LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 8-14-17

3. Fund measures to prevent home-grown terrorism.

The tragic events in Charlottesville this weekend demand strong leadership that condemns hatred at every turn. There is no place for acts of racism, bigotry or white supremacy in a civil society. But words aren't enough. In July, President Trump proposed drastic cuts to local programs aimed at fighting home-grown terrorism; it is imperative that we call on Congress to amend this budget and commit to fully fund these programs.

2. Reject laws that attack women's health.

Since 2011, states across the country have passed a total of 369 laws restricting women’s access to abortions. A poll conducted by the Center for Reproductive Rights shows that the majority of Americans do not support these attacks on women’s health. Sixty-one percent of adults in the U.S. support a law like the Women’s Health Protection Act that prohibits states from imposing these restrictions. On Wednesday use #ActforWomen and #ReproRights on Twitter from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (EST) to bring attention to this important piece of legislation!

1. Make paid family leave the law.

Last week Sheryl Sandberg formally endorsed the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act – a bill that provides up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave to every worker in America. As the COO of Facebook, Sandberg understands the importance of a federal paid leave policy for both families and businesses. Now is the time to call your Senators and Representative and tell them to co-sponsor the FAMILY Act!

And for you... 

Let's remember that there's goodness in the world. Practice random acts of kindness this week: Buy a latté for the person behind you in the Starbucks line; write a letter commendation for someone who's doing a good job; or even just reconnect with an old friend; or donate to a charity whose mission means a lot to you.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 8-7-17

3. Speak Out During Recess

With both houses of Congress in recess for the month of August, now is the perfect opportunity to tell your Representative and Senators about your policy priorities!  You can attend a town hall or call one of their local offices to schedule a meeting. Push for bipartisan healthcare reform, advocate against concealed carry reciprocity, or demand that the Administration continue collecting important data about the wage gap. Take this time to engage with members of Congress about what's important to you!

2. Demand Accountability for Sex Trafficking Websites

A two-year Senate investigation into online sex trafficking found that the website Backpage.com knowingly aids the criminal sex trafficking of women and girls. Current federal law doesn't allow survivors whose abusers used Backpage.com to file lawsuits, even though it is well-established that Backpage facilitates sex trafficking. In an attempt to close this unconscionable loophole, a bipartisan group of Senators has introduced the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA).  Call your Senators and tell them to co-sponsor this bill to make it clear that websites like Backpage should be held accountable!

1. Stand Up for Paid Family Leave

Only one in three employees in the United States has access to paid parental leave, reports a new study published by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The study also shines a light on the large gap in access to paid sick days that leaves part-time workers at a great disadvantage. This disparity is indefensible - every new parent deserves paid time off. The Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act would guarantee this right to every American. Call on your elected officials to sponsor the FAMILY Act!

And for you... 

If you haven't given much thought yet to the impending solar eclipse, NASA is here to help you plan your viewing; the New York Times recommends some reading material for historical context; and Bonnie Tyler has you covered for a soundtrack to this once-in-a-lifetime event. Protect your eyes, and prepare to be amazed!

Trump's transgender military ban is an insult to all servicemembers

President Trump’s commitment to ban transgender people from serving in the United States military is blatant discrimination, and his use of social media to announce this measure adds insult to injury. This ban runs counter to JWI's work and beliefs, and disparages the brave service of all members serving in our military. Instead of moving backward to the days of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell," we must continue the progress made in the last few years to create inclusive policies for all military personnel. 

America's healthcare remains intact - for now

Late last night the Senate’s final effort to repeal and replace Obamacare failed. Thanks to the leadership of Senators Murkowski, Collins, and McCain, who voted against the “skinny repeal" bill, our healthcare system remains intact and millions of Americans remain protected!

JWI applauds the sentiments expressed by Senator John McCain - that it is time for members of both parties to come together and govern in the best interest of our nation. We hope - like all Americans, of every political affiliation - for a Congress that can leave partisanship behind and work toward a better future for every citizen.  

Call your senators NOW to protect healthcare!

Wednesday, July 26, 2017:

At this moment the Senate is voting on ways to repeal and replace Obamacare, which provides the elderly, poor, and disabled children, as well as people with pre-existing conditions, access to affordable health insurance.

The cost of repeal is high – in dollars, and in lives.

With less than 20 hours of debate remaining, now is the time to make your voice heard. Call your Senators to demand they vote against any measure that repeals Obamacare and takes healthcare coverage away from millions!

Act now: Call (202) 224-3121!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-24-17

3. Speak Up One More Time for Healthcare! 

Healthcare premiums will double and twenty-six million people will lose their health insurance if Obamacare is repealed without a replacement. Tomorrow the Senate is having its deciding vote on the repeal of Obamacare (the groundbreaking legislation that provided healthcare to millions of Americans).  Call, email, andtweet at your Senators to tell them to vote NO on the repeal of Obamacare! 

2. Safeguard Funding for Proven Programs! 

The Health and Human Services budget currently includesdamaging language that greatly limits women’s access to health care -- eliminating funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program, providing $20 million for ineffective abstinence-only education programs, and canceling the funding for the Title X Family Planning program. Contact your member of Congress to tell them we need these programs and to vote NO on the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018. 

1. Protect Immigrant Survivors of Abuse! 

The Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill heavily increases funding for DHS, harming immigrant victims and their families and spreading fear in communities across the country. The House of Representatives will hold a vote soon on this devastating legislation. JWI believes women and children fleeing any kind of violence should not face detention and deportation! Call yourRepresentative to vote NO on the FY 2018 DHS Appropriations Bill.

And for you... 

While we're confident that our resistance will keep healthcare intact, it's still a good idea not to wait for cancer checks. If it's been a while since your last routine breast, colon, skin, or other cancer screening, make an appointment and then enjoy some insurance-covered peace of mind. Have a healthy week!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-17-17

3. Keep the Pressure Up

Senator Mitch McConnell released a new healthcare bill that even major insurance companies have called "unworkable." Once again, rather than protecting the most vulnerable, this legislation kicks millions off of Medicaid, defunds Planned Parenthood, and eliminates essential health benefit protections. It also adds a loophole that allows insurance companies to choose their clients for cheaper plans while forcing sick people to pay more for coverage. While the vote on this legislation is temporarily on hold, the time to take action is still now! Tell the undecided Senators Heller (NV), Murkowski (AK), Lee (UT), Capito (WV), and Portman (OH) to vote against the Better Care Reconciliation Act! 

2. Let’s Close the Gun Loophole 

Last week bipartisan bills were re-introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to close a loophole in current law that allows people convicted of stalking and dating violence to own firearms. We applaud the efforts of Senator Klobuchar, Congresswoman Dingell, and Congressman Donovan for working to save women's lives by sponsoring this legislation. Call on yourSenators and Representatives to co-sponsor the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act and the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act and keep violent offenders from owning guns!  

1. Share your Story 

After meeting with college administrators, sexual assault survivors, and those wrongly accused, Secretary Besty DeVos has not yet come forward in support of Title IX protectors for victims. Removing the 2011 guidelines ultimately further victimizes the twenty-three percent of female college students who experience rape or sexual assault. To engage in this issue you can tweet #DearBetsy, call your member of Congress, or if you are a survivor, call the Civil Rights Hotline in the Department of Education to share your story. 

And for you...

We know it’s hot. And issues like the ones above aren’t making it easier to cool down. One good thing about the heat – it makes the peaches grow! So find time to enjoy summer’s bounty. #PeachSeason #LittleThings

The Better Care Reconciliation Act is WORSE

After months of trying to formulate a healthcare plan, Senator Mitch McConnell re-introduced a disastrous new version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act last week. The legislation fails us in so many ways: It strips millions of Americans of healthcare; creates a two-tiered system with astronomically high insurance premiums and deductibles for people with pre-existing conditions; and eliminates all of the protections Obamacare provides. It is unconscionable that members of the Senate could vote to kick children, the disabled, and the elderly in nursing homes off of Medicaid with no viable, affordable alternatives.

Even America's Health Insurance Plans, the healthcare industry’s main trade group, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association spoke out against this craven legislation, telling the Chicago Tribune on Saturday, "It is unworkable in any form and would undermine protections for those with significant medical conditions, increase premiums and could lead to widespread loss of coverage for people currently enrolled in the individual market."

We cannot go back to the days where women were charged more for healthcare solely based on their gender, nor the days when insurance plans didn’t include coverage for even the most basic care. As the wealthiest nation in the world, we must ensure that affordable, quality health care is a right of all of our citizens and not a privilege for the wealthy.

The vote on this bill may be temporarily delayed, but as in any good horror story, it’s only sleeping – not dead. We must not give up or relax until this bill has been buried! It is imperative that we keep up the pressure and call on the undecided Senators Heller (NV), Murkowski (AK), Lee (UT), Capito (WV), and Portman (OH)  to vote NO.

Lori Weinstein
JWI CEO

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-10-17

The fight to protect your healthcare continues! 

Congress is back from vacation and the Senate majority is still trying to move forward on healthcare legislation. This legislationharms women, the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities by making healthcare unaffordable and inaccessible while giving tax breaks to the wealthy. If you believe healthcare is a right and not a privilege, Call your Senators today and tell them to vote NO on The Better Care Reconciliation Act! 

Stop TitleIX rollback! 

The Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, is convening a meeting on Thursday to consider overturning Title IX protections for campus sexual assault victims. Do you have a story about how sexual violence has impacted a student’s education? Make sure policymakers hear it by sharing your story with the National Women’s Law Center. And join the Twitter campaign #DearBetsy to advocate for upholding student protections and enforcing students’ civil rights! 

March for your rights! 

On Friday the Women’s March will be demonstrating at the NRA headquarters in Fairfax, VA to demand that the NRA stand up for the rights of people of every race to own a firearm and to apologize for promoting an incendiary advertising campaign against protestors. The 17 mile march will begin at the NRA headquarters at 10 am and end at the Department of Justice later in the evening. Protestors will gather again at the DOJ at 10 am Saturday. If you are in New York, a solidarity event will take place at Washington Square Park on Friday at 10:00 a.m. 

And for you... 

Summer may be sweltering, but on HBO, #WinterIsHere. If you're a fan of "Game of Thrones" - and its badass female protagonists - you're probably already poised to tune in for the start of season 7 this Saturday. Enjoy!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-3-17

Protect Medicaid for our most vulnerable citizens

Medicaid currently covers 49% of all births, 64% of all nursing home residents, and 76% of all children in poverty. It is imperative that this funding remains for these integral services. While the Senate continues working on its healthcare bill, call your Senator or attend a town hall meeting this week to demand that Medicaid is kept whole, Planned Parenthood is funded, and benefits like maternity care are included in all plans. 

Insist on paid sick days for millions of employees

With 69% of lower-paid service employees working without access to paid sick days, millions of people are forced to choose between staying home for a sick child or personal illness and being able to affordable groceries or rent. The Healthy Families Act in Congress enables employees to earn up to seven paid sick days per year, and use those days to recover from or seek help related to domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Read the Economic Policy Institute's new report on this issue and call on your members of Congress to sponsor this legislation! 

Thank the leaders who are fighting human trafficking

Bipartisan bills are moving in both the Senate and House to re-authorize human trafficking programs. Take a moment to thank Representatives Smith and Bass for putting forth a bill that provides funding and training for airline personnel to spot trafficking, and Senators Cornyn and Klobuchar for sponsoringlegislation that designates prosecutors across the county to specifically work on trafficking cases. In our current climate we must work together to solve the most challenging problems we face!

And for you... 

Celebrate a steamy Independence Day with something cool and sweet - like the Spicy Pineapple Ice Pops or Yogurt Ice Pops with Berries (use red and blue berries for an extra-patriotic treat!) featured in last summer's issues of JW magazine. Happy holiday!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 6-26-17

All hands on deck for health care!

This week the Senate will hold a vote on their disastrous healthcare bill, The Better Care Reconciliation Act. This legislation strips healthcare from millions of Americans while giving tax cuts to wealthiest families in our country. We can’t stand idly by while these Senators defund Planned Parenthood, allow insurance companies to charge more for maternity coverage, and snatch Medicaid coverage from millions of people!

The Medicaid cuts under this legislation are staggering: Not only will approximately 20 million people be kicked out of Medicaid (left with no other options for affordable healthcare), it will also limit the amount of money spent per person. With Medicaid paying for nearly two-thirds of nursing home patients, the elderly will be left with no way to pay for the care they need late in life.

The Better Care Reconciliation Act will prevent Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide from reimbursing services through Medicaid for a full calendar year. Those clinics that will not be forced to close their doors will have to to turn away women who use Medicaid as their primary insurer. Millions will lose access to the critical, integral care Planned Parenthood provides.

Mitch McConnell’s healthcare bill will also do away with the Obamacare protection that requires every insurance policy to cover 10 essential health benefits, including maternity care, substance abuse, and mental health care. If this legislation becomes law, women could have to pay $1,000 extra just to keep their maternity and pregnancy care coverage!

For these reasons, and many more, it is imperative that we call our Senators and demand that they vote NO!

JWI Awarded Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Meredith Jacobs, VP Communications
direct: 202.464.4803// cell: 301.529.8591

Funds will bring programs to N.Y.-area universities to change the culture on campus

Washington, D.C. – Jewish Women International (JWI), the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls, has been awarded a two year, $80,000.00 grant from the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York (JWFNY) to educate and engage students in social change to end sexual assault. This funding is the second grant from the foundation supporting JWI’s Change the Culture initiative and specifically funds expansion to New York-area universities (including Orthodox colleges) and creation of New York-specific materials.

JWI works directly with students from Greek-life, Hillel, and the at-large student body for peer-led training, discussion groups and public awareness campaigns as well as Jewish-themed programming. The organization has been recognized for its expertise in bringing healthy relationship programs to both university and Orthodox Jewish communities.

“This partnership with the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York will allow us to foster conversations and create meaningful programs with New York-area college students to make a real difference in their everyday lives while changing the culture on their campuses,” said JWI CEO Lori Weinstein. “We know that campuses are experiencing record numbers of incidences of sexual assault and unsafe dating practices. But by educating students and giving them tools to become active bystanders, supportive allies, and advocates for change, we will create that positive change that will make our campuses safe for all students to learn and grow.”

“We were impressed by the difference JWI is already making on campuses with both healthy relationship and financial literacy workshops,” said Stephanie Blumenkranz, assistant director of JWFNY. “Our Foundation is focused on providing women with the opportunity to make real change in their lives and in the lives of other women. We are thrilled that we will be continuing our relationship with JWI and empowering students to address one of the most critical issues for their generation.”

“We are honored that the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York has entrusted us to oversee this expansion in New York,” Weinstein said. “We are deeply appreciative for the foundation’s long-term support, beginning years ago with the seed-funding they gave us to create our financial literacy program, Life$avings® for Teens. We look forward to continuing our partnership using effective programming that will in turn influence the greater community.”

### 

Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI is a Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and convenes the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and is a member of the Gun Violence Table. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.  

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 6-19-17

3. Learn what's in your health care before it's law.

A few members of the Senate have been working in secret for weeks developing a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Today Senators will hold the floor until midnight, demanding to see and debate this legislation. Call Senator McConnell and the other Senators hiding the bill to demand transparency - and participate in a conference call with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) on Wednesday, June 21 at 3:30 p.m. EST to learn how advocates for children and families can prevent harmful changes to health care! 

2. Say yes to work schedules that enable family support and care. 

Unfair scheduling practices undermine women’s ability to earn a living and also care for their families. Tomorrow the Schedules that Work Act will be introduced in the Senate. This legislation gives workers some power over their calendars, and aims to curb the unpredictable scheduling in many fast-growing, low-wage industries. Call Senators Cantwell, Hassan, Kaine, Menendez, Nelson, and Stabenow to ask that they cosponsor this bill! 

1. Say no to domestic abusers owning deadly weapons. 

No one can deny the link between mass shootings and domestic abuse. Last week The New Yorker published some powerful examples  of the devastating consequences of weapons in the hands of domestic violence perpetrators. With 16% of mass shootings carried out by people previously charged with abuse, it’s clear we need to do more. Concealed Carry Reciprocity will override local laws that prohibit these abusers from owning concealed weapons. Call your Representatives and tell them to oppose H.R. 38! 

And for you...

In light of what's happening with the secret health care bill that could strip thousands of coverage, Bill Cosby's sexual assault mistrial, a domestic abuser gunning down congressional representatives, and so much more, consider a soul-cleansingdonation supporting JWI's work to protect and empower women and girls, and break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence.