Our Strategy to Pursue Justice, Equity, and Belonging in 2025 and Beyond

The URJ’s longstanding commitment to nonpartisan social justice work, powered by the RAC, is rooted in our ancient texts and tradition. As a leader in the Jewish community working across differences to fulfill our enduring Jewish values of justice and tikkun olam (repairing the world), we seek to organize, mobilize, and advocate so that all people can thrive in multiracial, inclusive democracies in North America and Israel.  

With the start of the 119th Congress and new administration in the White House, the challenges before us are manifold and the political discourse polarized. We have already seen policies that attack the most vulnerable among us. Our work has never been more urgent as we ask ourselves what it looks like to build a society of civil rights and freedom for all people in a time of political challenge and social turmoil. 

Our strategic plan for 2025 relies on seven “levers” that we will activate to effect change: 

Strengthening Our Presence and Power in DC

We will advocate on Capitol Hill and at the White House as representatives of the largest denomination in American Jewish life. We will mobilize our growing base to advance positive change by supporting federal legislation/policies aligned with our values and raise our moral voice in opposition to harmful legislation/policies. As we do this work, we will center the needs of the most marginalized and ensure that all people – regardless of background, race, gender identity, or ability – have a voice in shaping a just future.  

Organizing at the State Level

We will organize among the nine states in which we have staff on the ground (CA, FL, IL, MA, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX) to advance positive change by supporting state-level legislation and policies aligned with our values. Where the headwinds are stronger, we will raise our moral voice in opposition to harmful legislation/policies while experimenting to enact change in non-staffed states where there is potential to replicate campaigns. This work is crucial to ensuring that all individuals – especially those in historically marginalized communities – have access to rights, protections, and opportunities.  

Strengthening Democracy Here and in Israel

We will build and equip our base of leaders and activists to get out to vote through our democracy campaigns (Every Voice, Every Vote and the World Zionist Congress campaign) and take action around priority issues through Justice Circles powered by the RAC, an opportunity to engage in small groups within congregations, communities, or personal networks around learning, idea sharing, and collective action. By expanding participation in civic engagement we will help ensure vibrant, inclusive democracies in both North America and Israel. 

Standing with Vulnerable Communities

Where our ability is limited to enact change at the federal level, we will identify tactics to stand in solidarity with and help provide direct protection to the most vulnerable communities at the state and local levels. Our priority issues, including immigration, transgender rights, and DEI, are already under attack and our vision for an inclusive, multiracial democracy threatened.  

Standing Together Against Antisemitism as we Build Communities of Belonging

We will strive to ensure that Jews - and all peoples - can live freely without fear of violence or other targeting, as well as grow the capacity of our congregations and communities to lean into racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Belonging is about more than being welcomed; it is about being seen, valued, and needed. We will work with URJ congregations and partners to strengthen communities of belonging that embrace all identities and perspectives.  

Shifting the Narrative

We will develop a robust communications strategy, including amplifying stories that illuminate the human impact of policy decisions and paint pictures of the uplifting impacts of true Communities of Belonging. Our stories will both highlight injustices we seek to address, but will also celebrate the resilience, joy and leadership of our diverse, thriving Jewish communities.  

Building our Financial Capacity

We will develop a robust, multifaceted revenue plan to sustain our work for the long term.