NCJW: Education, Advocacy to Make Lives Better

NCJW Atlanta’s 5777 year was impactful.

NCJW Atlanta provided backpacks and school supplies to over 100 needy students at Hightower Elementary School. NCJW Atlanta’s 120 volunteer tutors worked on literacy skills with students in kindergarten to third grade in eight Title I schools. NCJW Atlanta held pop-up Mother’s Day stores in four Title I schools.

In addition, as the host city and section for the National Council of Jewish Women National Convention, we provided world-class speakers and workshops for our members.

We participated in workshops on such topics as “Courts Matter,” “Learning and Taking Action to Become an LGBTQ Ally,” and “Anti-Semitism and Racism in a New Political Reality.”

We heard from Monica Raye Simpson, the executive director of SisterSong; CNN hero Luma Mufleh, the founder and CEO of Fugees Family Inc.; and Hillary Rodham Clinton. At the banquet, the entire ballroom got happy dancing with Rep. John Lewis. It was a night we will always remember.

NCJW Atlanta joined forces with the Georgia Alliance for Social Justice for the Atlanta Women’s March. Simultaneously, NCJW National was an official sponsor of the Women’s March on Washington.

We have provided many ways to advocate, starting with our monthly lunch-and-learn series, “Frankly Speaking With Sherry Frank.” The next dates are Sept. 28 and Oct. 26, both Thursdays, at noon. Bring your own lunch and join us for a meaningful dialogue.

Bargainata has become an upscale ladies boutique, open weekly. We use the store to serve our local community. Year-Up, Agape and Our House Genesis Shelter were beneficiaries of our members during the year.

In 2017-18 we plan to build on our community relationships. We will continue to partner with the Anti-Defamation League, the Atlanta Initiative Against Anti-Semitism, the Jewish Democratic Women’s Salon and others to advocate for hate-crimes legislation in Georgia.

We will continue to offer monthly programming for our members. We will provide school supplies and Mother’s Day gifts to children in need. We will tutor children in literacy, and we will open Bargainata to disadvantaged women. We will make a difference.

NCJW Atlanta is a volunteer-run organization. Please consider joining us as a volunteer or advocate.

Shana tova u’metuka — may you enjoy a sweet, happy and healthy new year.

Rachel Rosner is the president of NCJW Atlanta (ncjwatlanta.org).