Week In Review 1-12-2018

Last May, I was lucky enough to join JAC at their annual Washington D.C. meeting.  At that time, I was frustrated, dismayed and dejected following the 2016 election.  However, those days changed my life and renewed my passion.

We arrived in DC and after a briefing by JAC staff and policy experts we immediately headed to the Hill to begin our advocacy work. I met with dozens of Members of Congress whose commitment and dedication to public service, despite the political climate, reassured me hope was not lost. 

Members were happy to meet with the JAC women to hear our concerns and discuss the U.S.-Israel relationship, reproductive freedom and the separation between religion and state.

The schedule for the Washington trip is packed. In the morning, we would have a breakfast meeting where members of Congress would join us in a casual setting to discuss any issue of our choosing. Then it was up to the Hill for our small group meetings with Members of Congress.

I was fortunate enough to sit down and meet with Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to name a few.  During lunch, we were joined by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). 

One of the highlights of the Washington trip was getting to know the JAC members from across the country. I loved meeting the women who have been fighting for JAC's issues since the beginning. Their passion and dedication was contagious and made me even more motivated to stay active in JAC.  

The midterm elections are coming.The momentum is shifting. Change is on the horizon and you can witness that change firsthand this March in Washington with JAC. 

If you are looking for a way to get more involved, learn about the issues, meet our amazing Democratic leaders in Congress, and make some amazing new friends, I urge you to come with JAC for an unforgettable three days in Washington, DC during JAC's annual meeting Tuesday, March 13th - Wednesday, March 14th. 

There will be a pre-conference VIP tour of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture on Monday, March 12th.

I can't wait to go back to Washington with JAC. I hope you'll join me and other JAC women for this unique experience. See you in Washington, DC.

Amy Small
JAC Member, Illinois

Click here for more information and to register for the 2018 JAC Conference.