Tikkun olam, healing the world, is the core of social action and the heart of social justice. Congregation Beth Emeth Social Action initiates and promotes programs and activities that provide direct services to the greater Albany community, helping those in need, and advocating for public policy change to improve society for the benefit of all.

Please read below to learn about the various activities our Social Action Committee is facilitating at Beth Emeth. If you have any questions, contact Abby Nash.

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS, WE ARE POSTING ALL SOCIAL ACTION ACTIVITES ON OUR HOME PAGE, LISTED UNDER "ON-LINE RESOURCES & HOW WE CAN HELP OUR COMMUNITY." 
REFER TO THAT PAGE FOR ALL UPDATED NEEDS.  QUESTIONS?  CONTACT ABBY NASH

GET OUT THE VOTE INITIATIVE:
The Religious Action Center (RAC) of the Union for Reform Judaism, is working with the organization, RECLAIM OUR VOTE, to help increase voter turnout in the November 2020 election.  Here are opportunities to get involved:

MAKE THE EASIEST CALLS EVER!

 Reaching out to North Carolina can make all the difference between winning and losing! These calls are so easy cause we're providing important info on how they can vote so their vote counts, we can leave messages, and of those we speak with, most really appreciate the info. When you register, answer the questions (so we can optimize your time) and then the Zoom link will be on the post-registration page. You'll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link too. 

Give It a Try and Sign Up Here!

• Register here for any/every Monday 5-6:30 thru 11/2
• Register here for any/every Wednesday 7-8:30 thru 10/28
• Register here for any/every Saturday 4:30-6 thru 10/31

Hit the Ground Running...

• Watch this video
• Review the Phone Bank Guide & Cheat Sheet and the Sample Phone Bank Script
• Print the Phone Bank Cheat Sheet
• Never phone banked? Set up your Action ID on Open VPB (which has the call list and script)
  • Click on this link, then click "Get Started" and then "Create an Action ID" 
  • Add your email, password, first and last name, phone # and then click "create account" 
  • You'll have this ActionID forever so save the email and password somewhere safe 

INITIATIVE TO HELP LOCAL REFUGEES

Playground Community Build

During the summer of 2019 Beth Emeth worked together with Refugee Immigrant and Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) staff and families, local temples and churches, to build a new playground for the kids and families of RISSE. Multiple faith and civic organizations worked in concert over many months to make the playground a reality and established long-lasting bonds that will allow these groups to work together on future community projects.

Ongoing Projects with Refugees:

Specific refugee families have been identified in need of a variety of services and we are looking to develop a network of helpers who can be:

* Hands on mentors for refugees, or
* Service providers for refugees (eg – physicians, lawyers), or
* Provide funds, or
* Provide supplies, or
 

If you wish to work on any of these issues, contact Abby Nash

MITZVAH SQUAD

Sign up to receive emailed announcements of mitzvah opportunities as they become available. Learn about specific projects, dates, times, and number of volunteers needed. No obligation to volunteer.

Read the Mitzvah Squad flyer - CLICK HERE Contact: Lucy Siegel

SOUP KITCHEN

CLICK HERE to learn how Soup Kitchen Procedures Have Been Altered to Address Health Needs Of Both Volunteers & Recipients Due To Covid-19. 

Congregation Beth Emeth runs a soup kitchen on Sundays from 11 am – 2:30 pm at 369 Livingston Avenue (corner of Livingston & Thornton) in Albany. For more than three decades, our volunteers have been preparing hot meals and serving
those in need in our community. Volunteers are responsible for preparing, serving, and cleaning up. Individuals, families, congregation committees, and friends are all welcome!

Want to help?  CLICK HERE to register on line. Questions? Contact Taylor Vogt  or phone 585-410-0263.

DIANE’S FARM ~ BETH EMETH’S SOUP KITCHEN GARDEN
(funded by the Goodman Family Fund)

Calling ALL who want to help feed the hungry in the Capital District Community!

At the back end of the parking lot at Beth Emeth is Diane's Farm, a wonderful garden cared for by our congregants. If you have a few hours to spare, please consider signing up to help maintain our Farm -- NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! We meet Wednesdays from 4:30 - 7:00 PM and Sundays from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM. CLICK HERE to Sign Up! Questions? Contact Marni Tesser

RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER OF REFORM JUDAISM (RAC)