Date with the State: Wednesday, Feb. 5
bus departs Sandler Family Campus at 8:45 am
CRC Briefing on Date with the State: Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 pm
Mix civic responsibility, democracy, political action, Jewish values, and history, add a healthy dose of elbow rubbing with powerful people, and you’ll get an idea of what it’s like to participate in Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day.
Held annually at the General Assembly in Richmond, the event brings representatives from all Jewish communities throughout Virginia to hold meetings with their city, county, or regional delegates and senators, and to join in a communal lunch. In the past, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and/or Attorney General speak during the lunch hour. All are invited.
The Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is organizing the area’s delegation for this year’s Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day.
In face-to-face meetings, small groups of community members will visit their elected officials’ private offices to share concerns about legislative decisions affecting their cities, relay information about crucial programs and agencies, and create visible, tangible evidence of a vocal, voting and informed citizenry.
“It is vital that our senators and delegates continue to hear from us in Richmond during the upcoming General Assembly session,” says Betty Ann Levin, executive director of JFS.
“At JFS, we are currently working with legislators on a budget amendment to reinstate funding which allows us to provide vital services to our community’s most vulnerable citizens,” Levin says. “We need community members to advocate for us this year, more than ever.”
Space is still available. RSVP by Jan. 17 to LHenderson@ujft.org, or call 965-6107.
The CRC’s Insiders’ Briefing on Thurs., Jan. 30, will provide all registered attendees with detailed talking points and lobbying tips for their “Date with the State.” It takes place at the Sandler Family Campus.
$36 helps defray the cost of bus transportation, kosher lunch and materials. For more information, visit JewishVA.org/CRC.
by Laine Mednick Rutherford