Social Justice Advocacy: how can I make a difference? By Lindsay Jenna Forman
The other day I opened my local newspaper. There were the regular stories about the presidential campaign, several human-interest stories and some follow-up piece about the cyclone in Burma. What really caught my attention however, was a small blurb in the middle of the fourth page. The headline was, “Farm Bill Gains Big House Majority." That article grabbed me, not because it was particularly interesting, humorous or devastating, but because I, Lindsay Forman, helped make that happen.
Earlier this year, I was privileged to attend the Bernard and Audrey Rapoport L’Taken Social Justice Seminar at the Religious Action Center (RAC) in Washington, DC. This four day long study kallah is an intensive program focused on learning how to become the best political advocate you can be for Jewish Social Justice Issues. The topic I had chosen to lobby about over the weekend was hunger and homelessness.
When I met with staff people at the offices of my congressman, I had urged them to support the Farm Bill – the very same bill that was being talked about in the newspaper! The Farm Bill is a complex piece of legislation involving everything that you could think about that has to do with food…and then some. According to the RAC, the Reform Movement agrees with the bill and is urging all congress people to support it.
While I chose to talk about hunger and homelessness, the other 200+ participants could choose from a variety of topics about which to speak with their congress people. Popular topics included reproductive rights, Israel and foreign policy. All of the participants prepared individual or group speeches and all of them were given the same opportunity I had – to make their voice heard in government!
My experience at the RAC L’Taken Seminar was unforgettable, and one of the most educational experiences I have ever had. I have since used the skills that I learned to write more effective letters and e-mails to my congress people, urging them to support legislation on other topics that I care about. I have also found that the knowledge I gained about how the United States government works has proven valuable for various projects and discussions I have had about current world affairs.
I would recommend the L’Taken Seminar to anyone! Taking your rightful place in the United States democracy and standing up for Jewish social justice issues is an incredible feeling – and your right as a citizen!
RELATED QUESTIONS
I’ve participated in the L’Taken Seminar already! Where else can I go to learn more about Jewish social justice? The URJ and NFTY run fantastic summer programs called Mitzvah Corps which are (on average) month long intensive summer programs focused on hands-on volunteering in cities across the United States. Check out www.nfty.org/mitzvahcorps for more information about these programs. Also, talk to your rabbis and congregation members about topics that are important to you – one of the greatest places for Jewish debate is at your synagogue! (Who would have guessed..?!)
This sounds great – how can I sign up? The L’Taken Seminar is not an event that you can attend on your own. All participants attend with their temple youth group, Confirmation class or other organized group. When I attended there were groups from all over the country. If you are interested in attending this weekend you should talk to your rabbi, cantor educator or youth advisor. Perhaps the Hebrew high school at your synagogue could attend! Once you’ve gotten your group and chaperones together, head on over to www.rac.org to sign up!
TAKING ACTION
Lobby for legislation You can still lobby for legislation about topics that you care about without going to the L’Taken Seminar, though it definitely helps. All that you need to do is a bit of research. When you are writing your letters or emails, or visiting the offices of your senators and representatives, you should refer to the bill that you are supporting or rejecting by name – it makes it much easier for you and your congressperson to be on the same page! Also, the federal government is not the only important thing – you should always be aware of what laws and ordinances are being discussed in your state and local governments, and lobby with them, as well!
REGISTER TO VOTE! If you are or will be 18 by Election Day you really should register to vote. There is not a single more effective way of letting your voice be heard by the U.S. Government. Registering is only the first step, though; the most important part is to actually go to the voting booth and pull the lever (or push the screen if you have those new digital voting machines in your district…) If you are going away to college make sure you find out how to obtain an absentee ballot – you really don’t want to miss your chance to vote! And if you won’t be old enough to vote, talk to everyone you know who is to make sure that they register and vote.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What is the most important Jewish Social Justice Issue today?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Jenna Forman is a senior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended the Pittsburgh Public High School for the Creative and Performing Arts where she majored in guitar and recording technology. Lindsay is an active participant and four year executive board member in her youth group, PARTY, from Temple Sinai. In her free time Lindsay enjoys being outside, interpretive dance, advocating for Jewish Social Justice Issues and clicking daily at the Hunger Site.com! Lindsay participated for four fantastic years in the Meitav Fellowship, went to Israel with EIE AVIV 07 and has attended the URJ Kutz Camp and Bay Area Mitzvah Corps. She is looking forward to spending the summer at the pool as a lifeguard at the URJ Kutz Campus!
You are receiving this e-mail because you have subscribed to this newsletter at the iTorah website. If you do not want to receive this monthly e-mail, please go to www.urj.org/enews/itorah to unsubscribe. Please know that the Union for Reform Judaism do not sell, market or distribute e-mail addresses (see the Union's privacy policy at www.urj.org/privacy).
Multimedia: 