Last year JUFJ came together with the Edlavitch DCJCC’s Morris Cafritz Center for Social Responsibility for the second time for a 3-part training series called “Think Jewishly, Act Locally.” These workshops were grounded in the idea that when people who share our Jewish values come together, we can make a tremendous difference in our local communities. Participants learned about local activism, how the DC budget can reflect our morals and values, and how to speak truth to power and make change right here where we live.

In 5784 these workshops were a huge success, with over 100 attendees across the 3 trainings. One participant said:

“JUFJ’s Changemaking in Local Government workshop helped me connect the dots between issues I care about and who has influence over them in DC’s government. In a city that we too often see as only the nation’s capital, it was energizing to share space with so many neighbors who care about the needs of all who call DC home.”

Many of the participants from Think Jewishly, Act Locally have gone on to join campaigns in support of social, racial, and economic justice; lobby Councilmembers; and testify in front of the DC Council. Another participant said:

“JUFJ’s Speaking Your Truth to Power workshop made me think about personal story development and sharing in a whole new way: in a way that can move forward the policies that I care about deeply and that can motivate policymakers to enact those policies. It was a great reminder to me of the changemaking power that exists within us all!”

This year we want to expand the reach of these trainings by inviting Jewish communities and institutions (or groups within them) to co-sponsor the event. Here’s what that can look like:

• Adding your organization’s name and logo to event materials
• Your organization or group shares the event with your members and list
• Encouraged but not required:
  • At least one representative of your organization or group attends the trainings
  • Financial contribution of up to $360 (This helps cover costs, primarily the provision of a Kosher meal to every attendee)

All trainings will take place at the Edlavitch DCJCC. The workshop information is as follows:

When people who share our Jewish values come together, we can make a tremendous difference in our local communities. That is a key principle of JUFJ’s organizing, and it’s why we’re partnering with Jewish organizations across DC on our third Think Jewishly, Act Locally series of exciting educational and social events.

Join us throughout February at the JCC (1529 16th St NW) for free food and learning. Sign up for any of the events using the images or event titles below to connect with other Jews in DC who share our values as we discuss local activism, how the DC budget can reflect our morals and values, and how to speak truth to power and make change right here where we live.

Thank you to our cosponsors: Avodah, Bet Mishpachah, DC Minyan, Hill Havurah, the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, SEA Change, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, and Washington Hebrew Congregation.