Jewish Long Beach to Advocate for Disabled Throughout February

Jewish Long Beach is leading the local charge this February to make an impact during Jewish Disability Advocacy Month (JDAM). JDAM will provide multiple opportunities for the community to learn about and advocate for the rights of people with various physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. This initiative is not exclusively for Jewish people, but rather is led by the Jewish community for all. This nationwide campaign powered by the Jewish Federations of North America is led locally throughout the country by organizations like Jewish Long Beach.

Locally, Jewish Long Beach intends to unite all voices in fighting the societal stigma surrounding individuals with disabilities, promoting opportunities for full inclusion in the community and advocating to advance the public policies that support the health and well-being of those with seen and unseen challenges.

The month of February brings virtual programming designed to educate, empower, and engage. The classes are taught by thought leaders and experts about the current state of disability rights, and what can be done to promote the best inclusion and supportive care practices. Participants will also learn key advocacy strategies and the power of civic engagement to advance public policy, ultimately participating in a week of virtual lobbying to elevate disability issues to the policymakers in Washington. Closed captioning is available throughout.

Jewish Long Beach is committed to advocacy, working closely with the Anti-Defamation League, California Jewish Public Affairs Committee, the Jewish Federations of North America, and local civic leadership to advocate on issues of importance to the Jewish community.

JDAM trainings cover the gamut from inclusive hiring practices and providing accessible workplaces and community centers to interpersonal communications. The topics are directed to a cross section of the community, from teens to executives and managers.

“Jewish Long Beach is proud that our Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus is completely accessible. This is one reason why, in non-pandemic times, it remains the center of both Jewish and broader communal life in Long beach for individuals and families of all ages, from students at the Alpert JCC’s Early Childhood Education Center and Kids’ University to seniors taking advantage of adult programming, those seeking to maintain their physical fitness, those seeking social services from Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Long Beach and West Orange County, and more.,” said Zach Benjamin, Chief Executive Officer Jewish Long Beach.

To register for JDAM trainings, visit https://www.jewishtogether.org/jdam. Please visit Jewish Long Beach’s website https://www.jewishlongbeach.org for additional information and to stay up to date and support this important month of advocacy. Finally, follow @JewishLongBeach and #JDAM on social media to stay connected.

Jewish Long Beach serves the Jewish and broader communities through strategic grant-making, development of emerging leaders, advocacy, and management of the community’s philanthropic funds. The organization awards over $500,000 in grants annually to nonprofit organizations throughout Long Beach and West Orange County. It also manages approximately $30 million in assets and owns and operates the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus, which houses the Alpert Jewish Community Center and other independent Jewishly-focused community organizations.

Other ways to stay in touch with Jewish Long Beach:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JewishLongBeach

Instagram: @jewishlongbeach

Twitter: @jewishlongbeach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewish-long-beach