Helps NCJW/CLE members connect to local, state and federal representatives. We train and encourage members to write letters to the editor, op-eds and testimony for legislation in front of the Ohio Legislature. As legislation arises that requires action, we also send out “action alerts” – scripts and templates members can use to contact local officials.

Contact: Susan Reis, sixreis@gmail.com

This committee encourages voter engagement by helping to register people to vote, educating communities on the topical issues, and strengthening and expanding voting rights and getting out the vote on Election Day. The committee also holds webinars to educate our members on the issues and sends out a weekly newsletter on topics related to voting.

Contact: Jodi Jackson, jodijackson87@me.com and Laurie Ronis

With so many rights being taken away, our work in this area is more important than ever. Until every person has the power to make their own informed decisions about their body, sexuality, and future, our work is not over.

The Reproductive Rights and Health Committee:

• Packs care kits for Planned Parenthood for people who have had an abortion.
• Provides speakers on critical and timely issues such as IVF and legislative issues related to Reproductive Rights and Health.
• Works with coalition partners on abortion-related concerns.

Contact: Marjorie Falk, m_falk@sbcglobal.net  and Hazel Brown hazelhbrown@att.net

Advocates for survivors of human trafficking, and provides support to survivors. Some of NCJW/CLE's work includes partnering with the Renee Jones Empowerment Center to provide informational kits to victims of human trafficking and emotional and material support. 

Contact: Hazel Brown, hazelhbrown@att.net

Victims of sexual assault who come to the emergency room for medical care find that all their clothing is taken by specially trained nurses for evidence. The TLC committee provides bags filled with brand-new clothing including underwear, socks, shirts, pants, flip-flops and toiletries and fleece blankets for victims of sexual assault.  Currently, this program provides bags and blankets to four hospitals in the Cleveland/Akron area.

Contact: Marilyn Oif, marilynoif56@gmail.com and Suzanne Scharfstein, skscharfstein@gmail.com

Helps members think deeper and understand on a local and national level, how timely news topics affect us. The committee offers at least three programs throughout the year for members to listen to and interact with experts on topics of current interest. In addition, we sponsor a film at the Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival.

Contact: Elaine Geller, elaine0906@live.com, Cindy Glazer, cindyuglazer@gmail.com, Linda Schlein, lindawschlein@gmail.com

The Zaas family created an annual advocacy lecture in 2004 in memory of their mother, Lois Zaas to increase awareness and action on critical social issues. 

Contact: Barbara Friedman Yaksic and Marilyn Zaas

LIST OF TOPICS:

• Healing hate in the post 9/11 world
• Defend the separation of religion and state: cornerstone of religious liberty in America
• America: a democracy for all faiths
• Building bridges to peace - Ishamel & Isaac
• Where did the gun come from?
• The many faces of homelessness, closer than you think
• Judicial vacancies, justice denied immigration dilemma
• Taking bullying by the horn: name it, claim it, stop it
• Ohio reproductive rights...and wrongs!
• Human trafficking: 21^st century slavery
• Aging out of foster care: overcoming the odds
• Embracing diversity: uncovering hidden biases
• Racism and anti-semitism in a new political reality
• Civility in uncivil times
• Women incarcerated: families in crisis
• The changing face of anti-semitism
• Repealing Ohio's death penalty