Social Policy Advocacy chair Patty Weber and Dauna Binder represented the Southern Maine Section at the NCJW Washington Institute March 13-15, 2016. They report it was an exciting few days which they put to good use listening to dynamic speakers and networking with like-minded people from across the country. The stakes are high this election year for all the public policy issues NCJW cares about.
One of the highlights of the Institute, which is held every three years, was a silent protest by 400 advocates who walked from the Supreme Court to the Capitol. Participants carried copies of the U.S. Constitution which they delivered to Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. The message to Senator Grassley: do your job and give Supreme Court nominee Judge Merrick Garland a fair hearing. Weber and Binder urged Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, to meet with Judge Garland and hope she continues to lead the way so that the Senate can meet its responsibilities and vote on the Garland nomination.
In addition to issue workshops and meetings with legislators, NCJW honored plaintiff Edith Windsor and attorney Robbie Kaplan for winning a historic case which paved the way for legalization of same sex marriage in the United States. Matt Nosanchuk, the Associate Director of Public Engagement serving as liason to the Jewish Community for the President of the United States, spoke about protecting voting rights and read a note from President Obama. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., was among the legislators addressing attendees.
Weber said, “We loved the energy and were inspired by the new young women who have joined our organization across the country.”