NCJW Meets to Set Program, Elect Leaders

March 14, 2008, Chicago, IL -- More than 300 members of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) gathered to set policy for the next three years, elect officers, and recognize national leaders in the issue areas of concern to NCJW at the organization's 44th convention held March 9-11 in Chicago, IL. A special focus of the convention was the launch of NCJW's initiative: Promote the Vote, Protect the Vote, a nonpartisan effort to promote participation in the 2008 election that builds on similar NCJW efforts in prior election years, with a special emphasis on ensuring that every vote is counted. Nancy Ratzan of Miami, Florida was elected president for a three-year term.

"NCJW has a distinct, essential role in the pursuit of social justice today," said Ratzan upon her election. "We deliver the voice and action of progressive Jewish women. We address the issues that change lives and empower women: reproductive choice, religious freedom, violence against women, safety nets for children, and contraceptive access.

"I am thrilled to help strengthen NCJW's capacity to effect progressive social change and continue our great legacy of transforming the world to be a place where there is social justice for all."

Showcased at the opening of the convention was Plan A: NCJW's Campaign for Contraceptive Access. Steve Trombley, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area, addressing that session, explained that, "family planning has been embraced by the majority of Americans but it's become kryptonite in Washington!"

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, was honored along with founding editor of Lilith magazine Susan Weidman Schneider (in absentia) with NCJW's Woman Who Dared Award.

Ted Shaw, immediate past president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), was the keynote speaker at the session launching the Promote the Vote, Protect the Vote initiative. At the convention closing, Mr. Shaw received the NCJW Faith and Humanity Award, speaking about the critical need to maintain the historic partnership between African and Jewish Americans.

The Hannah Stein Lecture was given by Linda Wertheimer, senior national correspondent for National Public Radio, who shared her observations from this year's campaign trail.

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

Contact: 
Debbie Stillman 
202 296 2588 x2; debbie@ncjwdc.org