Stand UP : Animal Rights , Reunion E How do Jewish values intersect with the way we treat animals ? How can we promote animal welfare in our home communities through a Jewish lens ? Explore the world of factory farming and ethical food consumption with the Jewish Initiative for Animals , and learn about relevant legal rights and wildlife conservation law with a real world “ pet attorney .” Participants in this session will also spend time on the ground at the SPCA and Dallas Animal Services and their animal residents , learning about issues facing shelter pets and doing hands-on projects that promote animal welfare . Facilitator ( s ): Yolanda Eisenstein , Nonprofit Lawyer , Grant Writer , Animal Advocate , Author ; Dr . Aaron Gross , Founder & CEO of Farm Forward , Jewish Initiative for Animals ; Representatives from Dallas Animal Services and SPCA of Texas
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Stand UP : Civil Rights , Cumberland I / J Get exclusive access to learn from and engage with prominent civil rights leaders in this interactive session exploring racial justice issues today . Become a racial justice advocate as you receive training from members of the NAACP , the nation ' s oldest and largest civil rights organization and learn how being an ally is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust , consistency and accountability with people and groups who are discriminated against . You ' ll also have a chance to engage with a cast of experienced political operatives on how to best advocate for civil rights with elected leaders . Facilitator ( s ): Quincy Bates , Southwestern Regional Organizer , NAACP ; Jonathon Bray , Campaign Manager , Deborah Ross for Senate 2016 ; Linara Davidson , Regional Political Director , Hillary for America 2016 ; Mitchell S . Jackson , TED Fellow , Author and Activist ; Kirsten Kukowski , Communications Director , Scott Walker 2016 ; Tim Miller , Partner at Definers Public Affairs ; Brittany Packnett , Vice President National Community Alliances , Teach for America and Co-founder , Campaign Zero ; Michael Skolnik , CEO , The SOZE Agency ; John Weaver , Republican Campaign Strategist ; Eboni Williams , Political and Legal Contributor
Stand UP : Disability Awareness , Yavneh Academy of Dallas We talk a lot about inclusion in BBYO , but what does that really mean and how can you be an inclusion ally and advocate in your community ? Hear from teen leader , Brandon Farbstein , as well as Brittany Déjean of AbleThrive , as they share personal stories about how their experiences with disabilities helped them reframe inclusion as an opportunity to build community and celebrate differences . Participants in this session will learn from thought leaders representing organizations including Keshet and Matan Kids , explore inclusion through a Jewish lens and dive into hands-on workshopping of specific solutions to ensure that chapter programs and initiatives can accommodate all participants . Facilitator ( s ): Brittany Déjean , Executive Director of AbleThrive ; Brandon Farbstein , Teen Leader and Motivational Speaker ; Jennifer Phillips , Director of Recreation & Summer Programming at Keshet ; Ruti Regan , Rabbinic Disability Scholar in Residence at Matan Kids
Stand UP : Education , KIPP : Dallas Fort Worth Calling all literary lovers and education enthusiasts ! Participants in this direct-service session will be the stewards of all books collected and donated by BBYO teens coming to Dallas , to be presented to KIPP : Dallas-Fort Worth students . After sorting book donations , you will hear from the co-founder of KIPP , Mike Feinberg , as well as the teen founder of Bags of Books , BBG Alexa Grabelle , about their ongoing efforts to make an impact around the country by supporting literacy for students in low-income communities . You will also spend time reading with students , inscribing books to inspire a love of reading , and creating literacy packets for students in need . Facilitator ( s ): Mike Feinberg , CEO , KIPP ( Knowledge is Power Program ) Public Charter Schools ; Alexa Grabelle , Teen Leader and Founder , Bags of Books
Stand UP : Environmental Education , Lady Bird Johnson Middle School Are you scientifically inclined or an environmental enthusiast ? Join this session as we explore what it means to be an environmental activist , as well as the important role we play in taking care of the earth around us . Participants will get up close and personal with an expert from The Weather Channel to learn about global climate trends and delve into tips and tricks for what we can do to effectively nurture , protect and advocate on behalf of the world around us . From reducing your own carbon footprint to speaking up and exercising your rights as a citizen , learn how you can make a positive impact on the environment . Facilitator ( s ): Michael Braby , Energy Efficiency Technical Lead , Texas Instruments ; Jen Brady , Data Analyst , Cimate Central ; Mark Elliot , Meteorologist , The Weather Channel
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