As the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Women of Vision group enters the second year of its “Understanding Equity” theme, the Advocacy Committee is leading the charge to increase awareness and knowledge of areas within social justice where members can create the most change. As part of this commitment, Women of Vision will be making a more concerted effort to collaborate and partner with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Jewish Federation’s department that focuses on educational programs and advocacy initiatives in Greater Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Washington, D.C. and Israel.
Through this partnership, the Advocacy Committee will both present educational programs about pressing issues facing self-identifying Jewish women and girls and bring attention to JCRC advocacy initiatives. One such opportunity will be Advocacy Day in Harrisburg on September 12, which is in partnership with JCRC and other groups, where we will meet with representatives and advocate on issues of reproductive health, antisemitism and hate crimes, and violence prevention.
If you wish to play a greater role in the Jewish Federation’s advocacy efforts, there are opportunities to serve on one of the following JCRC committees and task forces:
- Israel and World Jewry Committee
- Domestic Affairs Committee
- Holocaust Education and Remembrance Committee
- Gun Responsibility Task Force
- Religious Freedom Task Force
Currently, the Religious Freedom Task Force is looking for new members that could bring issues of concern happening within their communities, including school districts, to the group and speak out to the larger public about encouraging equal opportunity for everyone.
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If you are interested in learning more about or getting further involved in JCRC’s work, or if you become aware of an antisemitic or hate-based issue in your local school district, please reach out to WOV Director Shara Swift at sswift@jewishphilly.org or Government Affairs Director Robin Schatz at rschatz@jewishphilly.org.
