NCJW Weekly Advocacy Wrap-Up: August 27

Dear all,
 
I recently co-authored with NCJW’s Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg an op-Ed in JTA on how we can respond to abuse stories in a way that supports and centers survivors.
 
We are in the weeks leading up to the Jewish High Holy Days, the season of cheshbon nefesh and teshuvah, of accounting of the soul and repentance, of acknowledging what has gone wrong and trying to do the work of making it right. Every season is the season to do the work of addressing sexual abuse and misconduct correctly, with integrity and care, but it is especially resonant in this season.
 
As such, our op-Ed shares some basic principles we recommend following, whether as an affected member of the community or a curious outsider watching from afar to move us towards a world where survivors are believed and cared for.

Please let us know what you think and consider sharing on social media (Facebook, Twitter).

Wishing all who celebrate a reflective and meaningful New Year. Proud to be your partner in justice. L’shana Tova.

Warmly,


Sheila
NCJW Update on the Upcoming Recall Election

The recall election is a tool for voters to remove an elected local or state office-holder before his or her term ends. Your vote is important whether you want to RETAIN or REMOVE the sitting Governor. This may be a very close race which means each vote can make the difference. PLEASE EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE.
 
By now you should have received your California Voter Information Guide, sample ballot (magazine like) AND YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT (LA co. white envelope, OC has a strip of orange on sealed side.) These were mailed out as of August 16. 2021.
    
If you are not sure that you are registered check your voter registration status online at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
 
Here’s your recall deadline schedule, per the Secretary of State’s Office:

  • Mail in Voting is NOW OPEN
  • Aug. 30: Deadline to register to vote to receive a Mail In ballot and appear on all voter lists.        
  •  Aug. 31-Sep 14: Conditional voter registration (for people who missed their registration deadlines or who need to update their voter registration; your vote will be counted after your registration is fully processed).  
  • Sept. 4: Early in person voting period at any Vote Center in your County 
  • Sept. 14: ELECTION DAY - Your ballot must be postmarked by this date 
  • Sept. 21: Your ballot must be received by your county registrar of voters by this date.
 

ONLY TWO QUESTIONS ARE ON YOUR BALLOT: 

Question 1. Should Governor Newsom be recalled (removed from office)? Yes or No?
Question 2. If the Governor is recalled (there are more Yes votes), who should replace him?
 You can vote on Question 1, Question 2 or both

YOU MAY MAIL IN YOUR BALLOT (NO POSTAGE NECESSARY)
YOU MAY PLACE YOUR BALLOT IN ANY YELLOW DROP OFF BOX
YOU MAY SIGN THE ENVELOPE & ASK A FRIEND TO DROP IT OFF
YOU MAY COME TO ANY POLLING PLACE IN YOUR COUNTY AND VOTE.
 
It’s your VOTE          Make it COUNT
Dear Writers!
 
Join Vote Forward’s World Letter Writing Day celebration Wednesday, September 1. To get ready, just download and print a batch of letters to Virginia voters, gather stamps, envelopes, and a blue pen.

The founder of World Letter Writing Day says: Never underestimate the power of writing a letter to someone. We agree. Writing Vote Forward letters on September 1 is a great way to make a powerful connection with a fellow voter and one of the most effective ways to encourage that voter to turn out to vote in November.
 
To prepare for World Letter Writing day, visit https://votefwd.org/ncjwca
 
Let’s work together to make September 1 a record-setting day of letter writing to boost voter turnout in Virginia!

Don’t forget to share photos and updates on your World Letter Writing Day plans on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and be sure to tag us @votefwd. If you're not on social media, you can email photos and updates to us at hello@votefwd.org.

Thank you!
 
P.S. Forever stamp prices are set to increase by three cents on August 29! If you hurry, you can save on stamps at your local post office or at USPS.com.

Two great presentations on critical issues impacting our communities

Click here to register
‌

On the 58th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic March on Washington, NCJW is joining March On, SEUI, National Action Network, and the Drum Major Institute for a critical national action: March On for Voting Rights. Advocates will gather in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Phoenix — and locally in FULLERTON — to demand that elected officials denounce voter suppression and ensure fair, easy access to the vote for all. 

Join us in FULLERTON on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:00 am. For more information click here.

  • Join us online: If you cannot make it in-person to an event, streams from the major marches will be shared on March On’s Facebook page.
  • Share: Help spread the word about this on social media and in your networks using the national digital amplification toolkit or the DC event toolkit.

In case you missed it, NCJW cosponsored Faithful Democracy: A Moral Prelude to Marching, a virtual, interfaith event that kicked off the events across the country culminating in the marches on Saturday. Watch the entire program here.
 
If you have any questions, please email action@ncjw.org.