No one has a better perspective on the importance of BBYO than Rosie Frydman. She’s been involved with the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization-Wisconsin Region since she was a teenager.
She joined the organization while in high school and served as president of her chapter, Leo N. Levi BBG, in the early 1970s. After college she was a chapter advisor.
She said, “I’ve been part of BBYO most of my teen and adult life — because I think it’s such a dynamic, multi-dimensional organization.”
At its annual meeting Wednesday, she received its national Gold Key Award from the B’nai B’rith Youth Commission in recognition of her distinguished and outstanding service.
Frydman, who is completing a four-year term as chair of the Wisconsin Region, has served on the board of directors for 15 years.
“While there are many great youth organizations, BBYO is run by the kids, which offers them a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills. For me, it’s been very exciting to see their talents blossom,” she said.
She added, “Also, I love that BBYO is more than a local organization. It has state, national and international programming, which allows kids to hook up with peers from all over the country and the world.”
Over the years, she feels BBYO has kept up with the ever-changing needs of teens. “I think the organization’s mission, together with local staff has always been flexible to address issues facing the teen population of that moment. There have been some lean years, but BBYO always bounces back because it offers such a wide variety of programming — whether it be religious, social, athletic or leadership development. I think there is something that appeals to everyone.”
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