NCJW Changemakers Join Top Political Leaders and Policy Experts for Washington Institute Policy Conference
March 5, 2004, Washington, DC -- More than 500 volunteer activists from the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will come together in Washington, DC from March 7-10, 2004 for the organization’s triennial public policy conference. Members of Congress, the Administration, and policy experts will brief the participants who come from more than 30 states. After briefings and advocacy strategy sessions, the NCJW members will take the key issues of the institute to their members of Congress on Tuesday, March 9. These issues are: support for early childhood programs; judicial nominations (opposition to confirmation of Claude Allen), opposition to religious discrimination in faith-based social services, support for the “Freedom of Choice Act,” and opposition to the “Unborn Victims of Violence Act.”
“The spirit of education, intelligent debate, and informed action form the heart of Washington Institute” said NCJW President Marsha Atkind. "Through this event, NCJW members from around the country who send thousands of emails and letters to legislators each year will have a chance to meet their Senators and Representatives in person. Today in the nation's capital, decisions are being made that may well undo a legacy of social progress. This is a legacy in which NCJW has played an important role, taking action for 110 years to ensure the well-being of women, children, and families and fighting to preserve individual rights and freedoms. It takes the courage of each individual and the voices of many to secure social justice."
Washington Institute speakers include: Jewish feminist Susannah Heschel, Newsweek Contributing Editor Eleanor Clift, NARAL Pro-Choice America President Kate Michelman, and NOW President Kim Gandy. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy will join a panel discussion on women legislators, moderated by NCJW Honorary President and State Representative Nan Rich (D-FL). Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) will receive the NCJW Social Action Award in recognition of outstanding leadership in the fight for social justice.
NCJW will also honor others during the conference. The Woman Who Dared Award will be presented to American Civil Liberties Union President Nadine Strossen for her leadership in defense of civil liberties and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) for dedication to women's and civil rights. Certificates of recognition will go to Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) for leadership on specific issues.
The National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization that has been at the forefront of social change for over a century. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms through programs and projects initiated by its network of 90,000 members and supporters nationwide.
Contact:
Sammie Moshenberg
202 296 2588; action@ncjwdc.org