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As Jews, we are called to fight for justice and equality. Core Jewish values such as pikuach nefesh (the sanctity of protecting life) and tzedek tzedek tirdof (pursuit of justice) teach us that this time demands our action. This year is an election year – it is at this critical moment that Keshet extends an invitation to become a part of our Community of Action and work together to Get Out the Vote. 

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY OF ACTION? 

The Community of Action is for Jewish organizations who have previously engaged with Keshet and are interested in taking the next step. Together we will explore the tools to mobilize and respond to our current political moment, and motivate our community members to be increasingly engaged in civic duty.

As a part of the Community of Action, organizations will strengthen non-partisan advocacy skills, in partnership with other Jewish organizations and professionals. We will work to mobilize their communities to take action and increase civic engagement around the 2024 general election. We will sharpen these skills through quarterly meetings with Keshet’s Community Mobilization and Education & Training teams starting in June 2024. 

The meeting topics will include: 

• How to engage in advocacy as a 501(c)3 organization, with a voting lens
• Understanding LGBTQ+ rights as a “values issue” instead of a partisan issue
• How to identify and create achievable goals to establish a Jewish voice on LGBTQ+ issues
• An intersectional and Jewish values-rooted approach to Get Out the Vote 
• How to activate our communities to be more civically engaged around the 2024 general election and beyond

WHO SHOULD JOIN? 

The Community of Action is an opportunity for Jewish organizations that have done organizational change work toward LGBTQ+ belonging and are ready to elevate their advocacy work further. All organizations that have been a part of a previous Shivyon Equality Project cohort (formerly known as the Leadership Project) are eligible. 

WHY SHOULD JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS GET INVOLVED? 

Our democracy is strongest when the electorate reflects the population – and it suffers when citizens are shut out from the democratic process. Voting is how we determine our future. It is how we fulfill the Talmudic teaching that a ruler is not to be appointed unless the community is first consulted (Berakhot 55a). Together we can use our Jewish values and faith to mobilize our communities to Get Out the Vote.

HOW DOES MY ORGANIZATION JOIN? 

Organizations that are interested in participating in the cohort should develop a core team of 2-4 individuals who can dedicate the time and capacity to advocate and mobilize their communities. We welcome individuals who are staff at your organization along with board members and lay leaders to be a part of your organization’s core team. Once those teams are developed organizations should then fill out the cohort application form. The application for the cohort is rolling and will be closed when the cohort is at capacity. 

WHAT IF WE HAVE NOT YET DONE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE WORK?

Keshet’s Shivyon Equality Project asserts that LGBTQ+ individuals and our families are a sacred part of our Jewish communities. 

It is a year-long, cohort-based training, consultation, and learning project. Keshet works with each participating organization to build or support an LGBTQ+ equality working group. To learn more and get involved check out our Shivyon page.

WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT MY QUESTIONS? 

Please contact Lanie Cohen, Keshet Community Mobilization Manager, at [email protected] or Hannah Henschel, Keshet’s Associate Director of Cohort Learning, at [email protected].