Wednesday, March 10, 2010

On The Hill!

Stairway To Democracy

Celebrating a job well done!

"You gotta see this.."

"They clean up pretty good"
Senator Wyden shares stories from the Hill

Students meet with Senator Merkley

Our Washington (state) student on the way to her lobbying visit!


Generations of freedom advocacy

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Journey Begins

A 4:45 am math problem...
What does 15 students plus 4 chaperones on an early morning flight to our nation's capital for 3 days of intense advocacy training with over 300 other Jewish teens equal: "Exciting" with a capital "E."
Other "E" words to fit our trip thus far--"Easy" (our flight from Portland to Reagan National), "Enthusiastic" (each student's attitude upon arrival), "Energizing" (singing songs and celebrating Shabbat with kids from all over the country), "Exasperating" (ask your student about the creamy chicken debacle), and "Exhausted" (we did wake up before 4 AM after all). Friday was an "Exceptional" day!




Shabbat Shalom

A full day of learning, prayer, exploration, and adventure. The picture above and two below are of the group Havdallah service at the Jefferson Memorial. A beautiful service which incorporated quotes by Jefferson; a celebration of our religious freedom, of separation of church and state, an appreciation of our country and the liberties we enjoy, a recognition of our responsibilities to protect freedom of religion for all people.



In front of the National Holocaust Memorial Museum.

At the World War II Memorial



After breakfast and shabbat morning services we participated in a lobbying simulation; Kesef, Koach, and politika (money, power, and politics). Students were on two sides of the "raise the minimum wage" issue and worked towards influencing senators through a twitter wall, phone calls, gaining funds from wealthy donors, letter writing, and rallying!
After lunch we headed out tho the WWII memorial under sunny skies, and from there walked to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum. After the exploring this sad chapter of our people's history (concluding with a moment in the hall of remembrance), we lightened our steps with some sight-seeing in Georgetown and dinner in the the great restaurants in the area. From Georgetown we were off the Jefferson Memorial, and then back to the conference for a program shuk. Students attended a shuk which they had selected previously on topics ranging from "The Greenest Generation" to "Put a Mensch on the Bench!"