Reform Jewish Voice of New York State &
Interfaith IMPACT of New York State
Interfaith Advocacy Day
Reform Jewish Voice of New York State and Interfaith Impact of New York State joined forces as the progressive religious voices of New York. We met in the state's capital on Monday, May 19, 2008 to advocate for legislation that addresses the issues of Universal Healthcare, Marriage Equality and Reproductive Choice.
Advocacy Day – May 2008
The Reform Jewish Voice of New York State partnered with Interfaith IMPACT of New York State for Advocacy Day in Albany on Monday, May 19, 2008. Congregations from across New York called upon state Assembly Members and Senators to support Universal Health Care, Marriage Equality and Reproductive Choice.
“Over the past two years we have been building a coalition to bring the issues of health care, equality and choice to the forefront of our state’s agenda,” said Barbara Pollard, director of the Reform Jewish Voice. “Our time in Albany this week is part of a longer struggle for justice and equality from Buffalo to Brooklyn, from Syracuse to Suffolk and everywhere in between.”
On Sunday, May 18th, the group worked in Albany with leading advocates from Physicians for a National Health Program, Empire State Pride Agenda and Family Planning Advocates for legislative briefings. “We are going into our meetings armed with the facts, informed by our convictions and supported by our Jewish values,” explained Pollard.
Sunday, May 18, 2008, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Special Legislative Briefing,First Lutheran Church, Albany
Featuring:
- Carol Blowers; Vice President of Government Affairs, Family Planning Advocates
- Andrew Coates, M.D.; Secretary, Capital District, Physicians for a National Health Program
- Kate McDonough, Pride in the Pulpit Coordinator, Empire State Pride Agenda
- Demi McGuire, Director, New York State Episcopal Public Policy Network

Demi McGuire, Kate McDonough, Carol Blowers,Andrew Coates, M.D., Bailey Bloom & Arleen Urell

Kate McDonough, Empire State Pride Agenda, addresses issue of Marriage Equality.

Special guest speaker, Assembly Member Jack McEneny (center), kicked off the day by emphasizing that legislators listen when people write, call and meet to advocate on issues that are important to them.

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (center left) with Barbara Pollard, RJV Director (center right) meeting with RJV constituents.

Senator Liz Krueger addresses issues with RJV members.

Assembly Member Richard Brodsky talks to RJV members in Capitol Building.

Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith and staff discuss issues with RJV members.

Interfaith Advocacy Day on May 19th, RJV joined the Family Planning Advocates of NYS demonstration outside the Senate chamber to support the Healthy Teens Act.
WAYS TO ADVOCATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY:
- Know your candidates and their positions on issues you care about.
- Arrange for a forum, speaker, or discussion group to explore an issue.
- Make copies of memos, position papers and action alerts for members of the congregation to read and study. Have them available where people can see them.
- Excerpt important facts for articles in your synagogue’s newsletter.
- Talk with your Rabbi about using the material as part of a worship service and/or sermon on the issue.
- Develop a cadre of people who will write letters to the editor of your local newspaper.
- Develop relationships with news media.
- Develop relationships with elected officials: call, write, invite them to speak
- Attend or testify at public hearings and rallies.
- Join like-minded coalitions in the community.
- VOTE!