Jewish Family Services' San Diego Jewish Advocacy Fellowship launched on June 1 in partnership with Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, and the Leichtag Foundation. It is comprised of a cohort of a dozen accomplished young professionals, including many attorneys, an engineer, healthcare administrator, business owner and Jewish communal professionals. Through this five-session program, they have enhanced their leadership capabilities, strengthened their knowledge of advocacy and the legislative process, and learned how to effectively frame and deploy a message to elected officials.
After learning about a variety of important issues, the fellows decided to focus their policy agenda on responding to the needs of vulnerable seniors. In preparation for their advocacy trip to Sacramento, fellows identified specific legislation and budget policies that seek to reform Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), and restore cuts to the SSI/SSP program for low-income seniors and disabled adults. The fellows spent over a month working in small groups to prepare fact sheets and leave-behind materials for legislators.
Throughout the fellowship, the cohort has deepened connections with community leaders and like-minded peers, and set ambitious SMART goals for themselves. These young leaders represent the future of the San Diego Jewish community. Investing in their success through this new project is an important investment in our community's success in the years to come.
Below is some of the feedback the fellows shared after the Sacramento advocacy day:
- Thank you for leading and organizing such an eye-opening, educational, unique experience for us!
- Besides an amazing experience, I feel like we all made new friends and that is so meaningful!
- Well done all! Thank you to JFS for all your support and guidance.
- Thanks so much for a meaningful experience!
- Thank you for organizing this amazing trip and program!
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