Dear Congregants,
In each e-KI we share a link to the weekly update from the Religious Action Center (RAC), the political and legislative outreach arm of Reform Judaism in the United States.
My hope is that, as a congregation immersed in Tikkun Olam, particularly at a local level, our congregants would want to find out more about current issues that are supported by the Union for Reform Judaism.
I have had the opportunity to attend the RAC’s, Consultation on Conscious, that occurs biennially in Washington DC. In 2019 our KI delegation lobbied our Representatives and Senators on two different issues; creating a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and TPS holders and evening the playing field in the job market for formerly incarcerated people.
While Lobbying was an adventure for me, it was also a thrill to be up on the Hill in Washington DC, and view the Capital from the perspective of someone making a difference rather than just a visitor. Lobbying also helps our community build relationships in order to help make our long-term advocacy successful.
I believe it is our moral obligation to ensure that the Reform Movement’s values are heard on Capitol Hill, and having this experience along with hundreds of other congregants from around the country shows the force and breadth of our Movement.
Due to the pandemic, we may not be lobbying in person this year but there continue to be pressing issues that need a response. If you are personally interested in finding out more about current issues supported by our movement, click on the links to the Legislative Updates on the RAC website (rac.org) Take Action Now. You can personally fill out messages to your representatives there.
Here are two issues that are pressing at the moment:
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most severe public health and economic crisis in a century. The U.S. has reported the most cases and deaths in the world and tens of millions are facing unemployment, food scarcity, and housing insecurity due to the economic fallout from the pandemic. Urge Congress to support communities most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Prioritize Climate action and environmental justice by urging our members of Congress to support legislation that puts us on the path to a clean energy economy, restores American leadership on climate action, safeguards the natural world, advances environmental justice, and facilitates a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Sincerely,
Janice
Our Southeastern Pennsylvania Delegation in May of 2019.
