NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
Portland, Oregon Section
Advocacy Programs
Sarah
Wetherson, State Public Affairs Chair
The National Council of Jewish Women has been at the forefront of
social change, both locally and nationally, 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.
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Our pioneering advocacy program helps members and supporters
speak courageously with a progressive voice at the local, state
and federal levels. NCJW’s Washington D.C. office is at the
forefront among Jewish organizations in championing important issues
with lawmakers and policymakers. |
During the bi-annual Oregon legislative sessions, Portland
Section members travel to the state capitol to talk to senators
and representatives about issues that will impact women, families and
children. Members also use tools provided by national NCJW, such as
e-mail alerts and issue papers, to voice their opinions on important
issues.
Our major ongoing advocacy efforts center around:
Preserving
women’s reproductive rights: NCJW
created the national Benchmark program, aimed
at preserving Roe v Wade by opposing the appointment
of inappropriate judges to courts at all levels.
NCJW also works against local and federal laws
that seek to restrict a woman’s
right to make reproductive choices.
The separation of religion and state: NCJW believes
this is a constitutional principle that must be protected in order
to maintain a democratic society.
The well-being of women, children and families: This
has been a core issue of NCJW since its founding. Locally and nationally,
the organization works to reduce poverty and fight all forms of harassment,
violence and abuse against women.
Individual and civil rights: NCJW
supports legislation against hate-crimes, supports
equal rights for same-sex couples and works to preserve civil liberties
and civil rights for everyone.
