Weekly Advocacy Wrap-Up: February 19
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness
You Are Not Alone
Saturday, February 20, 11am-1pm
(Virtual Check-in begins at 10:45am)

Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. Often, high school students lack the knowledge to identify unhealthy relationship behaviors. Increasing education regarding teen dating violence is critical because violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications by putting the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence. The focus of the event will be to create awareness about the impact of teen dating violence, isolation, mental health and the severe consequences on youth that can lead to short- and long-term negative effects.

In recognition of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Womenshelter of Long Beach is excited to host their fourth annual youth conference event virtually, You Are Not Alone, on February 20, 2021. Youth (14-18 years old), college students, adult caregivers, and service providers are invited to join us in a safe space to have the conversation focusing on mental health and teen dating violence. The goal is to increase awareness regarding teen dating violence, the effects, and supportive resources available through educational presentations and engaging conversations for both adults and youth.

Reproductive Justice: Rights & Access At Risk
Monday, February 22 at 7 pm on Zoom

NCJW Greater Long Beach & West Orange County is excited to host a virtual panel discussion about reproductive health, rights, and justice. Dr. Michele Bratcher Goodwin will discuss the shocking, wrongful criminalization impacting women of color in all aspects of reproductive health and motherhood in the U.S., as described in her book “Policing the Womb.” Shannon Olivieri Hovis will talk about legislative priorities around reproductive justice for 2021. And Nourbese Flint will discuss Black women’s health issues, and struggles for access to care for low-income and women of color. We will learn how we can be allies and advocates for reproductive justice.

Register here: 
Several churches in the Los Angeles / San Bernardino area have converted or are in the process of converting unused space into temporary shelters for immigrants.
 
Church Shelters will soon House 24 Immigrants:  Three shelters are currently housing nine (9) immigrants, mostly asylum seekers who have never lived in the USA. Three others will soon welcome an additional fifteen (15) immigrants released from Adelanto.
 
NCJW GLB & WOC’s partner CLUE has an Instrumental Role:  
CLUE helps shelters convert their space and assists them in all phases of operations. Setting up and operating shelters requires money and cash donations are always welcome. Here is a list of items that are needed as well.


Needed items:
  • blankets for twins and queen size beds (new or gently used)
  • sheets for twins and queen size beds (new or very gently used)
  • towels & washcloths for showers and face (new only)
  • plastic tupperware 
  • toaster (2) 
  • microwave (1) 
  • shampoos and body wash
  • toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • toilet paper (big demand)
  • semi-gloss white paint for bathroom and kitchen 
  • dry food for pantry
  • Gift Cards in $25 amounts to Ralphs & Target

Contact Section member Naomi Steinfeld at [email protected] or
(657) 235-2511 to arrange pick up or drop off by Feb. 28.
Saturday, March 6 | 8pm ET | Virtual Gathering

Come together with hundreds of fellow refugee advocates and activists across the globe to send out Shabbat with a joyful havdalah service (the service that marks the conclusion of Shabbat). 

Advance registration required. Please click here to RSVP.
Welcoming the Stranger - 2021
Immigration: Hope for a New Start
Sunday, March 7 at 3 pm on Zoom

The program will feature speakers on 
  • the status of the Biden Administration's Immigration Bill and its impact on the undocumented, Dreamers, TPS recipients and others 
  • the situation at the United States — Mexico border and the current policies regarding refugees and asylum seekers 
  • the opportunity for local and national advocacy 

Questions can be addressed to [email protected]
​

Register here: 
What is it?
The Equality Act (HR 5) was introduced in the House by Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) on February 18. This bill, supported by NCJW, adds explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to our civil rights laws. The bill would also add and expand legal protections for women, people of color, and many other communities.

How does it relate to our past work?
NCJW has long worked to safeguard civil rights for everyone. Advocates have worked to pass the Equality Act in every Congress in which it has been introduced; the Equality Act passed the House of Representatives last year.

What can I do now?
The bill is expected to come to the House floor for a vote next week! Take action to tell your representative to pass the Equality Act!