CTeen Leadership Handbook for Teens

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p i h s r e d a Le k o o b d n a H THE

ENS FOR TE

Everything you need to know about being a CTeen leader

“The world says that if there is no way to go under, go over.

I say that one should leap over from the start.”

- The fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn

CTeen International CHAIRMAN Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky

VICE CHAIRMAN Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky Rabbi Shimon Rivkin | Executive Director Rabbi Mendel Perlstein | Projects Manager PROGRAMMING Mrs. Leah Rivkin | Director Rabbi Nochum Schapiro | Production Chana Grifkin | Managing Director Mrs. Chanky Freedman | Events Coordinator Rabbi Shloimy Freedman | Shabbaton & Regionals Coordinator Leigh Hershkovich | Kosher Food Club & CTeen Connection Rikki Gurewicz | Administration Assistant M E R KO S 3 0 2 C E N T R A L S E RV I C E P E R S O N N E L Mrs. Esty Raskin, Rabbi Mendy Drookman, Mrs. Shaina Lerman | Graphic Design & Marketing

Rabbi Levi Groner | Design Layout Moshe Raskin | Multimedia Rabbi Mendy Margolin | Technology Rabbi Shmuli Bendet | Financial Dept.

Miriam Levy-Haim | Assistant Editor

Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs.

Rochel Flikshtein Chaya Posner Chaya Rivka Schmerling Sara Sherman Rochel Telsner

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Rabbi Efraim Mintz Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky Rabbi Berel Frankel Rabbi Duvie Feldman

S H A B B AT O N C O M M I T T E E Rabbi Michoel Goldin Rabbi Chaim Ozer Metal Rabbi Dovid Weinbaum

R A B B I N I C A L C O N S U LTA N T Rabbi Mordechai Farkash

CTEEN KINUS SHLUCHIM COMMITTEE Rabbi Mendy Cohen Rabbi Yosef Orenstein Rabbi Chaim M. Telsner

S H LU C H I M A DV I S O RY B OA R D Rabbi Shloime Adler Rabbi Mendy Cohen Rabbi Adi Goodman Rabbi Michoel Goldin Rabbi Yitzchok Sapochinsky

CTEEN KINUS SHLUCHOS COMMITTEE Mrs. Temma Cohen Mrs. Estie Orenstein Mrs. Rochel Telsner

S H LU C H OS A DV I S O RY B OA R D Mrs. Chaya Elishevitz

Chaim Krausz | Art Direction & Design chaimkrauszdesign.com

Contents TABLE

1 2 3 4 5 6

OF

GETTING STARTED INVESTING IN YOUR CHAPTER RUNNING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS EVENTS CTEEN’S PROGRAMS

Introduction The CTeen Leadership Program is a dynamic program that provides you with the tools you need to become a leader of your generation. This program empowers you to take an active role in your local chapter, in your communities, and in the world.

Much of the success of your CTeen chapter will depend on you, the leaders. This handbook will guide you in the best way to set up your leadership board.

It has practical tips and advice on how to keep your chapter running smoothly and how to stay inspired, invested, and make a difference.

Getting Started Take a minute to think about the following questions: What kind of leader do you want to be? What does it take to be a great leader? What are your goals? Mapping out expectations for yourself will help you plan for and achieve success throughout your time as a CTeen leader.

QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE LEADER Your central role as a leader is to positively impact the lives of those around you. Think about a leader you know and respect. What are some of their qualities that you admire? How can you implement those qualities in your own life? What does it take to be an effective leader?

Here are some key qualities that every good leader should possess and learn to emphasize. >>>

1. Creativity Many decisions or problems may not always be clear cut or easy to solve. A leader should think creatively to resolve all issues with effective solutions.

2. Communication

3. Confidence

A successful leader knows how to communicate

Confidence is key in effectively

with his or her team. If you can’t share your vision

leading. If you’re confident in your

with your team, you won’t be working toward the

own abilities and the abilities of your

same goal. If problems arise, good communication

team, you’ll see results. As the leader,

skills will equip you to maneuver through or

staying calm and confident will help

around the problems, with positive results.

keep the team feeling the same.

4. Commitment

5. Positive Attitude

6. Delegation

If you expect your

When things get tricky or

A good leader doesn’t

team to work hard and

tough, it’s easy to become

do all of the work

produce quality results,

frustrated or disillusioned.

themselves; successful

you’re going to need to

A good leader knows that

leadership enables the

lead by example. If your

to keep the show moving,

whole group to work

fellow board members

they have to have a positive

together in harmony.

see you taking the task

attitude. Your fellow board

Delegating work to

at hand seriously, they

members will mirror you

other members shows

will too.

positive outlook automatically.

that you trust their abilities. A good leader

7. Be a Role Model › A CTeen leader is a role model. › Set an example. Model the behavior you want others to attain.

allows others the chance to take charge and trusts them to get the job done.

› Keep your word; fulfill your commitments. › Take the time to get to know your members. An effective leader knows the names of his or her peers and learns what motivates each person and what they’re good at. › Delegate responsibilities to other board members that respect their capabilities, and empower them with the authority to achieve their tasks. › Involve other CTeen members, even those who are not on the leadership board, to take part in various projects and events. Foster an atmosphere where everyone’s voices are heard. › Respect anyone and everyone whom you come in contact with when organizing CTeen events.

6

GETTING STARTED

There are several leadership positions at CTeen. Take the time to think about which role would fit you best. Here is a list of some of the leadership roles your chapter may offer: The chapter director makes the final call on who is appointed to which position. Every role plays a part in the overall success of your chapter, and every role is important. These roles may be combined or modified to suit the dynamics of your chapter/ community.

CHOOSING YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLE Humanitarian › Chooses humanitarian projects › Arranges humanitarian events › Press releases for media coverage

Secretary

Photographer › Maintains a record of all events through photographs and video › Sends pictures and videos to CTeen HQ for a presence on social media

Creativity Director › Directs creative aspects, such as décor, theme, welcome kits, door prizes, etc.

› Organizes supplies and transportation

› Creates sample crafts

› Tracks finances and budget

› Demonstrates step-by-step details

› Initiates fundraisers and raffles

on crafts at program

› Retains clear and uniform minutes of meetings

Trip Coordinator

Activity Director › Provides planning and implementation of

› Researches options for trips

activities and icebreakers for the program

› Discusses trip ideas with the chapter

› Plans and organizes activities and

› Arranges logistics

icebreakers for Shabbatons GETTING STARTED

7

Investing in Your Chapter As a leader, the time and energy you invest sets an example for success for the rest of your chapter. If others see you investing in the chapter, they will too. Your involvement makes all the difference.

GET THE WORD OUT! One of the responsibilities of a teen leader is to recruit new members and participants for CTeen events such as holiday parties, the International Shabbaton in New York, and regional trips. Use every opportunity, whether online or in person, to let everyone know just how awesome CTeen is! >>>

› Invite your

› Organize events at your school. If you can’t bring

school friends

them to the party, bring the party to them. With

to join a chapter

your school’s permission, host a CTeen lunch,

meeting or event.

holiday party, even a Stump the Rabbi session.

› Initiate a special “bring a friend” event,

› Post info about upcoming CTeen events

where every member is encouraged to

on your Facebook page and tag your

bring a new friend along. Keep it fun

friends to encourage their interest. And

with games and activities, interesting

remember to post pictures on Instagram

discussions, and delicious refreshments.

of all the fun you had with #cteen!

FACING CHALLENGES AS A TEAM

Challenges and conflict are part of life, and there will be times when the board disagrees. Keep the following things in mind when dealing with conflict: › Determine the nature

› Keep private matters

of the conflict. Is it a

private. Making an issue

conflict of personalities,

into a public spectacle

goals, circumstance,

will turn into a battle of

facts, or values?

ego and pride.

› Conferring with an

› Address conflict promptly;

objective third party,

angry words or unresolved

preferably an adult,

situations tend to worsen

can be helpful.

without resolution

› Avoid language like “You’ll have

› Use the three Ds to structure your resolution:

to ...,” “You must...,” “You should...,”

Describe. Discuss. Decide. Describe what’s

“You ought to...” People don’t like to

happening. Discuss the ramifications of what’s

be told what to do.

happening. Decide what to do.

› Don’t dismiss people. The atmosphere of conflict

› Realize that two sides can be

will pervade when it is clear that talk will no longer

right. Different backgrounds,

help or that the details “no longer matter.” Such a

values, and experiences factor

“dismissal” can be conveyed through words, gestures,

into every consideration. All

or body language. We all know it when we see it.

differences cannot be reconciled.

INVESTING IN YOUR CHAPTER

9

Running Effective Meetings Leaders keep the chapter running smoothly. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about getting the job done. You will be in charge of setting up and running meetings. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time with your team.

BEFORE THE MEETING: › Send out the agenda that details which topics will be discussed and what each board member will contribute to the meeting. This will allow your peers to prepare ahead of time. Make sure to run your agenda past your chapter director first. › Make sure the meeting has a purpose. Sometimes a couple of phone calls, emails, or one-on-one meetings can take care of a situation instead of a full team meeting. >>>

AT THE MEETING: › Be punctual! Start and end on time. Remember that members have other commitments, just like you, and they are more likely to attend the meeting if it is productive and brief. › The chapter secretary should take clear and uniform minutes. › Acknowledge everyone in the room by allowing

FOLLOW-UP TO THE MEETING:

them an opportunity to state their opinion.

› The chapter secretary emails the

› Recognize the group’s accomplishments;

meeting minutes, a to-do list with

emphasize any individual accomplishments. Thank

assigned tasks, and due dates.

everyone for their contributions.

› Implement your team’s ideas.

› Make sure everyone is clear about future

Everyone is bound to have an opinion

expectations and what to do if they have difficulty

or an idea that they want to share

performing them.

at a meeting. In order to keep the

› Assess growth and success with your leaders as

meetings structured and as short as

each meeting. Ask questions to provide clarity

possible, you can use the following

and focus when planning programs: How is CTeen

structure to discuss new ideas that

enriching the community? How did your numbers

come up:

compare against your goals? What feedback have

Sample Structure:

you gotten from club members?

Step 1: A teen leader brings up an idea

› Change it up with something different at every

to the team or CTeen director.

meeting to keep things fun. Engage with a team

Step 2: CTeen director meets with

building activity, play music at the start of the

leaders to discuss whether the idea

meeting, have everyone share an interesting event

fits the following requirements:

from their week, change the meeting location, etc.

a. is consistent with the mission and values of CTeen b. is teen friendly c. does not conflict with other programs or dates d. within the budget e. is voted for by a majority of leaders Step 3: The idea is implemented immediately, shelved for a later time, or discarded kindly.

RUNNING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS

11

Setting and Achieving Goals Create clear, realistic goals at the beginning of the year. That way, everyone knows what’s expected and what needs to be accomplished.

Establish a vision for the future of CTeen and set goals accordingly.

Plan a yearly calendar together with your director. Use school calendars to determine when the exam and vacation schedules. Be sure everyone is on the same page about where and how events will take place. >>>

When setting goals, keep the following in mind: › Set S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable,

IDEA BANK

Relevant, and Traceable

Holidays:

› Keep goals specific. If a problem is too broad, it often

High Holiday Minyan

cannot be attacked effectively.

Sukkot party Public Menorah lighting

› Realistic goals can prevent frustration. › Visualize your desired outcome. A mental picture of a

Purim party Mock Seder

tangible result can clarify what you are really striving for.

Lag Ba’Omer bonfire

› Seek encouragement from supportive family and friends.

Shavuot ice cream party

Avoid discussing your goals with those who are constantly negative about your success.

Shabbat:

Use the goal maps below at meetings to effectively plan

Friday night dinner

and follow through with your goals. You can fill in the goal maps with ideas from the idea bank:

Target Date 2nd Quarter

Regional Shabbaton

Trips:

Goal Map #1: 1st Quarter

Local Shabbaton

Skiing Target Date

3rd Quarter

Target Date

Paintball shooting Go-Karting Camping

Humanitarian: Visit senior home

Goal Map #2: 1st Quarter

Target Date 2nd Quarter

Visit hospital Target Date

3rd Quarter

Target Date

Volunteer at soup kitchen Charity drive Clean up a local park

Educational: Weekly Torah class

Goal Map #3: 1st Quarter

Target Date 2nd Quarter

Jewish history course Holocaust education program Target Date

3rd Quarter

Target Date

in a local school

Miscellaneous: Create a CTeen lounge NY Shabbaton parlor meeting

Good Tip!

Gigmasters.com is a great way to find party entertainment.

SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS

13

Sample Action Steps Chart Action Step

ACTION STEPS Once you’ve set your goals, you can use the Action Steps Charts below to further discuss the goals at hand. This will help you break down the goal into smaller and more doable steps.

Person

Resources Needed

Take poll to determine date

5 weeks before event

Confirm location

4.5 weeks before event

Book entertainment

4.5 weeks before event

Create FB event

a month before event

Create flyer

a month before event

Prepare menu

3 weeks before event

Hang flyers in schools and teen hangouts

3 weeks before event

Order party supplies

1 weeks before event

Setup

day of event

Action Steps Chart #1

Action Steps Chart #2

Goal:____________________

Goal:____________________

Action Step

14

Who is Doing It

Resources Needed

Due Date

Action Step

1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

5.

5.

6.

6.

7.

7.

SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS

Due Date

Who is Doing It

Resources Needed

Due Date

PROGRESS REPORTS

Sample Progress Reports:

The two leaders serving on the

events in this quarter?

ICLB should submit a goal plan

2. Has the budget been sufficient for programs?

within two weeks of assuming

Why or why not? What can you do to better use

leadership. After that, they must

the budget in the next quarter?

submit online progress reports

3. How many new teens have joined your chapter?

to CTeen HQ three times a year

March 1st:

to show that their chapter’s

1. Were you able to recruit new teens to join the

benchmarks are being met.

NYC Shabbaton? If so, how many?

Progress report due dates:

2. Have your peers been as engaged and

1. December 1st

interested in CTeen events this quarter?

2. March 1st

3. Do you find that the leadership board has

3. May 1st

been successfully working together to make your

December 1st: 1. What were your most successful programs or

chapter the best it can be? Why or why not?

May 1st: 1. What would you do differently next year to ensure a more successful CTeen chapter?

2. Which events or programs would you repeat again? Which would you not?

3. What would you recommend or advise next year’s leaders?

When you are on the right path, and G-d graces you with a talent, you cannot ignore it. If one avoids utilizing their talents, this is not called modesty; rather, it is listening to your animalistic inclination to shy away from your calling in the world.

- The Lubavitcher Rebbe

SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS

15

Events Planning a successful event relies not only in the creativity and environment, but also in the organizational aspects and attention to detail. Be proactive in reviewing the details of the event or project with your leadership board.

While, ideally, you should be planning and running events, remember that every step of event planning must be approved by your chapter director.

BEFORE THE EVENT › Create a Facebook event and invite everyone in your chapter. Encourage them to invite more friends. › Promote the event on social media and in your school or synagogue. › Prepare a handy check off list when planning an event. The checklist should include the following items: >>>

Good Tip! When calculating the budget, estimate the attendance you expect and then determine food, entertainment, personnel, and equipment costs accordingly.

1. The goals of the event (What are you trying to accomplish? How would you like CTeen to be portrayed at the event?)

2. Budget considerations (marketing expenses, transportation fees, food and beverage costs, and other general expenses).

3. Scheduling (setting a date and time for the event that works for the largest group of people. Pick more than one date just in case there is a conflict.)

4. Materials (a supply list of everything you will need for the event.)

5. Publicity/PR: What do you need to do to get the word out? › Assign tasks to each person based on their strengths. › Create an Event Form (see sample below) to help you keep track of all the information pertaining to the event.

Sample Event Form Event: ________________________________

Goals: ________________________________

Date, Time, Location: ________________________________ Projected Attendance: ________________________________ Budget for Event (How much and for what): ________________________________ Supplies Needed: ________________________________ Set-up, clean-up crew (tables, chairs, equipment, etc): ____________________________ Publicity crew (invitations, flyers, think about who, when, where, etc.): ______________ Correspondence necessary (think about any necessary approvals, waivers, contracts that must be signed, as well as security, presenters, speakers, catering, event staff, servers, etc): _______________________________________________________________________________

POST EVENT › Send thank you notes to the people who were involved in the planning and implementation. › Follow up with your team to discuss the outcome of the event. › Fill out an online CTeen event evaluation form.

Good Tips!

Sample Event Evaluation Form 1. How many teens attended your event?

2. How many did you expect? If attendance was lower than expected, what can be done to increase it next time?

3. What was the overall feedback from everyone who participated?

4. What would you do differently for your next event? What would you do the same?

1. Use Tripadvisor.com to scout new ideas for recreational activities.

2. Create a WhatsApp group and include everyone who is involved in running the program. You can use this as your main form of communication with everyone.

EVENTS

17

CTeen’s Programs connection teen

For teens, by teens

CTeen Connection CTeen’s blog and magazine is written for teens, by teens. It is an amazing outlet to share your voice, creativity, and inspiration.

Get Involved: › Assign one teen in your chapter to write reports and send articles about your chapter’s events to the CTeen Connection. › Submit artwork, poetry, or articles to be used on the blog or in the magazine.

Contact: Leigh Hershkovich at connection@cteen.com

Here is a list of our programs, as well as helpful tips on how you can implement them in your chapters and communities.

Additional information about all the programs listed below can be found on www.cteen.com >>>

CTeen Mitzvah Bank Bringing Mitzvot to your doorstep, the CTeen Mitzvah Bank provides teens with Judaic items including tefillin, Shabbat candles, and tzitzit.

Get Involved: › Invite your peers and classmates to bring more light into the world by adding on more Mitzvot. Host a Mitzvah campaign or raffle at a CTeen event, bring Mitzvah Bank pledge cards to your school or to other local events, show off the power of doing another Mitzvah.

CTeen Xtreme Study and Save Scholarship Program Nothing says summer like CTeen Xtreme’s outdoor adventure program! This travel camp is bursting with adventurous hikes, trips, and thrilling fun with CTeeners from around the world.

The Study and Save Scholarship Program enables teens to earn scholarships for the CTeen Xtreme travel camp by studying prepared Torah lessons and taking review quizzes.

Get Involved: › Organize a study program with your CTeen chapter members and peers. Encourage your friends to join as well.

Campus Connect Experience a taste of a Shabbat with Chabad on Campus and get to know what will become your home away from home while at college.

C

CAMPUS

Get Involved: CONNECT › Ask your director to organize a trip to a Chabad on Campus near you! You can find a list of all Chabad on Campus locations by visiting www.chabad.edu

International Shabbaton The highlight of the CTeen year is the International Shabbaton, which attracts Jewish teens from around the world. A blend of dynamic workshops, spirited Shabbat meals, new friendships, and sightseeing is why teens return year after year.

C

teen

international

Get Involved: › Get all of your friends together and ask them to join your CTeen chapter for this exciting and inspiring Shabbaton. It could be life changing!

T.G.I

Impact Through various volunteer activities across a wide spectrum of causes, teens make this world a better place with Impact.

Impact’s tracking system logs volunteer hours and certifies participants with a transcript that will help teens complete school volunteer quotas and strengthen college applications.

Get Involved: › Look no further for your community service hours. Use Impact to fulfill your volunteer hour needs and to help your community at the same time. Go to impact.cteen.com to sign up. › Invite your friends to get involved. Everyone has to complete their community service hours, and this is a great way to do it and meet new people as well.

SHABBAT Holiday Programs The Jewish holidays come to life through CTeen’s famed Sukkah Hops, Menorah Parades, Purim Masquerades, High Holiday congregations, Lag Ba’Omer bonfires, and Passover activities.

Get Involved: › Bring the excitement of the holidays to your friends and your community; set up CTeen holiday programs at local high schools, senior centers, and more.

KFC The Kosher Food Club, a co-curricular high school club, serves as a humanitarian initiative by promoting healthy lifestyles and feeding the homeless, as well as providing educational and hands-on experiences of traditional Jewish foods.

Get Involved: › Help bring KFC to your high school! Speak to your CTeen chapter director about coordinating and running a KFC club at your school.

CTEEN’S PROGRAMS

19

FO O D KOSHER

Do not fear the possibility of failure, as it is a lesson for the future.