National Council of Jewish Women

National Council of Jewish Women is one of the oldest Jewish women's grassroots organizations in the United States, founded at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Guided by Jewish values, it is a progressive voice dedicated to improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and to safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. The organization operates through a network of local sections, national advocacy, and strategic partnerships to effect social change.

History

The organization was founded in 1893 by Hannah G. Solomon after she and other Jewish women were recruited to organize the Jewish Women's Congress at the World's Columbian Exposition. Refusing to serve merely as hostesses, Solomon and her colleagues transformed the event into a platform for establishing a permanent national organization focused on social reform and religious study. Early efforts included providing support for immigrant communities, leading the fight for child labor laws, and establishing one of the first free kindergartens in New York City. Throughout the 20th century, it was active in the suffrage movement, supported New Deal policies, advocated for refugees during and after World War II, and played a significant role in the civil rights movement, including participation in the 1963 March on Washington.

Mission and advocacy

The mission centers on advancing social and economic justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Its advocacy agenda is rooted in a progressive interpretation of Jewish values and prioritizes issues including reproductive rights and health, federal judicial nominations, gender-based violence prevention, and economic justice. The organization maintains a strong presence in Washington, D.C., lobbying for legislation such as the Women's Health Protection Act and against measures seen as restrictive. It also advocates for policies supporting a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state, emphasizing a two-state solution and opposing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.

Programs and initiatives

Key programs translate advocacy into direct action and community support. The NCJW National Helpline provides information and referrals on issues like reproductive health. Its Judges Matter initiative educates and mobilizes members around the impact of the federal judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court of the United States. Community-based sections run initiatives such as donor-advised funds for abortion access, school supply drives, and support for domestic violence shelters. The organization also conducts civic engagement campaigns like Get Out the Vote efforts and promotes educational forums on topics from gun violence prevention to LGBTQ+ rights.

Leadership and structure

The organization is led by a National Board of Directors and a professional staff headed by a Chief Executive Officer, currently Sheila Katz. Policy is set at national conventions, while day-to-day operations are managed from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and an action center in New York City. Governance is federated, with a network of community-based sections across the United States that enjoy autonomy in local programming while aligning with the national platform. These sections are led by volunteer leaders and are crucial for grassroots mobilization and implementing national initiatives at the local level.

Affiliates and partnerships

It maintains strategic alliances with a wide array of organizations to amplify its impact. It is a member of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The organization frequently partners with groups like the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Civil Liberties Union, and ERA Coalition on shared advocacy goals. In Israel, it works with affiliated organizations such as NCJW Israel and partners with entities like the Israel Women's Network on projects promoting social welfare, religious pluralism, and equality.

Category:Jewish organizations based in the United States Category:Women's organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1893