ADVOCACY
As a volunteer organization of activist women since 1909, NCJW/LA has developed generations of women leaders and advocates serving the nonprofit and civic communities.
NCJW/LA members have tackled important issues through the decades. Its advocacy issues have included women’s right to vote, child care for working mothers, equal rights for women, legal sanctions against domestic violence regardless of sexual orientation, equal rights regardless of sexual orientation, improved public education, human trafficking, legal rights for immigrants, reproductive rights and family planning options, separation of religion and state, welfare reform, and other issues that impact the well-being of women, children, and families.
Advocacy Committee members take action and give testimony to local, state, and national legislators based on NCJW/LA’s own client data as well as research studies. In addition, they participate in coalitions, write letters to legislators, and educate the community on current social issues.
The Committee organizes campaigns to support or oppose legislation, and it often joins forces with other coalitions and organizations to create broader collective power.
NCJW/LA’s Advocacy Committee has also assisted in demonstrations and rallies as opportunities for public participation in making change. When NCJW/LA learned that abortion opponents intended to target women’s health clinics in Los Angeles, it participated in organizing a “Wall of Women,” creating a human barrier to protect clinic workers and patients.
NCJW/LA’s activists regularly participate in training at local, state, and national events, gathering with others to learn about advocacy and emerging social issues. NCJW/LA is part of a nationwide network of NCJW sections that can be brought into action with the click of a mouse.
The impact of NCJW/LA’s services increases when members advocate changing the social conditions, improving the quality of life for the women, children, and families, and addressing the needs of the community we serve.
Programs
- Action Alerts—Members can sign up to receive information and updates via email about one or more core issues and are kept informed when action is needed.
- Workshops—These programs educate our community on ways to become more involved in the legislative process.
- Lunchtime Speaker Series—This monthly series of programs educates NCJW/LA members and the general public about core issues through speakers, panel discussions, and field trips. Participants have the opportunity to learn from legislators, educators, and activists about current state and local issues as well as discuss the agenda for women and children.
- Washington Institute—Members from across the country come together at NCJW’s premier advocacy event to listen to outstanding speakers and grassroots activists as they explore the key issues facing women, children, and families today. Held once every three years, the Washington Institute is also an opportunity to meet with senators and representatives to discuss issues of concern.
- Women In Action Lobby Day (WIALD)—This annual event held in Sacramento allows women from across the state the opportunity to network as well as meet with their legislative representatives and advocate on state issues. NCJW sections from across California participate.
Core Issues
- Stopping Domestic Violence
- Stopping Human Trafficking
- Child Care
- Education
- Environment
- Gun Control
- Reproductive Rights
- Judicial Appointments
- Health Care
- Separation of Church and State
- Individual Rights
For More Information
To learn more about the National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles’s Advocacy efforts and programs, contact Ruth Williams, Director of Advocacy, at 323-852-8503 or ruth@ncjwla.org.