Washington D.C. Mission Training

Advocacy Training and Mission Experience

The Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Millstone Institute invite you to participate in a transformational leadership experience.

 

Washington, D.C. Mission

Sunday, April 30-Tuesday, May 2, 2017

 

Three Pre-Trip Training Sessions

February 12, March 5 and April 23 (all Sundays)

 

From behind-the-scenes briefings at the U.S. Department of State to face-to-face meetings with House and Senate leaders, policy makers and Jewish leaders, we will:

• Explore the needs of the global Jewish community.
• Discover the influence the Jewish community has on America’s social and political landscape.
• Be briefed on national security, Israel and Federation funds flowing to our agencies.
• Master the new political realities that shape our future.

Facilitated by professional consultants who have expertise in lobbying, grass roots and coalition building.

Participants will:

• Learn skills and tools in outreach and advocacy.
• Gain tools for lobbying government officials.
• Grow and develop confidence and competence to be a more active and impactful constituent.

Applicants should have a passion for social justice and an interest in expanding their volunteerism in the St. Louis Jewish community.

For more information, contact Karen Sher (Millstone Institute) at KSher@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3824 or Rori Picker Neiss (Jewish Community Relations Council) at 314-442-3770 or RPickerNeiss@JCRCSTL.org.

 

Blog

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Day 1

By Grace Cohen, Participant

We landed in D.C. around noon and were greeted by gorgeous, sunny weather. A nice break from the St. Louis rain. After checking in and grabbing a quick bite of lunch, we headed down to the National Museum of African American History. We walked part of the National Mall and saw the Washington Monument, White House and Capital building. The Museum itself was an impressive structure, very difficult to describe, and incredibly unique. The bronze metal that wraps the entire building “pays  homage to the intricate ironwork that was crafted by enslaved African Americans in Louisiana, South Carolina, and elsewhere.” (National Museum of African American History and Culture website). Upon entering the Museum we were instructed to start in the basement and work our way up, which was a symbolic journey. The lower level started with the beginning of the slave trade. As we walked through the senses were overwhelmed both in hearing the stories aloud, reading the information posted and looking at the artifacts. The darkness of the past eventually turned to light. We moved up the escalators out of the basement into the sun-lit upper levels. The cultural, artistic and other notable achievements were showcased on the first through third floor. There was so much to see, hear and learn. We were only able to spend a few hours there, but I think we all agreed it would take days to fully explore the ins and outs of the Museum. Overall it was an incredibly moving experience. I found the most interesting part was the Journey from the darkness to the light. It was difficult and disturbing to see the horrors of slavery, but it was incredibly inspiring to see the progress made, even though there is still work to be done. As the day came to a close, we went to the Char Bar for a much needed meal. After walking almost 5+ miles, a burger never tasted so good. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. If today was any indication of how the trip is going to go, it will be one fantastic, educational, inspiring experience. Time to get some rest.

Day 2

By Grace Cohen, Participant

Wow, what a day!

We started at the Department of State. There we had a confidential briefing on Near East Bureau issues: Human Rights/Israel. We spoke with two incredible experts about issues pertaining to Israel and the Middle East in general. I wish I could say more, it was so interesting, but unfortunately everything mentioned is confidential.

After our briefing, we went to Union Station for lunch and to regroup in preparation for our afternoon meetings with Senator Claire McCaskill, Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Lacy Clay and Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer. It was incredible seeing so many business people and politicians flooding the hallways of the Russell Senate Office and the Rayburn House Office Building. Everyone there seemed so official and important.

We first met with a staffer at Ann Wagner’s office first. We spoke to her staffer about the importance of welcoming refugees. Our advocacy group thanked her for her support of Israel and asked if there was anything we could do to further her support. Overall, we were welcomed into the offices and were met with generally positive feedback. It was such an enriching experience – I know I can say it made me feel like I had power as a United States citizen, in that my representatives took me seriously and were interested to hear what we had to say. I wasn’t in the group that got the opportunity to meet Claire McCakill, but it was incredible that she took time out of her busy day to speak with our group. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

As this was my first time in the nation’s capital, it was truly awe inspiring to see our government at work firsthand. I was moved when we walked past the Capital Building. I’d seen it on television, but it was a totally different experience walking along side of it. Overall, I was extremely inspired by the mission. It made me certain that if I worked hard and spoke up, I could make an impact. I know that I will remain close to the participants, and I’m sure we will meet frequently to discuss advocacy issues.

I would like to thank Rori Picker Neiss and Karen Sher for their hard work in organizing the trip. I would also like to thank Jason Cohen and Deborah Lynn Price for all of their hard work in making the trip a success. Thank you to all the participants as well. It was great to meet each and every one of you!