RAC-NY

RAC-NY's work was made possible with generous seed funding from the Michael & Alice Kuhn Foundation.

RAC-NY organizes the 99 Reform Jewish congregations across New York State. We are led by a volunteer strategy team and a lead organizer.

National Campaign State Campaigns Past Successes Contact

National Campaign

Democracy thrives when every voice is heard and every vote counted. Join our nonpartisan Every Voice, Every Vote campaign to ensure everyone has an equal say in decisions that impact our lives.

State Campaigns

The NY Equal Rights Amendment (Prop 1 on November's NY ballot) 

In partnership with the Women of Reform Judaism, RAC-NY is supporting the NY Equal Rights Amendment (Prop 1), which will be on the ballot this November 2024. The NY Equal Rights Amendment (Prop 1) would amend the NY constitution to expand anti-discrimination protections and enshrine the right to reproductive healthcare and autonomy in the state constitution.

RAC-NY's Climate Covenant

This initiative is a multi-year campaign aimed at combating climate change by reducing New York's reliance on fossil fuels.

The NY HEAT Act

This legislation will reduce fossil fuel infrastructure in New York by eliminating subsidies and legal requirements that lead to New York utility companies continuing to build pipes for natural gas (a fossil fuel).

The Climate Change Superfund Act

This act will require fossil fuel companies to pay some of the costs of preparing NY for extreme weather events caused by climate change (passed in the NY legislature, now pending Governor Hochul's signature).

Take Action

Reach out to RAC-NY Lead Organizer Ben Elkind if you are interested in getting involved with RAC-NY's campaigns.

Past Successes

  • All-Electric Buildings Act (2023)

    This first-of-its-kind legislation will require all construction in New York State to be built without hookups to fossil fuels.
     
  • The "Less is More" Parole Reform Act (2021)

    This legislation protects those who have completed their prison sentences from being sent to jail for minor parole violations. RAC-NY engaged with 65 Reform congregations and arranged meetings with over 50 state legislators.
     
  • The Protect Our Courts Act (2020)

    This act protects judicial integrity by ensuring that every immigrant New Yorker can access state courts without fear of arrest by ICE.
     
  • The Green Light NY Act (2019)

    This act ensures equal access to driver's licenses for all New York residents, regardless of their immigration status.

Contact us and Support us

Donate to RAC-NY

Support the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's RAC-NY

Donate Today