. They shall seek to learn from other members of the International Executive Board by attending and participating in their meetings and activities.
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