Preparing for Victory: Public Policy in 2009

I had the privilege last month to take part in President Obama's bill signing ceremony for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a bill that advances women's equality and fairness in the workplace. As I walked into the East Wing of the White House as a representative of NCJW, I was overwhelmed with both pride and a sense of purpose. That day, I carried with me the work, dreams, and hopes of each of you and all of the women who have strived through NCJW to create lasting, tangible, meaningful change.

NCJW has earned an honored place in this nation by successfully fighting for bold change that powerfully impacts the lives of women, children, and families. We earned this place collectively, with decades of compassionate service and courageous advocacy -- locally and nationally, in your community, and even online.

Already in 2009, we have seen the ability of grassroots advocacy to spur progress in Washington. In addition to the wage discrimination protections put in place by the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, we can cite positive and significant developments in children's health insurance (passage of SCHIP), international reproductive rights (repeal of the infamous "global gag rule"), and civil liberties (closure of Guantanamo and condemnation of torture).

NCJW's longstanding commitment to social justice is apparent in these victories. The personal conversations I had at the White House with Lilly Ledbetter, President Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama only confirmed that NCJW has been active in making a difference.  

But make no mistake -- our work is not done. In the days ahead, we will face new challenges as we strive to advance the public policy agenda outlined in NCJW's Vision for America. Your involvement will be more important than ever as we work for economic justice, health care reform, comprehensive sex-ed, and many other critical issues. And through the NCJW Action Center, you will continue to have opportunities to make your voice heard.

Our strength will come from our collective voice. That is why we must be ready to speak out together. To ensure we are heard loud and clear, we must build our numbers in the NCJW Action Center. Please help us turn up the volume by encouraging others to speak with you.  
Tell 10 friends about NCJW today, so we are poised for more victories tomorrow.

With a faith in the future and a belief in action,

Nancy Ratzan
NCJW President