JCA Teens at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's L'taken Social Justice Conference
This past weekend 15 JCA and Beit Ahavah teens traveled to Washington DC to participate in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's L'taken Social Justice Conference.
Students participated in a range of educational sessions exploring various topics including a lobbying simulation exercise to learn more about how money and power influence politics, a session on the legislative process, and sessions delving deeper into the Jewish values behind legislation addressing anti-semitism, LGBTQ+ rights, disability education rights, environmental justice, and more.
Participants were then guided through the process of writing a persuasive and passionate lobbying speech on the topic of their choice, and on Monday morning had the opportunity to give those speeches to staff at Senator Markey's, Representative Neil's, and Representative McGovern's offices.
In addition the group spent a meaningful afternoon at the National Holocaust Museum, and had the opportunity to tour the Supreme Court.
Some of the teens and parents have written impact statements, and I wanted to share them with the community below.
The Women of Reform Judaism is offering an adult version (for people of any gender identity) of L'taken in April, including an opportunity for adults to lobby on the Hill. Information at the end.
The trip to DC was an incredible experience for my 16 year old. They had a wonderful time, got to see amazing museums that they loved, and felt closer to the whole group of Jewish teens from our area after sharing this experience with them. But what seems even more life-changing for my kid was having the experience of going in person to a congressperson’s office and lobbying for issues that they care about. They have been politically active for years already but they had never felt like their efforts had real impact. Their experiences with the RAC group this weekend gave them a sense that the congress people really do base their actions on input from lobbyists, and that they as a teenager actually can make a difference. They want to go to DC and do it again!
I am paraphrasing my teenage daughter's exuberance from her recent RAC trip to D.C. from a conversation on the night of her return.
"It was absolutely life changing. The entire weekend felt like a fever dream in its intensity and impact. In so many ways I grew and changed. My experience helped me realize and confirm the belief I have in myself that had, until this weekend, laid dormant. The belief that emerges in me now is that well-constructed communication, community and determination can effect change - both in the world and in me."
__________
"During the L'Taken trip, I feel that I have become more connected with my Judaism. Writing the speech for Rep. McGovern reintroduced me to my fight to end antisemitism. Also, the Holocaust museum gave me a new look on the hardships of that time period, for Jews and other minorities, that I will never forget. "
Students participated in a range of educational sessions exploring various topics including a lobbying simulation exercise to learn more about how money and power influence politics, a session on the legislative process, and sessions delving deeper into the Jewish values behind legislation addressing anti-semitism, LGBTQ+ rights, disability education rights, environmental justice, and more.
Participants were then guided through the process of writing a persuasive and passionate lobbying speech on the topic of their choice, and on Monday morning had the opportunity to give those speeches to staff at Senator Markey's, Representative Neil's, and Representative McGovern's offices.
In addition the group spent a meaningful afternoon at the National Holocaust Museum, and had the opportunity to tour the Supreme Court.
Some of the teens and parents have written impact statements, and I wanted to share them with the community below.
The Women of Reform Judaism is offering an adult version (for people of any gender identity) of L'taken in April, including an opportunity for adults to lobby on the Hill. Information at the end.
The trip to DC was an incredible experience for my 16 year old. They had a wonderful time, got to see amazing museums that they loved, and felt closer to the whole group of Jewish teens from our area after sharing this experience with them. But what seems even more life-changing for my kid was having the experience of going in person to a congressperson’s office and lobbying for issues that they care about. They have been politically active for years already but they had never felt like their efforts had real impact. Their experiences with the RAC group this weekend gave them a sense that the congress people really do base their actions on input from lobbyists, and that they as a teenager actually can make a difference. They want to go to DC and do it again!
__________
I am paraphrasing my teenage daughter's exuberance from her recent RAC trip to D.C. from a conversation on the night of her return.
"It was absolutely life changing. The entire weekend felt like a fever dream in its intensity and impact. In so many ways I grew and changed. My experience helped me realize and confirm the belief I have in myself that had, until this weekend, laid dormant. The belief that emerges in me now is that well-constructed communication, community and determination can effect change - both in the world and in me."
__________
"During the L'Taken trip, I feel that I have become more connected with my Judaism. Writing the speech for Rep. McGovern reintroduced me to my fight to end antisemitism. Also, the Holocaust museum gave me a new look on the hardships of that time period, for Jews and other minorities, that I will never forget. "
Women of Reform Judaism D.C. Conference for Adults
If you're inspired by the teens ...The Women of Reform Judaism is looking for adult community members to attend their upcoming Social Justice Conference in Washington D.C. April 4-7, 2025.Women of Reform Judaism is offering our congregation an opportunity to advocate in our nation’s capital as well. This conference is designed to leave you better educated and trained on social justice issues with advocacy skills you can utilize at home and on a larger scale. You will be able to address timely topics in a welcoming and encouraging environment.
We are offering an Empowerment fly-in package — open to all who align with our mission, including those who identify as male — which includes advocacy training, attendance to the Women's Empowerment Awards honoring hometown heroes, and lobbying on the Hill.
Please reach out to the JCA if you would like more details.
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