News

December 6, 2002
© Copyright 2002, The Jewish Advocate. All Rights Reserved. Republished by permission.
By Susie Davidson Advocate Correspondent

"How do the election results affect us directly here in Massachusetts?" ‑ Sheila Decter

BROOKLINE ‑ Election results, veggie food and the future of social activism will be digested from 5‑7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 8) when the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action meets at Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon St.

"A Post‑Election Analysis: What Happened and Why We Should Care" will be the discussion, which will be moderated by Goldman Associates President Michael Goldman. A light dairy/veggie dinner will be provided and attendees are encouraged to bring pot‑luck desserts and appetizers. Following Goldman's talk, brainstorming on topics for gatherings on Feb. 2, April 6 and June I will be conducted. The event is free.

Concerned with issues of social and economic justice, civil rights, and constitutional liberties, JALSA, a group for social activists in their 20s, 30s and 40s, represents a progressive voice within the Jewish community. Following the December 2001 reorganization of the American Jewish Congress, JALSA was launched by about two dozen founders, including Sumner Kaplan, president of the New England region of AJC. Sheila Decter, the fired former New England regional executive director of the AJC, serves as executive director at JALSA.

"On the first Sunday evening of every other month," she said, "we will be holding a meeting with a speaker addressing a cutting‑edge public policy topic. We'll have good food, and time to socialize as well."

"JALSA started first Sunday events to reach out to people in their 20s, 30s and 40s because we felt there was a real need for people in this age range to get involved in developing public policy," said Cindy Rowe, JALSA's outreach and fundraising consultant.

On Sunday, far‑reaching questions will be analyzed in the wake of the Nov. 5 election. "How do the election results affect us directly here in Massachusetts?" Decter asked; "What will elected officials do in the areas of public education, civil rights, health care, job creation, housing, women's rights and the environment? How will their actions affect you, your friends, and your family members? What can you do to make sure that your elected officials are enacting the types of policies you want to see adopted?"

"Our elected officials at the State House and in Washington are working on issues that determine the quality of our public education and health care, and availability of affordable housing," Rowe said.

Goldman Associates is a communications consulting firm specializing in public relations, government liaison and campaign consulting for both private sector and political clients. A political commentator and analyst, Goldman has hosted numerous radio programs on WRKO in Boston and serves as co‑host of "Simply put" on New York's Bloomberg Radio.

"By getting involved with JALSA, young people can have a voice in determining the direction that our government should take on these issues which directly affect our lives," Rowe said.

To receive JALSA's weekly e‑mail newsletter, send your e‑mail address to Sheila@ JewishAlliance.org.