Last week, I joined my Agudah colleagues for an internal government affairs professional development conference.
Our sessions were devoted to how we can become better advocates on a wide range of issues, how we can communicate better with the media, and ways to collaborate even better. We also had a session about taking care of our own mental health and dealing with secondary trauma as we assist individuals and communities with tragedies large and small. The presenters included the EdChoice team, Brian Wallace President of NowSourcing, Emily Chatelain of the School Food and Wellness Group, and Dr. Norman Blumenthal among others.
A lot has changed since the last time we gathered for our annual meeting back in 2019. We weathered a pandemic and provided guidance and assistance to our communities. We celebrated significant legal and legislative victories and suffered some setbacks. Our staff has grown. But one thing that hasn’t changed, is the selfless dedication of my colleagues to serving their communities, guided by our rabbinic leaders. It never ceases to amaze me how they can accomplish so much with so little.
I encourage you to read about some of their most recent accomplishments below, including a bill signing in Missouri for an effort Agudah has been involved with for more than 15 years.
We will be working throughout the summer so please feel free to reach out to me or any of my colleagues if we can help you or your community in any way.