There was a time in our nation’s history when NCJW women walking the halls of the huge Texas state capitol in Austin could anticipate a very different experience from those NCJW advocates making legislative visits in Lansing, Michigan’s capital. Recently, I had the opportunity to walk alongside Texas and Michigan NCJW volunteers as they made their rounds in their state capitals, and I was amazed by the similarities!

Texas NCJW Members with State Legislators

Even as one who is used to the famous US Capitol dome, the grandeur of the Texas and Michigan domes did not disappoint. It was exhilarating to sit with my NCJW colleagues in the gallery of both legislatures and stand as NCJW was recognized – to applause – by lawmakers in each respective legislative chamber. But the real treat was to tag along in both states with our passionate NCJW advocates as they visited their state lawmakers, speaking out against anti-immigrant legislation, deep cuts in state family planning services, extreme restrictions on abortion care, and draconian budget cuts impacting the most vulnerable women, children, and families, among other issues.

I accompanied volunteers from four Texas sections as they went to a committee hearing on child care and filled out comment cards to weigh in with NCJW’s point of view. In Michigan, I joined members of the Greater Detroit Section board as we listened soberly to a Michigan House committee vote down every single amendment aimed at restoring some funding to public education – especially painful for the many former teachers in our delegation.

Led by our skilled State Public Affairs (SPA) chairs in Texas and Michigan, the NCJW members who participated in their state legislative days were briefed by expert coalition partners and armed with comprehensive talking points and other materials to take on their visits. It was remarkable how nervous novice advocates turned into passionate pros after one or two visits! For me, a registered lobbyist in the federal arena, it was a real learning experience, too.