UJA Action’s Civic Ambassadors Network is a chance for your community to step up and step fully into New York’s complex political and civic landscape.
Through this network, we hope to:
- Increase the presence of Jewish voters in state and local elections;
- Cultivate strong bonds between elected officials and the Jewish community; and
- Equip the Jewish community with the capacity to mobilize quickly when necessary.
These individuals will meet for four sessions. (NOTE: Professional staff are also invited to be your chosen Ambassador):
All sessions are scheduled from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - New York Politics 101:
You’ll get oriented to the civic landscape with inside info on how New York City and state government operate, and how this fellowship aims to strengthen engagement between the community and elected officials. - Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Turning Values Into Action:
You’ll learn the fundamentals of effective community organizing: how to mobilize neighbors and peers, build relationships, and run initiatives like get-out-the-vote efforts. - Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - Finding Your Political Voice:
You’ll sharpen your speaking skills to communicate about politics confidently and persuasively and frame the right messaging for your audience. - Thursday, June 4, 2026 - Building Bridges & Civic Connections:
You’ll discover practical strategies for partnering with others across religious, racial, and neighborhood lines. You’ll top off the sessions with a reception with elected officials to build a strong and lasting relationship.
Synagogues and JCCs are invited to appoint two individuals to join our first-ever cohort of civic ambassadors, who will:
- Serve as the bridge between the network and your organization;
- Gain practical skills in organizing, digital advocacy engagement, and coalition-building;
- Meet and build relationships with elected officials; and
- Mobilize their communities across the five boroughs on the issues that matter most.
Ambassadors will play an active role in advocating for the legislative issues that matter most to our community:
- Protecting Safe Access to Worship: Advocating for the “Buffer Bill” to ensure people can enter synagogues and other houses of worship without harassment or intimidation
- Combating Antisemitism: Promoting adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism through the HOPE Act to strengthen how government and institutions identify and address antisemitism
- Fighting Food Insecurity: Supporting city and state programs that expand access to nutritious food, strengthen emergency food providers, and help families meet basic needs with dignity
- Caring for Holocaust Survivors: Securing funding for trauma-informed care, mental health services, legal aid, and critical supports so survivors can age with dignity
This is the moment that demands Jewish civic leadership — and builds on the momentum of UJA Action, through which thousands of New Yorkers have already fought for these critical issues.
Through coordinated campaigns, grassroots advocacy, and direct engagement with policymakers, UJA Action turns community priorities into real policy impact. Now comes the next step: UJA Action Civic Ambassadors Network.
All applicants must be nominated by executive synagogue or JCC leadership. Please enter this information where noted in the application below.
Ambassadors should reflect UJA’s values and communal spirit, serving as thoughtful representatives of both their community and UJA to elected officials.