EIN ERLEBNIS FÜR ALLE GENERATIONEN
Explore opportunities to be a part of the IC magic, and help make it happen.
Wenn Sie Fragen zu Personal, Freiwilligenarbeit oder anderen Engagements bei IC haben, wenden Sie sich an das IC Customer Service Team.
As International Convention continues to grow each year, the interest and enthusiasm from BBYO advisors, parents, partners, and alumni is nothing short of inspiring. Now, we’re looking for the very best teammates eager to help give delegates the best week of their lives at IC 2026!
Each February, BBYO brings together a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to support and connect with teens from around the world and enrich the overall IC experience. IC strengthens delegates' Jewish identity, empowers teens to lead with vision and purpose, and inspires a deep commitment to community — and none of it is possible without passionate, dynamic role models like you. Fluency in Spanish, Russian, German, Hebrew, French, or other languages is a big plus and helps us better support our global delegation.
The IC Staff Application is now closed. We are in the process of reviewing applications; applicants can expect to be notified of their status by the end of October. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Abrams.
Curious about what it’s like to be part of the IC team? Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about staffing BBYO International Convention — everything you need to know to get involved and help make this experience possible for Jewish teens.
Our external staff play a vital role in ensuring IC runs smoothly, and it’s important that all staff are there from start to finish (February 10–16, 2026) to receive proper training and contribute fully to both the staff and teen experience. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate staff who are not available for the duration of convention.
Being a part of the external staff team is a volunteer opportunity offered to BBYO advisors, parents, alumni and supporters. While this is a volunteer role and not a paid position, BBYO will cover the cost of your transportation to and from Philadelphia (up to a certain amount which will be shared prior to registration). BBYO will also provide staff with housing accommodations and three meals a day, for the duration of your time staffing convention.
The IC experience is like no other and the staff are a key component to making the magic happen! If accepted, you will have the option to share your interests in a variety of staff assignments during the registration process. Examples include staffing the welcome center, registration, Shuk, transitions, and more. Some staff assignments are weeklong teams, and some are programmatic or operational. Everyone’s experience at IC is unique, and we’ll use your interests to help create a meaningful and memorable one for you.
We do a mix of training both virtual and in person to get you prepared for IC! You will arrive at IC on Tuesday for orientation, a few days before most teens arrive onsite. If this is your first IC, you will also be invited to a pre-IC call for first-time staff in January. You will be assigned to a cohort, and your cohort lead will be there to support you and prepare you for success throughout the week.
All applicants accepted to staff IC 2026 in Philadelphia will need to complete IC compliance that includes signing off on any BBYO polices and all PA compliance requirements.
Step 1: Pennsylvania Background Check
This verifies criminal history information from the Pennsylvania State Police. These checks aim to assess the suitability of individuals for to have contact with children or other vulnerable populations.
Step 2: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check
A child abuse history clearance, also known as an Act 151 clearance, is required for certain individuals working with children or volunteering in settings where they might interact with minors. This clearance is a check to ensure individuals are not listed in the state's child abuse registry.
Step 3: FBI Fingerprint Check or Review/Sign a Disclosure Statement
“Federal Criminal History Records/FBI Check” is a check of federal criminal history informationobtained by the submission of a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent. If you have resided in Pennsylvania for ten years consecutively, you are not required to complete an FBI fingerprint check and will instead be asked to sign a waiver.
External staff applications will close on September 21, 2025. We intend to make our selections and update you on your status by October 27, 2025.
We’ll be looking for 300+ volunteers in a variety of roles from Wednesday, February 11 through Monday, February 16. Opportunities for volunteering will be distributed across convenient shifts, and all volunteers are provided with full access to IC including signature events like Opening Ceremonies, IC Limmud, and the BBYO Celebrates concert.
Can’t volunteer during IC itself? We also need volunteers during Global Ambassadors Week, February 5–11, supporting our International Delegates and behind-the-scenes logistics leading up to IC.
Sign up to be part of the team that powers IC 2026!
Everything you need to know about how to get involved, support our global delegations, and help make this experience possible for Jewish teens from around the world is listed below. If you have any further questions, please reach out to our IC Volunteer Team at icvolunteers@bbyo.org.
Volunteers support IC in a different way than full-time convention staff. While staff are required to be on-site for the full week, volunteers may participate for part of IC and/or during Global Ambassadors Week (February 5–11), based on their availability. Volunteer roles are offered in flexible, scheduled shifts during Global Ambassadors Week and International Convention (February 11–16), allowing you to jump in where support is most needed.To ensure continuity and make the greatest impact, we encourage volunteers to commit to at least two shifts, though additional availability is always appreciated. All volunteers will receive clear role expectations and on-site support so they feel prepared and valued.
Volunteers for International Convention and Global Ambassadors Week must be at least one full year out of high school, meaning they must have graduated in 2024 or earlier. We welcome BBYO advisors, alumni, parents, and community supporters who are excited to give their time, support Jewish teens, and be part of an unforgettable experience. No prior IC experience is required — just a willingness to help, show up, and be part of the team.
Volunteering with BBYO during International Convention (IC) and Global Ambassadors Week (GAW) is an unpaid volunteer opportunity open to BBYO advisors, parents, alumni, and community supporters.
IC Volunteers (February 11–16): Volunteers supporting International Convention will receive a volunteer t-shirt, water, and a small snack during their scheduled shifts. No additional meals, housing, or transportation are included.
GAW Volunteers (February 5–11): Volunteer roles during Global Ambassadors Week do not include meals, snacks, apparel, or transportation.
All volunteers are responsible for their own transportation and parking related to their shifts, and we encourage volunteers to plan accordingly when selecting their availability.
Volunteer shifts are offered across Global Ambassadors Week (February 5–11) and International Convention (February 11–16).
Global Ambassadors Week (GAW) Shift Times:
Thursday, 2/5: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, 12:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM
Friday, 2/6: 7:00–9:00 AM, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM
Saturday, 2/7: 6:00–7:30 PM, 10:00–11:30 PM
Sunday, 2/8: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, 12:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM
Monday, 2/9: 7:00–9:00 AM, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM
Tuesday, 2/10: 7:00–9:00 AM, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, 4:30–6:30 PM
Wednesday, 2/11 (GAW): 7:00–9:00 AM, 9:00AM–5:00 PM
International Convention (IC) Shift Times:
Wednesday, 2/11: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 1:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM
Thursday, 2/12: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, 1:00–5:00PM, 3:00–7:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM, 7:00–11:00 PM
Friday, 2/13: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, 12:00–4:00 PM, 2:00–6:00 PM,4:00–8:00 PM, 6:00–10:00 PM
Saturday, 2/14: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 1:00–5:00PM, 2:30–6:30 PM, 6:00–10:00 PM, 7:00–11:00 PM
Sunday, 2/15: 12:00–4:00 PM, 3:00–7:00 PM, 4:00–8:00 PM, 7:00–11:00 PM
Monday, 2/16: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Volunteers will select their availability during registration, and assignments will be scheduled based on operational needs. We encourage volunteers to commit to at least two shifts whenever possible.
IC Volunteers support the on-site execution of International Convention through shift-based roles that help programs, transitions, Shabbat experiences, teen supervision, and more run smoothly. Roles vary in physical activity level and are assigned based on availability, interests, and on-site needs.
GAW Volunteers support the week leading up to IC by assisting with transportation and logistics for international delegations, including airport pick-ups, daily carpools, and on-call support. These roles are best suited for volunteers with reliable transportation and flexible availability.
Not sure which role is right for you? Detailed role descriptions, including responsibilities and physicality, are available here to help you find the best fit.
All volunteers will need to complete IC compliance that includes signing off on any BBYO policies and all PA compliance requirements.
Step 1: Pennsylvania Background Check
This verifies criminal history information from the Pennsylvania State Police. These checks aim to assess the suitability of individuals for to have contact with children or other vulnerable populations.
Step 2: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Check
A child abuse history clearance, also known as an Act 151 clearance, is required for certain individuals working with children or volunteering in settings where they might interact with minors. This clearance is a check to ensure individuals are not listed in the state's child abuse registry.
If you’re already registered for the Community Reception or another IC experience, you can still volunteer! Simply complete the Volunteer Registration Form, where you’ll be able to view and select from available volunteer shifts across Global Ambassadors Week (February 5–11) and International Convention (February 11–16), including specific dates and time slots.
Angesichts der Hunderte von Sessions und Erlebnissen in wenigen Tagen nehmen wir bereits jetzt Kontakt zu den großen Talenten und interaktiven Partnern des nächsten Jahres auf. Wenn Sie oder Ihr Unternehmen sich an unserer Veranstaltung beteiligen möchten, wenden Sie sich bitte an das IC Leadership Team.
Wenn Sie außerdem Verbindungen zu Rednern, Veranstaltungsorten oder Unternehmen haben, die sich hervorragend für unseren Kongress eignen würden, melden Sie sich bitte!
