Meetings with legislators are essential to advancing Hadassah’s core values: Zionism, fighting antisemitism and advancing women’s health equity. Hadassah’s Day in the District and Sit Down with a Senator programs help build relationships with representative on both sides of the political aisle so members can advocate for policy issues that matter most.
During the current 117th Congress, Hadassah representatives from 21 regions have met with 35 federal legislators, helping to bring new support for Zionist and women’s health policies, including building co-sponsors for Hadassah’s infertility resolution.
“I see how important it is for us to develop personal relationships between national legislators and Hadassah,” said Hadassah Central Pacific Coast Education and Advocacy Vice President Jane Jacobson. “Day in the District brings in women who have never participated in other Hadassah programs before but know the importance of taking on this task.”
“Frankly, I had no idea that Hadassah had so many platforms that it operated on, and made it so easy to contact our representatives. Hadassah helped highlight relevant issues and outlined them in really thoughtful, intelligent ways,” said Hadassah Greater Washington Advocacy Co-chair Renee Stadd.
Legislators rely on hearing from their constituents in order to advance the bills and resolutions that matter most. Hadassah members are critical in educating members of Congress about ways in which they can advance our policy priorities. At the same time, advocacy energizes and activates membership, bringing new engagement and purpose to chapters.
“These meetings always make me realize how important it is to advocate as a constituent. Before being involved, I didn’t fully understand how many proposals and resolutions there are – and how much the elected officials rely on these advocacy meetings to help focus their efforts,” said Hadassah Greater Detroit Education and Advocacy Vice President Diane Brody, whose meetings secured new support for Hadassah’s resolution that calls for increased awareness of and access to infertility services.
“I feel like what Hadassah advocacy has done for me is given me access into local, state and federal legislatures that maybe, as an individual, they may or may not recognize me,” said Hadassah Florida Central Education and Advocacy Vice President Ellen Siegman. “Change only happens when you’re proactive about it – and Hadassah really has done an excellent job of that, and it has empowered women."
“This was the first year [2021] that I participated in Hadassah’s Day in the District,” said Hadassah Diablo Valley Chapter Education and Advocacy Vice President Paula Schiff, . “All in all, I thought it was a good experience for me, and beneficial to Hadassah.”
“I personally gain tremendous gratification seeing members feel empowered and excited by their experience with Day in the District,” said Hadassah Lower New York State Advocacy Chair Helene Kornstein. “It takes a community of people to make things happen and implement change. When we empower women, we can heal the world.”
Members of Congress appreciate hearing from Hadassah members and working together to advance our priorities.
“I want to thank all of you for the work that you do, advocating for the US-Israel relationship, fighting antisemitism, standing up to support all these important healthcare issues,” said Representative Ted Deutch during a Day in the District meeting.
“I’m so grateful for the work that Hadassah is doing to advocate for women’s cardiovascular health. You’re empowering women to take control of their health,” said Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler.
If you’re a Hadassah member and you’re interested in making your voice heard to enact meaningful change, discuss Day in the District and Sit Down with a Senator opportunities with your local Hadassah chapter or contact advocacy@hadassah.org.
Watch the video Hadassah Advocacy -- Voices Making an Impact to hear from Hadassah members and federal legislators about the impact of grassroots advocacy. Together, we are the power of women who do.