In an effort to engage youth in service, social justice and philanthropy efforts that are meaningful to them, BBYO has launched a campaign called Stand Up: BBYO’s Campaign For Those in Need, aimed at getting teens involved locally with partner organizations that support causes that matter most to their communities.

Launched in February at BBYO’s International Convention 2009 in New Jersey, this innovative program expands the service, advocacy and social justice work BBYO has always done through a new, localized approach. Across the organization, which currently involves nearly 28,000 teens around the world, local chapters are learning about those most in need in their local communities and developing strategies to address those issues this year.

“I can’t wait to get involved with a campaign that calls attention to a local problem that we can actually fix,” said Natalie Itzhakov, a senior from Dallas, TX. “Participating in a one-day service project is always great, but having the chance to be a part of an ongoing relationship with just one community organization will be absolutely amazing.”

Together through Stand Up, BBYO is building a movement of teens who care deeply about making the world a better place and have the motivation and skills to do so, as education about issues and community activism is a core component of the program.

Stand Up has prompted teens to construct creative advocacy work within their communities such as:

    * Hosting a Walk-A-Thon for Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research, a foundation started by the parents of a BBG alumna who passed away from a brain tumor, in Mountain Region.

    * Creating a Dance-A-Thon to support youth in Bulgaria, in DC Council.

    * Staying up all night to bring awareness to issues surrounding hunger, in Wisconsin Region.

    * Collecting over 10,000 food items for local food banks, in Greater Jersey Hudson River Region.

    * Cooking dinner for some 70 families who have children that are cancer patients, in Omaha and Mid-America Region.

“BBYO has been focused on making the world a better place since its inception 85 years ago,” said Shayna Kreisler,” BBYO’s Stand Up Project Manager. “In today’s modern world, young people can make an impact like never before through communication and outreach and Stand Up really calls them to action to put those skills to work.”

Click here  to visit the official EARLY Act website or click  Jewish Youth Program to learn more about BBYO’s Stand Up for Those in Need Campaign.