1.12.2023
Advocacy Update:
Missouri General Assembly is Back in Session
Greetings!

The Missouri General Assembly is back in session. Due to changes in committee structures in both the House and Senate, committee meetings have been delayed but will begin January 17.
 
JCRC will continue to work in coalitions to support our priority issues and we will do our best to keep you informed of General Assembly actions and how you can be involved.
 
Our priorities this session have been set by the JCRC Policy Committee based on a survey of our JCRC Council members and discussion at the JCRC Council meetings and in line with our JCRC policies. They include:
 
In addition, we will be active on proposals that impinge on the Separation of Church and State, which may include access to medical care, reproductive justice, and efforts to control gun violence.
 
If you would like to be directly involved in any of our coalitions, JCRC would welcome your participation. Please contact me.
 
This update include several opportunities for you to be engaged both in the legislative process and in our community.
 
I would like to specifically highlight an upcoming conference: Advocacy in Action: Leading through Uncertainty. This conference (March 3-5), presented by NCJW-St. Louis is designed to train volunteers to stand up and speak out to move priorities issues forward. JCRC is proud to be a co-sponsor of the conference, and hope you will considering attending.
 
As always, thank you for taking action to make the St. Louis region more just and equitable.
Cheryl Adelstein
Deputy Director
Upcoming JCRC Programs
Advocacy in Action: Leading through Uncertainty
March 3-5, 2023: Registration Now Open
Sheraton Westport Plaza
Presented by NCJWSTL
Co-sponsored by JCRC and the Jewish Council on Public Affairs
Join NCJW in St. Louis March 3-5, 2023 for a full weekend of workshops and speakers with plenty of time to share best practices and learn from each other. Workshops will include learning how to advocate, social media for advocacy, how to write letters to the editor, creating coalitions, reaching outside for support, and other topics that will help you move forward on the issues of importance to all of us.
Showing Up
Tools & Skills to have Challenging Conversations
A multi-part series for leaders under 45 in the St. Louis Jewish Community

The rise of antisemitism globally has understandably elevated concerns inside our community. While the threat antisemitism poses isn’t the same in all spaces, antisemitic attitudes have increased on the right and left. A major obstacle to combating antisemitism lies in the fact that many of us do not feel equipped to engage broadly across communal lines on issues surrounding Israel and antisemitism.
 
We are seeking members of the Jewish Community, 45 and younger to participate in this program. If this program does not apply to you, please send this notice to people you know who may be interested.
Winter Outreach 2023
January 1 - February 28

Help people experiencing homelessness in St. Louis stay warm through the winter by donating coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks, underwear, blankets, towels, washcloths, boots, men’s hoodies, and men’s sweatshirts.
 
In addition, volunteers are needed to transport items from donation sites to a warehouse in Olivette. For more information and to volunteer, email Elise Krug.

All donations will go to support TheBridge, a MerryStarkey Charitable endeavor. In addition to donating items, TheBridge is accepting financial contributions and is seeking volunteers to support their Thrift Shop. Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming Community Programs
Abortion Stories Program and Photo Exhibit
Sunday, January 22
2 - 4 PM
Congregation Shaare Emeth
Hosted by NCJWSTL and Congregation Shaare Emeth
All too often, discussions in this country regarding abortion do not involve the most important voices: the voices of those who have experienced abortion. The Focus on Abortion exhibit seeks to correct his omission by giving a platform to these voices that span every geographic area, generation, and socioeconomic background. Sharing these complex and nuanced stories has the potential to mitigate the profound stigma that surrounds abortion in the United States.
 
NCJWSTL and Congregation Shaare Emeth are thrilled to cosponsor a joint exhibit and program to honor the anniversary of Roe v. Wade this month. The program will include time to browse the exhibit, a panel discussion featuring speakers sharing their own abortion stories from the pre-, during and post-Roe eras, and light refreshments.
 
This event is free, but registration is required.
 
If you aren't able to attend the program, you can still view the exhibit at Congregation Shaare Emeth January 10-29. Please call (314) 569-0010 to set up a time for your group and ask for Debbie Bram or Robert Colton.

For more general information, please contact Jen Bernstein.
Human Trafficking Lobby Day
Wednesday, February 1 | Time TBD
Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO
Hosted by NCJWSTL
Please join us for important conversations with legislators and coalition partners on Human Trafficking in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness month.

This event is presented by Missouri State Senator Brian Williams, Missouri Attorney General Human Trafficking Task Force, and the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis.

For more information, please contact Jen Bernstein.