By Nancy B. Greer
President & CEO
On January 10, the Washington State Legislature is convening—virtually, again—for the 2022 session. For the next two months or so, the 147 lawmakers who represent the 49 legislative districts across the state in Olympia will make decisions that will impact our families, neighborhoods, and our Puget Sound Jewish community.
And tomorrow and throughout the session, representatives of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council will be immersed with the activity in Olympia to make Jewish Puget Sound’s voice heard on the issues that matter most to you, including fighting antisemitism and hate crimes, defending civil liberties for all, working for racial equity, and securing resources for Jewish agencies, always guided by our shared values.
We can only do this critical work because of support from generous donors like you. Your commitment ensures that our advocacy in Olympia gets beneficial results for our community. Thank you!
And a big thanks to all who completed our annual Policy Priorities Survey this fall! Your input directly helped create the foundation for our legislative agenda.
The 2022 session, like last year’s, will be virtual. But our advocacy team will be fully engaged, and will create unique opportunities for you to take part. Sign up now for Jewish Community Lobby day, which will be held virtually on February 17! I want to emphasize the importance of voicing your concerns to your state representatives and senators through these personal meetings. They want to hear from people who live in their districts, and meeting with them—even virtually—begins to establish a relationship that can help ensure we can make change more effectively!
Your speaking up makes a difference, and our community’s track record in Olympia is the proof point. Last year, for example, our advocacy was instrumental in securing funding to study restorative justice as a strategy for preventing hate crimes, expanding health care for new mothers, increasing support for working families living in poverty, and streamlining civil protection orders that protect victims of domestic violence.
Your voice and your support are the spark for the hard but rewarding work of advocating for Jewish Puget Sound’s priorities in the halls of government. Successful advocacy is essential for ensuring a strong and vibrant future for Jewish life. Thank you for all that you do for our community!
