Dear Chaverim,
Reflecting on the Consultation on Conscience that many of us attended this week in Washington DC, our hearts are full with all the learning, inspiration, connections, and calls to action that filled our days.
Our RJVNJ gathering was a major highlight – 52 of us gathered to talk about what we have accomplished together and what more we can do as our numbers and engagement grow. Our group did some meaningful brainstorming in ways to move forward on our Let’s Drive NJ campaign, and you will be seeing the fruits of those efforts soon! We will be offering more education opportunities to deepen our understanding of the issue and what we can do; we’ll be organizing a call-in day and other actions in partnership with the Let’s Drive NJ coalition. And more…
We also gathered together to lobby for a new DREAM and Promise Act to provide a path to permanent residence and citizenship for DREAMers and those with TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and for the Fair Chance Act which prevents all branches of federal government from asking about criminal records of job applicants until conditional offer stage of hiring — a version of what we in New Jersey know as Ban the Box. We met all together at Senator Booker’s office and then fanned out to meet with our own House representatives or their staffs — 10 in all. It was a great showing for New Jersey!
The speakers and workshops gave us much to think about and bring home…you will be seeing more in coming weeks.
If you would like to view any of the plenary sessions, you can browse at this link: https://rac.org/2019-consultation-conscience-livestream-recordings
Across the board inspiring and thought-provoking speakers; do take a look!
It was amazing to be in DC, and we’re excited to be back home in New Jersey to roll up our sleeves and imagine what we can all do together to make New Jersey a more just and compassionate state.
L’Shalom,
Liz Cohen and Rabbi Ethan Prosnit
RJVNJ co-chairs
