The National Council of Jewish Women, Inc. (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. The Texas State Policy Advocacy Network (SPA) is guided by the principals, priorities, and resolutions of our national organization. These can be found at NCJW, Inc.’s Mission and Resolutions page.

In Texas, there are four Sections of NCJW – Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio – as well as members across the state who are members-at-large of NCJW, Inc. In total, we have more than 3000 members and supporters in Texas.

We have two SPA chairs in Texas, and our Network includes Section Presidents, Public Affairs/Legislative Action Vice Presidents and Chairs, and members and supporters who are interested in statewide legislation and public policy issues.

We monitor state legislation and public priority issues. To help us address our priority issues, we join relevant coalitions with like-minded organizations. We are also the link between our state and NCJW’s Washington office.One of our most important functions is sending “Action Alerts” to our mailing list when we need people to contact our Federal or State legislators. We give you background information, talking points, and contact numbers so you are prepared when you email or phone your legislators.

This past year, we spoke out for social change by contacting our legislators, writing letters to the editor, giving testimony, and attending state hearings. Our voices were heard on a wide range of issues including: accuracy of information in Texas textbooks and curriculum, humane immigration laws, voter protection, filling emergency judicial vacancies, women’s access to contraception, safeguarding reproductive rights, and maintaining separation of church and state. When the SPA Network speaks out on an issue, we strengthen the collective voice of 3,000 Texas NCJW members and over 90,000 nationwide. We are heard loud and clear! Add your voice to ours and join the Texas SPA Network today.

Every other year, when the Texas Legislature is in session, we all meet in Austin for a Day on the Hill. On our first day, we are briefed on our priority issues by experts. After an evening awards banquet and a good night’s sleep, we head to the Capitol to meet our legislators. We present them with summaries of our issues and explain our stance. We follow this with emails and phone calls throughout the legislative session.

NCJW embraces women, and men, of diverse backgrounds and temperaments, thinkers and doers, who want to play a part at the local, national, and even global level.

Yet, all who come to NCJW share this: a belief that progressive ideals put into action can improve the world. NCJW is the most potent, most effective, most satisfying place where you can take that action and become a positive force for change.

Please join us now.