Every other year the four Texas sections of NCJW gather in Austin to advocate. We estimate that with our families, friends and coalition partners, we influence about 85,000 Texas voters.  The issues for this year are Foster Care Reform, Human Trafficking, Public School defense against Charter School Vouchers, and Reproductive Justice.

We go to the capitol prepared with packets and talking points and meet with our Representatives and Senators.  During our presentations we focus on specific bills that we favor or oppose.  For our Dallas section, our VPs of Public Affairs and our State Policy Advocate, currently Elaine Bernstein and Jayme Cohen plan and schedule the legislative visits, the materials about the current bills, as well as the meeting venues, speakers, and other logistics.  Thank you !!

During the day and evening before our Capitol visits, we hear eminent speakers briefing us on this year’s issues. Also, we get to visit with Texas NCJW friends and acquaintances. Most of our NCJW Dallas events include fascinating educational speakers who offer insights into significant current topics.

Given the progressive values of our organization, we often find that our Texas legislators do not agree with our efforts to improve the lives of under-served women, children and families.  As we seek legislative support, we often cope with “agreeing to disagree”. Adaptive persistence has been a key element in our International National Council of Jewish Women organization for over 100 years.  We always achieve milestones of progress.

Friendships and good food add to the overall bonding and inspiration we get from these legislative visits.

 

 

 

 

 

The First Day Experts Spoke to us about the Issues we were going to present to our legislators.

We prepared our presentations.

At the Capitol