What We Heard and What Comes Next. April 21, 2018

Transcription

1 What We Heard and What Comes Next April 21, 2018

2 The Cycle of Organizing Forming a Team Listening Campaign Action Issue Selection

3 Justice at the Center Direct Service Individuals get involved in varying opportunities on different timelines Open ended Direct aid to people in need Can be self contained or part of a broader social service organization Allows us to touch those directly affected. Justice at the Center Coordinated effort on a focused outcome Defined campaigns Address the root cause of suffering Acting in the public square, partnership with other groups Allows us to touch those directly affected

4 Tzedek Committee Direct Service Programs Room at the Inn Saint Louis Bread Company Donation Peter and Paul Dinners High Holy Day Food Drives Oak Hill School Partnership International Institute Summer Camp

5 Listening Campaign 30 Trained Facilitators Over 35 House Meetings hosted by Congregants Listened to over 360 Congregant stories

6 OOther Areas of Concern: What we Heard: Our Community s Most Frequently Discussed Stories and Issues Other Areas of Concern: Food Insecurity Bullying Fear Special Needs Environment Broken Political System Lack of Religion Israel Drugs

7

8 We are people who volunteer in food pantries, elementary schools, community gardens, homeless shelters, Shaare Emeth and advocacy organizations because we know that our communities are stronger when we work together.

9 We are people who believe that dialogue across religious, race and class lines is the best way to create avenues of mutual understanding, action and support.

10 We are people who have experienced anti- Semitism and know that no one should ever be attacked because of who they are or what they believe.

11 We are people who believe that every act of kindness, compassion and justice makes a difference and can lead to tikkun olam, the repair of the world.

12 We are people whose ancestors were immigrants, who know that welcoming the stranger is our people s sacred obligation.

13 We are people who believe that we must speak out when we see others suffering, and stand with and for people who cannot stand on their own.

14 We are people who believe in the value of b tzelem Elohim, in the inherent dignity and equality of every human being regardless of race, gender, class or sexual orientation. We believe that every person has the right to healthcare (including mental health services), to a decent education, and to work hard to earn a living.

15 What s Next? Forming a Team Listening Campaign Action Issue Selection

16 Our Challenge: Find winnable campaigns at the intersection of our values and most frequently expressed issues Our Values Top Issues ACTION Winnable Campaign

17 Strategic Criteria for Justice at the Center Campaign Must have widescale availability to Shaare Emeth community Must align with Reform Jewish Values Must have a narrow focus, definite time frame and a measurable success or felt impact Must have substantial interest show during house meeting campaign Must have different entry point for involvement Must partner with existing agency and join an active campaign Should be non-polarizing or non-alienating within the congregation

18 Research Areas Beirne Park and Racial Injustice Do Not Stand Idly By: A Campaign to Curb Gun Violence Do Not Forget: An Investigation into Holocaust Education in our Schools Raise the Age: A Criminal Justice Campaign Get Out the Vote: Limiting Voter Suppression and Discrimination in Missouri

19 Break Out Session 20 minutes Please visit as many tables as you would like!

20 Please Fill out Feedback Forms

21

22 A Service of Havdalah A Niggun, a melody without words Yai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai,....

23 Blessing Over the Fruit of the Vine Ba-ruch atah Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu mehlech ha-o-lam, bo-rei p ri ha-ga-fen. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

24 Blessing for the Spices Ba-ruch atah Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu mehlech ha-o-lam, bo-rei mi-nei v sa-mim. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the world s spices.

25 Blessing for the Light Ba-ruch atah Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu mehlech ha-o-lam, bo-rei m o-rei ha-eish. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of fire.

26 Blessing for Separation Ba-ruch atah Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu mehlech ha-o-lam, ha-mav-dil bein ko-desh l chol. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the Universe, who separates the commonplace from the holy.

27 Shavua Tov! A good week, a week of peace! May gladness reign and joy increase!