We ended 2023 strong with our intern lobby day! Our two Government Relations and Advocacy (GR&A) fall interns, Maya Sokoloff and Lily Fleischmann, went to Capitol Hill to advocate for the Abortion Justice Act as representatives of NCJW. This bill addresses the root causes of reproductive injustice by providing a framework for equitable access to quality, affordable abortion care. Both from Atlanta, Georgia, Maya and Lily met with the staff of Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and Representatives Lucy McBath and Hank Johnson. Together with Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan and Associate Director of GR&A Talya Steinberg, they shared the importance of the Abortion Justice Act and urged their members to take action in moving the bill forward. 

This experience was eye-opening and empowering for Maya and Lily. As they navigated the halls of Congress, they gained valuable insights into the legislative process and the intricacies of advocacy at the national level. Our interns saw the impact of passionate advocacy when the key Hill staff they engaged with demonstrated interest and support for the issues discussed. The opportunity to represent NCJW and speak out for reproductive justice through the Abortion Justice Act boosted our GR&A interns’ confidence and deepened their understanding of the challenges to achieving reproductive justice. This hands-on experience highlighted the power of young voices in shaping policy and left them more determined to continue their advocacy work.