ABOUT:
Advocacy in Action (AIA) is an initiative of Jewish Federation Los Angeles that strengthens the Los Angeles Jewish community’s engagement in political activism and advocacy. AIA is a nine-month program that provides Jewish leaders with exciting, intensive trainings on advocacy and gives them ways to get involved in and impact various levels of government. In this climate, it’s never been more important for Jewish leaders to hold prominent positions in government, politics, and advocacy. AIA will train leaders on effective ways to elevate Jewish voices and concerns to government leaders.
OBJECTIVES:
- Learn how to influence, build relationships, and strategically communicate with legislative leaders.
- Understand the sources of power that influence and shape the local political landscape.
- Gain exposure to pathways to become engaged in civic life and with advocacy opportunities.
- Become aware of local current events and real-time policy developments
- Build a trusted network of Jewish advocates
- Strengthen the ability to succinctly and persuasively articulate community issues
- Learn about JFEDLA’s priority areas and Jewish community issues, and gain insight about JFEDLA’s role as a change agent.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Monthly sessions, including: intimate meetings with high-level, influential elected officials and community leaders about effective advocacy, current political and civic issues, and opportunities to get involved in government.
A mentorship program, exposing participants to prominent Jewish and civic leaders.
A unique opportunity to join JFEDLA at the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of CA’s (JPAC) Capitol Summit in Sacramento, interfacing with state legislators to advocate for Jewish community priorities, such as security, Holocaust and genocide education, and combating antisemitism and all forms of hate.
IDEAL CANDIDATES:
Experience/Qualities
- You are a Jewish leader in your 30s, 40s, or 50s
- You have demonstrated dedication to Jewish civic life
- You are a graduate of a JFEDLA leadership program, such as the Rautenberg New Leaders Project, the Community Leadership Institute, or a similar program from JFEDLA or another organization.
- You hold a JFEDLA leadership role, such as serving on a committee or cabinet.
- You have passion for, or experience with, politics, policy, and relationship-building with elected officials, and are looking to sharpen these skills and knowledge sets further
Interest and Passion
- You care about addressing the needs of the Jewish community via advocacy and government relations.
- You care about issues of importance to JFEDLA, including: Jewish community security; supporting Holocaust survivors and Holocaust education; caring for Jews in need; support for Israel; combating antisemitism and hate directed at all communities; tikkun olam (repairing the world); and building ties with groups of other faiths, ethnicities, nationalities, and races.
- You care about the issues that impact the City and County of Los Angeles, and the entire state.
- You are excited about representing JFEDLA to elected officials and strengthening JFEDLA’s ties with them.
- You are interested in getting involved in government, politics, and/or Jewish communal advocacy.
PROGRAM DATES (Note: these dates may be subject to change)
Sunday, December 8, 2024, AIA Kick-off Retreat Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
Wednesday, January 14, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Monday-Tuesday, May 5-6, 2025, JPAC Summit (optional but encouraged)
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Applications close on November 12, 2024.
To learn more, contact Rachel Wallace, Director, Civic Engagement, at RWallace@JewishLA.org.