HoCoJAG August Newsletter

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HoCoJAG is entering its next phase with a clear focus: strengthening our political influence, expanding community relationships, developing future leaders, and giving members more ways to get involved.

Strengthening HoCoJAG

We are pleased to welcome Fern Babkes to the HoCoJAG Board of Directors. Fern brings decades of experience in Jewish advocacy and antisemitism education to HoCoJAG as well as strong relationships with other Jewish advocacy groups.

The Board has also begun work on a two-year strategic plan focused on turning HoCoJAG’s growth into sustained impact. Priorities include:

  • Candidate research, endorsements and voter education
  • Recruiting and developing future candidates
  • Monitoring legislation and providing testimony
  • Building stronger relationships with elected officials
  • Expanding alliances across the Jewish community and with other communities
  • Antisemitism education
  • Youth political engagement and internships
  • More opportunities for members to participate directly in HoCoJAG’s work

Building Relationships That Matter

This month, HoCoJAG met with Rabbi Greenspan of Beth Shalom to discuss opportunities to work together on antisemitism education and community programming. HoCoJAG met with Chabad leadership and offered congratulations to Chabad for its 40th anniversary serving the Jewish community of Howard County. HoCoJAG continues to build alliances within the Jewish community including leaders at StandWithUs and with leaders in the Hindu community including CoHNA and other groups whose values and goals are aligned. 

We also continue to build relationships with elected officials and their offices. When their actions raise concerns, we engage directly. That includes recent conversations regarding Rep. Sarah Elfreth and her positions on several Israel-related issues. HoCoJAG will continue engaging elected officials constructively while evaluating our support based on their actions.

Activating Members

One of our biggest priorities is creating more concrete ways for members to participate.

That could mean helping research legislation or candidates, attending government meetings, supporting endorsed candidates, building synagogue relationships, helping with events, recruiting new members, or contributing professional skills.

HoCoJAG has grown because people stepped forward. Our next stage depends on even more members doing the same.

**More opportunities to get involved are coming soon.**

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