Across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, AJWS supports more than 500 grassroots organizations in their work to build a more just world—by changing laws and changing lives. In the U.S., we amplify the voices of these activists through advocacy initiatives to influence the U.S. government, because we know that U.S. foreign policy has a significant and direct impact on the work of the organizations we support.
Our advocacy work comes in many forms:
- Amplifying the voices of those fighting for justice around the world by bringing our grantees to meet with policymakers in Washington, D.C.
- Mobilizing the progressive American Jewish community, including hundreds of Jewish leaders, to speak out to Congress and federal agencies
- Organizing online actions and petitions
- Working in coalitions with faith-based and secular human rights groups
This work is all led by the AJWS Advocacy and Jewish Engagement Team in Washington, D.C. The team works closely with our elected officials and policymakers to champion legislation and regulations that advance justice, equity and human rights in the counties our partners work, as well as with Jewish leaders across the U.S. who want to join us in that fight. And in turn, government officials and legislators turn to AJWS for the local expertise of our grantee organizations and international staff, who ensure that these policies center human rights and the needs of marginalized communities.
But we can’t do this work alone. With your help, we can make an even greater impact. Below, find out how to take action: