↓
 

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

Repairing the World Starts With You

  • Join Now
  • Give
  • Volunteer
  • About Us
    • Leadership and Staff
    • History
    • News
      • Weekly Updates
      • Press Releases and Media
      • Bulletins
    • Annual Reports
    • Board Resources
    • Awards
    • Contact Us
  • Our Work
    • Community Impact Projects
      • Food+Fit=Fun
      • Kids in Court
      • HIPPY – Home Instruction for Parents and Preschool Youngsters
      • The Suitcase Project
      • West Dallas Initiative
    • Advocacy
      • Public Education
      • Reproductive Health
      • Voting Rights
      • Child Care
  • Events
    • 2025 Awards and Installation Luncheon
    • Catalysts: A Series of Transformative Conversations
      • Catalysts: FALL 2024
      • Catalysts: SPRING 2024
      • Catalysts: WINTER 2024
    • Building Brighter Futures Luncheon 2025
      • Guest Speakers
      • 2025 Sponsors
  • Calendar
  • Member Hub
    • Elected 2025-26 Officers and Directors
    • NCJW Dallas Membership Directory
    • In the Spotlight
    • In Memoriam
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate Now
    • Make a Tribute Donation
    • Building Brighter Futures

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

Dallas County District Attorney Creuzot Praises Collaboration with Kids in Court 

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

January 25, 2024– Dallas, TX. Dallas County DA John Creuzot was the guest speaker at the 2024 Winter Catalysts hosted by NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women) Greater Dallas at the University Park Public Library. The event titled “Can We Build Better Communities through Court Innovation?” kicked off the 30th anniversary of Kids in Court, NCJW Dallas’ collaborative program with the DA’s office. 

DA Creuzot shared critical insights on the challenges faced by our criminal justice system and emphasized the importance of understanding these issues. The goal of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office is addressing them through adequate and creative policies.   

Creuzot stressed the importance of community partnership programs, specifically mentioning Kids in Court. This award-winning program is designed to aid children aged 3-18 who are expected to testify in court either as victims or witnesses to a violent felony crime. Kids in Court helps the children, and their families successfully prepare for the challenge of the impending court process. Such initiatives contribute significantly to the efficiency of the criminal justice process by providing courtroom experiences and emotional support that may otherwise be very difficult to obtain.  

DA Creuzot also touched on other areas related to NCJW Dallas’ work, such as collaborating with the police department, supporting the victims of domestic abuse and trafficking and practicing compassionate justice.  

The event reinforced NCJW Dallas’ mission: identifying community needs and stepping in to address them through meaningful partnerships.  

For further information about Dallas County Crimes against Children Division and Kids in Court, click here.  

ABOUT NCJW GREATER DALLAS 

Founded in 1913, NCJW Dallas has pioneered ground-breaking programs addressing public education, families in crisis, and family wellness. Enacting its progressive values, NCJW Dallas has been a staunch advocate for women, children, families, and voting rights.  

Media Contact: Alex Friedman, Director of Communications  

Email: alexf@ncjwdallas.org | Phone: 972-922-6667  

Lunch and Learn – February 2024

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

Advocacy through the Lens of the Torah: LGBTQ+ and Judaism

February 8, 11-1, Temple Emanu-El

Join Rabbi Michael Lewis and Lara Bierner who will help us gain a better understanding of the experiences of the Jewish LGBTQ+ members of our community.

As an organization promoting social justice rooted in progressive Jewish values, we are eager to perfect our support toolkit and apply this lesson through possible advocacy efforts, joining as allies, and creating spaces of belonging.

Come enjoy a delicious lunch and learn with us!

NCJW Greater Dallas Visits UT Southwestern at RedBird

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

October 11, Dallas, TX: NCJW Greater Dallas members, supporters, and community partners visited UT Southwestern at RedBird and participated in the UT Southwestern at RedBird – Culinary Medicine and Community Connections event.

The attendees were hosted by:

  • Dr. Ericka Walker-Williams, Medical Director UT Southwestern Medical Center at Redbird.
  • Alisha Orton MS, BSN, RN, CMPE, Director Ambulatory Operations Regional Centers
  • Victoria Doby MHA-CEN, BSN, RN, Clinic Practice Manager
  • Elsa Herrera, Clinic Staff Supervisor
  • Kelly Glenn BS, Administrative Associate- Redbird

UT Southwestern RedBird is located at the former RedBird Mall, in the middle of a community with limited access to health care services, nutritious food, and basic infrastructure. The medical and administrative leadership shared their commitment to listen and to “meet and treat people where they are.”

The neighborhoods south of I-30 needed a holistic approach and the UT Southwestern Culinary Medicine Program is integral to that vision. It serves a high number of patients with advanced diabetes and hypertension who receive tailored nutrition plans and leave their doctors’ offices with “food prescriptions” that can be filled at the on-site food pantry.

The participants were able to tour the medical facility, which intentionally follows the same state-of-the-art standards met across the entire UT Southwestern system. Vital for any sustainable development, this approach follows Dr. Erika Walker-Williams’ motto: “To whom much is given, much is required.”

About NCJW Dallas 

Founded in 1913, NCJW Dallas has pioneered ground-breaking programs addressing public education, families in crisis, and family wellness. Enacting its progressive values, NCJW Dallas has been a staunch advocate for women and voting rights. 

Media Contact: Alex Friedman, Director of Communications 

Email: alexf@ncjwdallas.org | Phone: 972-922-6667 

NCJW Dallas Stands in Solidarity with Israel

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

October 9, 2023 – Dallas, TX: NCJW Greater Dallas vehemently condemns the acts of terrorism and horrific violence unfolding in Israel since Saturday. We grieve and stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, including the NCJW professionals who live there. Too many of us have heard from family and friends who spent the day in bomb shelters and know someone injured, missing, or killed. This is war, and it is utterly devastating.

On Saturday, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) posted this statement:

“We are outraged and heartbroken by the tragic events unfolding in Israel today, including Hamas infiltrating southern Israel and carrying out the reprehensible act of targeting, kidnapping, and killing Israeli civilians. This brutal attack deliberately occurred on a day of religious significance for the Jewish people, when many refrain from technology and can’t receive safety alerts.”

“Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah should be days of spiritual contemplation and celebration, but Israelis now mourn lives lost, seek refuge in bomb shelters from incoming rockets, and are in an official state of war. NCJW unequivocally condemns this violence from Hamas and urgently calls for a peaceful resolution, allowing Israelis, Palestinians, and all in the region to live in safety.”

As one of the organizations working in Israel since its founding, we care profoundly both about its people and about Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state. Beyond the headlines and political complexities, there are real people — parents, children, families — yearning for safety and peace. We must never lose sight of that.

Together, we mourn, we pray, and we carry the weight of our next challenges. With our hearts heavy, we commit to being a part of a real and lasting solution. 

In peace,

Debbie Greene, President
Shannon Morse, Executive Director

DPD Chief Eddie Garcia Shares His Vision for Community-Based Policing

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

October 3, 2023 – Dallas, TX. Dallas Police Department Chief Eddie Garcia was the guest speaker at the 2023 Fall Catalysts hosted by NCJW Greater Dallas held at the Dallas JCC.  

As NCJW Dallas Executive Director Shannon Morse noted, “Chief Garcia expressed a holistic view of policing, one that recognizes the root causes of crime, builds partnerships with services to address those causes, and strives to improve the lives of all residents.” 
 
Chief Garcia shared his motto – “We are not going to arrest our way into a safer Dallas” – and articulated how the Dallas Police Department: 

  • Sees itself as part of the bigger picture making Dallas a safer, stronger community for ALL. Read the VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION PLAN here. 
  • Uses collaborative tools such as the RIGHT (Rapid Integrated Group Healthcare Team) program, which is proven to reduce violence and arrests of people experiencing mental illness. 
  • Values the support coming from the City of Dallas and the Dallas District Attorney’s Office. 
  • Strives to break the cycles of recidivism by connecting parolees with the help they need to succeed through community partnerships. 
  • Prioritizes the health and wellness of its police force as reflected in most recent internal supports. 
  • Recognizes that successes are limited by the challenge of staffing – a nationwide issue. 
  • Acknowledges that hate crimes and incidents are underreported and encourages more vigorous reporting to monitor and respond adequately.  

This aligns with how NCJW Dallas activates its own mission: by partnering to address and alleviate immediate needs while advocating to resolve the issues that cause those needs to exist. 

ABOUT NCJW GREATER DALLAS

Founded in 1913, NCJW Dallas has pioneered ground-breaking programs addressing public education, families in crisis, and family wellness. Enacting its progressive values, NCJW Dallas has been a staunch advocate for women and voting rights. 

Media Contact: Alex Friedman, Director of Communications 

Email: alexf@ncjwdallas.org | Phone: 972-922-6667 

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Greater DALLAS LEADERS HONORED WITH OUR FRIENDS PLACE 2023 ANNUAL EBBY AWARD 

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

September 30, 2023 – Dallas: Our Friends Place presented the 2023 Annual Ebby Award to NCJW Dallas Suitcase Project co-chairs, Sherilyn Bird and Nonie Schwartz.  

The Suitcase Project assists disadvantaged women, children and families impacted by abuse and trafficking in their transition to safer and independent lives. The program partners with Mosaic Family Services, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) and City Square’s Transitional Resource Action Center (TRAC). 

NCJW Dallas is proud to see Sherilyn and Nonie celebrated alongside women changemakers and even prouder to boast about their generosity: 

“The people we are serving are extraordinary! With vital support from our partnering organizations, they begin living independently and strive to create new opportunities for themselves and their families. By empowering them, we create stronger communities!” 

As co-chairs of the NCJW Dallas Suitcase Project, Sherilyn and Nonie have enlisted the entire Dallas community to transform the lives of women and families at risk: 

“What gives us such immense joy is moving our community toward a common goal. Together, we work across the religious and cultural spectrum to build safer environments for young people, women, and families.” 

Sherilyn and Nonie’s commitment and contributions to North Texas women is a much-needed reminder that NCJW Dallas works on behalf of the entire community. For more than a century, NCJW has strived to empower all women, to educate and feed all children, and to fulfill the promise of the Bill of Rights. With leaders like Sherilyn and Nonie, collaborating to change lives is not just a goal, but becomes a reality.  

About NCJW Dallas 

Founded in 1913, NCJW Dallas has pioneered ground-breaking programs addressing public education, families in crisis, and family wellness. Enacting its progressive values, NCJW Dallas has been a staunch advocate for women and voting rights. 

Further information about the project and volunteering opportunities can be found online at https://www.ncjwdallas.org/ 

Media Contact: Alex Friedman, Director of Communications 

Email: alexf@ncjwdallas.org | Phone: 972-922-6667 

SUITCASE PROJECT CO-CHAIRS TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS COMMUNITY AWARD

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

On September 30, NCJW Dallas Suitcase Project co-chairs Sherilyn Bird and Nonie Schwartz will receive Our Friends Place 19th Annual Ebby Award. Congratulations!

They are joining a prestigious cohort of past awardees, including other NCJW Dallas members such as Sharan Goldstein, Terry Greenberg, and Lyn Berman.

Because we are so proud of their achievements, we wanted to share what inspires them to continue advocating for our neighbors in crisis.


How are NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women) Dallas and The Suitcase Project impacting people in our community? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

The Suitcase Project assists disadvantaged women, children and families impacted by abuse and trafficking in their transition to safer and independent lives. To advance our shared mission, we team up with Mosaic Family Services, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) and City Square’s Transitional Resource Action Center (TRAC).

We provide essential transitional assistance to abuse survivors and children aging out of foster care and ASSIST OVER 400 FAMILIES IN CRISIS ANNUALLY.

What Dallas neighbors does the Suitcase Project support? Why is it so important?

SHERILYN and NONIE:

The people we are serving are extraordinary! With vital support from our partnering organizations, they begin living independently and strive to create new opportunities for themselves and their families. By empowering them, we create stronger communities!

What is the most rewarding part about working with the Suitcase Project? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

There are so many rewards! However, what gives us such immense joy is moving our community toward a common goal. Together, we work across the religious and political spectrum to build safer environments for young people, women, and families.

Do you remember how the Suitcase Project started? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

As former educators, we saw retirement as an opportunity to better the community. Together with NCJW Dallas leadership, and in partnership with Mosaic Family Services, we had a vision. We first brainstormed how to best assist women and children survivors of trafficking and domestic violence. Then, we agreed on shared goals and started planning.

We’ve immediately built a team of volunteers, and a wonderful collaboration began. Over time, we started expanding our reach to youth aging out of foster care assisted by TRAC and to women and children at the TMWF (Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation). It truly takes a village!

What kind of relationships have you built through the Suitcase Project? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

Through our work, we’ve created so many wonderful friendships. While most of our volunteers tend to be NCJW Dallas members, some are fellow neighbors who wanted to touch lives and strengthen the community. We are also indebted to our social worker partners. Not only do they provide timely feedback, but they enrich our lives and their clients’ tremendously.

Witnessing how women and children can overcome challenges through concerted community efforts inspired us further. Not even the pandemic stopped us from pursuing our mission. Through creativity, flexibility, and commitment, our neighbors in need and our partnerships thrived.

Is there anyone you want to recognize?

We want to thank Nicole Gray for her unwavering support, initiative, and tireless energy. Without her, we could not reach our goals! We also appreciate our friends at the Dallas Modern Quilt Guild, Rotary, and everyone else who donated beautiful hand-crafted tote bags to the Suitcase Project.

Naturally, we are grateful to all the participants in our suitcase drives and to NCJW Dallas’ leadership for their sustained support and advocacy.

What would you want to tell anyone interested in NCJW Dallas and the Suitcase Project?

SHERILYN and NONIE:

If you are interested in helping us, we encourage you to reach out and contact the NCJW Dallas office. We would be happy to have you! We typically start by planning a shopping expedition and pairing teams of volunteer shoppers. Join us!

In Memoriam

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

MAY 2025

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Sandy Kaman, on the passing of her brother, Sheldon Tauben

APRIL 2025

We Are Mourning

Member Helene Ruth Kurtz Ray

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Karlyn Herlitz, on the passing of her father-in-law, Colin Herlitz

Member Susie Litman, on the passing of her father, Larry Bursten

Member Sue Weiner, on the passing of her brother, Robert Redstone

MARCH 2025

We Are Mourning

Member Nita Mae Tannebaum

Member Lucille Friedman

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Karin Lester, on the passing of her grandmother, Malkah Lebovic

FEBRUARY 2025

We Are Mourning

Member Helga Weinstein

Member Francis Steiner

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Laurie Berger, on the passing of her mother-in-law, Brenda Levine

Member Susan Giardina, on the passing of her husband

Member Michelle Meiches, on the passing of her father-in-law, Nathan Meiches

Member Heddy Roth, on the passing of her mother, member Helga Weinstein

Member Liz Cooper, on the passing of her father, Dr. Herbert Porter

Member Lisa Grossman, on the passing of her brother-in-law, Paul Grossman

Member Carol Cohen, on the passing of her brother, Arnie Altsuler

Member Paula Zeitman, on the passing of her mother, Ettie Doris Wosnick

Member Rebecca Vaiser, on the passing of her husband, Albert Vaiser

JANUARY 2025

We Are Mourning

Member Rhea Wolfram

Member Sharon Gappelberg

Past President and State Policy Advocate Caren Edelstein

Member Nellie Finberg

Member Mimi Goodman Aronoff

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Becky Slakman, on the passing of her mother, Sara Pfeffer

Member Janet Hershman, on the passing of her husband, Abe “Sonny” Hershman

Member Jill Rasansky, on the passing of her mother, Sheila Shidlofsky

Member Berta Gojer, on the passing of her son, Leonard Gojer

DECEMBER 2024

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Sara Albert, on the passing of her father, Lester Melnick

Member Carolyn Abrams, on the passing of her husband, David Abrams

Member Patricia Goodman, on the passing of her husband, Bennett Goodman

Member Linda Sheff, on the passing of her father, Richard Friedman

NOVEMBER 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Ann Folz

Member Faye Polakoff

Member Joyce Freed Schwartzberg

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Marian Perl, on the passing of her husband, Ito Perl

Member Sharon Balaban, on the passing of her father, Edwin Wilson Balaban

Member Sharon Miller, on the passing of her brother, Michael Stower

OCTOBER 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Hilde Schwartz

Member Rena Glaser

Member Miriam Vernon

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Rena Silverberg, on the passing of her daughter, Andra Silverberg Litman

SEPTEMBER 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Mona S. Hersh-Cochran

Member Selma Bookatz

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Alisa Makler, on the passing of her mother, Carol Pozez

Member Ruth Pack, on the passing of her mother, Flossie Pack

Member Arlene Sanders, on the passing of her mother, Belle Sanders

Member Denise Bookatz, on the passing of her mother-in-law, Selma Bookatz

AUGUST 2024

We Are Mourning

Past President Bette Wolens Miller

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Nancy Lubar-Marcus, on the passing of her husband and NCJW Dallas supporter, Richard Marcus

Member Sandra Gorman, on the passing of her sister, Renee Ellen Cobbel

Member Roberta Lazarus, on the passing of her son, Shane Lawrence Lazarus

JULY 2024

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Debbie Weinstein, on the passing of her father, Sammy Weinstein

JUNE 2024

We Are Mourning

Past President Joy Mankoff

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Andrea Wolf, on the passing of her husband, Norman Bleicher

Member Susan Golman, on the passing of her husband, Martin Golman

Member Ida Ann Zweig, on the passing of her brother, Martin Golman

Member OriAnn Phillips, on the passing of her mother-in-law, Harriet Ann McCartney Duke

Member Sheryl Weisberg, on the passing of her mother-in-law, Joan Dorothy Weisberg

Member Joanne Teichman, on the passing of her brother-in-law, David Teichman

Member Staci Mankoff, on the passing of her mother-in-law, Joy Mankoff

Member Marilyn Nachman, on the passing of her husband, George Nachman

MAY 2024

We Are Mourning

Past President Pat Peiser

Member Laurie Gidlow

Member Roz Prupes

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Gwen Fine Roberts, on the passing of her sister, Marci Fine Benson

Member Ann Wolovits, on the passing of her brother, Harvey Goldsmith

Member Debbie Cohn, on the passing of her father, Mark Jacobs

Member Irene Jacobs, on the passing of her husband, Mark Jacobs

Member Lisa Kleinman, on the passing of her brother, Steve Oppenheimer

Member Risa Liken, on the passing of her mother, Dell Jane Kaplan

Member Maguerite Burtis, on the passing of her son, Stephen Louis Burtis Vogel

APRIL 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Roslyn Polakoff

Seymour Thum, NCJW Dallas Supporter

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Eunice Gerard, on the passing of her husband, Dr. Marvin Gerard

Member Lori Gerard, on the passing of her father, Dr. Marvin Gerard

MARCH 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Gail Nusinow

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Natalie Rosenbloom, on the passing of her husband, Lawrence Rosenbloom

Member Mimi Barnett, on the passing of her husband, Mitchell Barnett

Member Stacy Barnett, on the passing of her father-in-law, Mitchell Barnett

Member Sandy Kaman, on the passing of her brother, Morris Tauben

Member Judy Segal, on the passing of her husband, Ross Segal

Member Beth Mond, on the passing of her father-in-law, Keith Mond

Member Sylvia Epstein, on the passing of her daughter-in-law, Tina Epstein

Member Cathy Golden, on the passing of her father, Sidney “Sid” Stahl

Member Rita Sue Gold, on the passing of her husband, Alan J. Gold

Member Beth Gold, on the passing of her father, Alan J. Gold

Member Mary Lee Broder, on the passing of her father, Alan J. Gold

Member Rhona Streit, on the passing of her sister, Gail Nusinow

Rabbi Kim Herzog Cohen, on the passing of her father, Eric Herzog

Rabbi Amy Rossel, on the passing of her significant other, David Foland

FEBRUARY 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Barbara Friedman

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To

Member Erin Stich, on the passing of her aunt, Sally Kansas

Member Rena Glaser, on the passing of her husband, Ken Glaser

Member Karleen Kusin, on the passing of her sister-in-law, Melanie Kusin Rowe

Member Janet Hershman, on the passing of her sister, Helen Kerman

Member Bonnie Grossfeld, on the passing of her grandson, Dustin George Jopling

Member Sheila Lerer, on the passing of her husband, Richard Lerer

JANUARY 2024

We Are Mourning

Member Hannah Beren

Member Dorothy Bemel

We Are Offering Our Sympathy To 

Member Sue Weiner, on the passing of her mother, Bronia Weiner

Member Susie Breen, on the passing of her brother, Richard C. Strauss

Member Alex Horn, on the passing of her grandfather, Larry Null

Cantor Leslie Niren, on the passing of her grandfather, Kenneth B. Snyder

Member Diane Colton, on the passing of her husband, Murray Colton

Member OriAnn Phillips, on the passing ofher son, Kace Benjamin Phillips

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE A BLESSING.

***YOU CAN MAKE A TRIBUTE HERE.***

DAY ON THE HILL ADVOCACY: Education Choice Bills

NCJW Greater Dallas Section
NCJW Texas’ Advocacy Teams have been preparing for this session since their September Leadership Retreat and were recently at a Texas Impact briefing specifically focused on our efforts. This week, we speak with NCJW Dallas Immediate Past President Elaine Bernstein about one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s stated highest priorities: school choice.
Elaine, what do we need to know about the current Legislature’s focus on school choice?  Hasn’t this been legislation – often called ‘vouchers’- that they’ve tried to pass since 1995 always come up short?
ELAINE: Yes, over 30 education choice bills have been introduced in this session, ranging from bills that give parents the right to know what their children are being taught to those creating ‘educational savings accounts’ which are – basically – vouchers. Those bills would give parents the right to take the amount of money that the state allocates for each public-school student and use it for one of three purposes: to home school their children, to send them to a private or religious school or to purchase educational equipment. 
 
What are our main concerns about these bills?
ELAINE: We have many concerns.  If this system is implemented, it will significantly reduce the total amount of funding available to the public school system, as well as the numbers of students in that school district for funding.  The amount each child will receive is considerably less than the average price of a private or religious school tuition in Texas ($6160 vs. $10,120 in 2022). That means that most families will have to either add their own funds for private schools or will only be able to afford the lowest-costing private schools.
 
While cost does not always correlate with quality, it’s worth noting that Texas private schools are not governed by Texas state educational requirements. For example, they don’t have to hire certified teachers. So, poorer families’ ‘choices’ may not be ideal if they exist at all.  Private schools also don’t have to provide student achievement data to the state. Additionally, private schools can select the students they want. They can refuse to admit students with learning or any other disability or students who are behind grade level or economically disadvantaged. Disabled students would be harmed the most by this program, as  federal programs for the disabled are not available to private schools.
 
Do we have other significant concerns?
ELAINE:  Yes. The whole idea of Texas needing more ‘choices’ is a false one. Texas public school students already have a wide range of choices. They can choose between ISD schools and 723 Texas charters, which are considered public schools.  Within the multiple school ISD systems, students can choose which school they want to attend and choose among magnet schools and specialized academies. Texas students and their families already have many choices!
 
Thanks, Elaine!  How can are readers help?
ELAINE: Legislators are more receptive to visits from their constituents – whether they agree with their perspective or not – and the more constituents who voice our point of view, the better!  Our members and supporters are spread across a wide array of districts. Everyone who joins these efforts will make a significant difference!

DAY ON THE HILL ADVOCACY – Gun Sense

NCJW Greater Dallas Section

NCJW Texas’ Advocacy Teams have been preparing for this session since their September Leadership Retreat and were recently at a Texas Impact briefing specifically focused on our efforts. We asked NCJW Dallas Past President and State Policy Advocate (SPA) Caren Edelstein to describe their plan.

In this atmosphere, where are we focusing our efforts and why?
CAREN: It’s still early days – too early to identify specific bills that we’ll be supporting or opposing. That said, we’ve identified three issue areas of primary focus: ‘Gun Sense’, Voting and Women’s Health. In addition, we will be developing white papers to share on LBGTQ equity and school voucher issues.

Since it’s still ‘early days’, let’s take them one at a time – this week, please tell us about Gun Sense?
CAREN: Texas Gun Sense advocates for common sense, evidence-based policies to reduce gun injuries and deaths. The nonprofit’s sole focus is on what can be passed in Texas versus what might be possible elsewhere. For example, one of their efforts is about storing guns appropriately so that they are less accessible to individuals considering suicide and to children, among others.

Are we partnering with Texas Gun Sense on these efforts?
CAREN: Yes! In fact, their Executive Director, Nicole Golden (left), is an active member of NCJW Austin! She’ll be briefing us when we prepare for our Day on the Hill, March 26-28, when we visit and advocate with our legislators in Austin. This will be a critical area for us where we think we can make real progress.

What impact can one person have?
CAREN: Legislators most welcome visits from their constituents – whether they agree with their perspective or not – and the more constituents, the better! Our members and supporters are spread across a wide array of districts. Everyone who joins these efforts will make a significant difference!

What’s the best way for readers who now know about some of our key issues to learn more about the details of Day on the Hill itself?
CAREN: I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED!!!
They can call or email me anytime at cjedelstein@gmail.com OR – even better – join us next Wednesday, at the office for a Monthly Midweek Mingle focused on Day on the Hill!!!

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →
16910 Dallas Pkwy Suite 104 | Dallas, TX 75248 | 214-368-4405 | Fax: 214-368-4753 | info@ncjwdallas.org
© 2024- National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas Section - All Rights Reserved
↑