Related Blog Posts on Civil Liberties, Voting Rights, Balfour/Brickner Fellows, and Strengthening Congregations

Reflections on a Special Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Barbara Weinstein
This year, the national observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 20 feels especially profound. For only the third time since the holiday's creation, it will coincide with a presidential inauguration.

Ensuring Voices are Heard and Votes Counted

Miriam Edelman
I enjoyed text-banking Ohio voters about the Citizens Not Politicians amendment through the RAC’s non-partisan Every Voice, Every Vote campaign. I felt that I was doing my part to repair the world while I was empowered by engaging with voters.

Securing the Vote

Blair Marks
Georgia voters have, for many years, received a sticker on the way out of our polling places - a peach saying "I'm a Georgia Voter." But in 2020, a tagline was added to the peach: "I SECURED MY VOTE!"

Votes not Violence: Confronting the Toxicity of our Political Culture

Barbara Weinstein
This past weekend's political violence reminds us that political disagreements should be expressed through voting, not violence. Indeed, it is more important than ever that everyone has an opportunity to vote and have their vote counted in the November 2024 election.

In the Footsteps of John Lewis: Why We Continue to March for Democracy

Noé Granados
Late last month, we celebrated the birthday of the late Representative John Lewis, who passed away in 2020. We remember his unwavering commitment to justice, fight against segregation, advocacy for voting rights, and commitment to getting into "good trouble."

"Give us the Ballot"- Honoring Dr. King by Protecting Voting Rights for All

Jordan Berg Powers
While the attacks on registering and voting have become more sophisticated and less overtly violent, the attacks have gone on unabated since the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Today we find ourselves facing down questions about our ability to fully realize the promise of our multiracial democracy.

Where We're Going in 2023: Our Work is Still not Finished

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner
With 2023 in full swing, leaders and officials at every level are setting their agendas and priorities for the coming year. We continue to be proud of the power we built and mobilized in 2022 as a Reform Movement as we gather to set the agenda for our work in 2023.