Social Justice News

Take Action Now!
Want to make a difference but not sure how? These one-time actions are a great place to start. 

Now-2/18: The Path to Racial Equity (sponsors include ADL & Shalom Austin)
•    Six free virtual programs examining racial inequity in Austin
•    Learn more and register here

2/16, 7:00 PM + 2/17 12:00 PM: RAC-TX Legislative Advocacy Trainings
•    RAC-TX, the Reform Jewish Movement’s statewide advocacy group, is fighting for voting rights during the current Texas legislative session. Join one of these training sessions for upcoming meetings with lawmakers.
o     Tuesday February 16 at 7:00 pm CST
o     Wednesday February 17 at 12:00 pm CST

Week of 2/20 + Week of 3/22: MLK Continued Conversations with Be’Chol Lashon
•    Conversations on diversity, equity, + inclusion as individuals + community
•     RSVP here.
•    If you are interested in watching the videos from the first session on implicit bias, they are available to view below:
o     Implicit Bias
o     Why We're Awkward

3/4: Refugee Services of Texas Kick-Off 
•    Save the date for A Night at the Drive-in! If you or your business is interested in sponsorship or in donating auction items, contact Development Director Ashley Faye.

3/7, 3:30-5:00 PM: Shalom Supper Celebrating Refugee Shabbat

Refugee Actions Now 
•    Food Deliveries for Refugees: Anyone interested in providing food to a family on a weekly basis (directly or through a donation) can contact Cathy Campbell.
•    Donations to Refugee Fund: Anyone who can contribute (from either congregation) can give to the Temple Beth Shalom Refugee Task Force Fund on the Temple Beth Shalom website or contact Russ Apfel.
•    Letters to Congress for Refugee Rights: Join HIAS in welcoming the new Congress via letters demanding refugee and asylee rights, here. 
•    BONUS: If you would like to participate in a virtual meeting with new members of Congress, please contact Nancy Wolf at nwolf1000@gmail.com or 512-917-3731. Talking points and training will be provided.


Join a Movement!
Change happens person by person. Our community social justice leaders would love to talk to you about how we can make it happen, together.  

Religious Action Center - Texas (RAC-TX)
•    Email Rabbi David Segal, Liz Mitlak (CBI), or Sandy Dochen (TBS) to get involved, or learn more about our main issue, Democracy Protection, here.
•    Advocate for our Jewish values at a statewide level with other Reform congregations.

HIAS Jews for Refugees
•    Check with Russ Apfel and Cathy Campbell for updates on the Temple Beth Shalom Refugee Task Force, Austin Sanctuary Network, and refugee activities at CBI. They work closely with Ahmed Abbas, the asylum caseworker at Refugee Services Texas. For more info about HIAS contact Nancy Wolf or click here.
•    HIAS is a national Jewish organization that fights for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and freedom.

Advocates for Social Justice Reform
•    Email Bob Batlan at asjraustin@gmail.com to join or learn more here.
•    Next Meeting: 1/25 10:00 AM
•    ASJR is a local advocacy group focusing on issues surrounding criminal justice reform, especially indigent defense, or representation of the poorest defendants.

Texas Anti-Poverty Project
•    Email Larkin Tackett at larkin.tackett@gmail.com to join or learn more here.
•    Next Meeting: 1/27 10:30 AM
•    Advocate for living wages in Austin by focusing on access to high-paying jobs at the new Telsa giga-factory, for our neighbors experiencing poverty.


A Word from Your Social Justice Coordinator

Shalom y’all!

I’m usually proud of what our community is working on, but especially so right now. Why? Because we have been listening! Listening is the building block for social justice, and we are building.

We are building community by listening to the voices of Jews of Color. During MLK Shabbat, incoming CBI President Sarah Thompson Schick shared with us her experiences as a Black Jewish woman. When we listen to her, and voices like hers, we make our community more welcoming for all. We are continuing those opportunities for listening and sharing, including another conversation with Lindsey Newman of B’Chol Lashon (who moderated the MLK Erev Shabbat talk), on Wednesday, February 17! RSVP here or above for what will surely be another eye-opening discussion.

We are building awareness by listening to those who suffer from poverty and racism. Movements like Advocates for Social Justice Reform and the Texas Anti-Poverty Project include those directly affected by systems of oppression. By listening to those closest to the pain, then coming together to make those closest to the power listen, our community is organizing for true social justice.

We are building power by listening to each other. CBI’s congregation-wide listening campaign is in full swing, and I had the honor of listening to community members share their passions for social justice. When we listen to everyone in our big tent, not only do we have an easier time joining hands to make a difference, but we also gain empathy for each other. It’s a win-win: have your voice heard by an organized community that can act on your passions, and learn a little more about what’s in your neighbor’s heart.

So if you’ve listened this far, go out and listen some more. To our community, to those suffering, to anyone you love. Not only does it help with isolation, but listening helps us towards justice, too.

And as always, regardless of shul affiliation, the point of contact for every initiative listed would be happy to have your help. And if you simply want to ask how best to be an ally, or how we got here, please reply to this email, fill out the form above, or call me. My email is jason.austinsocialjustice@gmail.com, and my number is 469-834-9987. Thank you!
 
L'shalom,
Jason Taper, Social Justice Coordinator