Hadassah Women Learn About Local Government

April 2024

By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner

Hadassah women are influencers and advocates. We take a strong stand on issues concerning Israel, women, healthcare, and other important topics. We get involved with government at all levels to educate and influence decisions that impact our priorities. Hadassah president, Carol Ann Gershuny Schwartz, regularly meets with Heads of State, members of Congress, and presidents of major American Jewish organizations. But before we at the local level can influence our state, city, and county lawmakers, we need to understand the workings of our government and who to contact to make a request or share an opinion. That’s what Know Before You Go (Vote) was all about.

On Sunday, Feb. 25, Hadassah Charlotte Metro sponsored Know Before You Go, a non-partisan government and voting education program to help people navigate the local political landscape. As we entered, those who pre-registered were provided with a personalized information sheet with our voting details (county, voter registration number, party, etc.) and jurisdictions (voting precincts, districts), and a sample ballot for the March election.

Tariq Bokhari, Charlotte City Council District 6 representative, explained what the city is responsible for and what is handled by the county. He talked about the various committee meetings, the type of matters discussed at each, and how to contact our elected representatives. He also discussed Council priorities: public safety, homelessness, zoning, and infrastructure.

Lisa Cline, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education District 5 representative, spoke about how the Board of Education works, how programs are funded, how to contact School Board members, and Board priorities such as the teacher shortage. She also described a new mental health program at Myers Park High School that was funded by a family after their child committed suicide.

Michael Dickerson, director of Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, talked about voter registration and voter ID requirements, which recently changed. He explained how to find your precinct, talked about early voting, and shared historical statistics about voter registration and the influence of independent voters on primary elections.

Mecklenburg County Commissioner-At-Large Leigh Altman is, among other roles, the Jewish liaison between the County and the Jewish community. She works to educate public officials about Israel and antisemitism, and to gain their support. Commissioner Altman spoke about the role of the county commissioners, taxes, how County funds are disbursed, and policies concerning mass transit, education, parks, and economic development.

Douglas Greene, government relations and public affairs associate for the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, spoke about the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the advocacy and public affairs arm of the Federation. The JCRC is the “point person” when there is an antisemitic incident at your child’s school or in the community. The JCRC advocates for Charlotte’s Jewish community by educating, engaging, and creating connections with elected officials and diverse ethnic, racial, and religious interest groups in the greater Charlotte area.

Events like Know Before You Go help empower Hadassah members to be active participants in the democratic process and leaders in our community.

April Highlights

We’re hosting our annual Passover Tasting Lunch & Recipe Swap on Sunday, April 14, from noon-2 p.m. Bring a homemade dairy or pareve/vegetarian Passover appetizer, main course, or dessert to share. Email your recipe to Roz at rcooper133@ aol.com by April 7. All recipes will be available electronically after the event. This is a great program for new or prospective members. Check our website for sign-up details and location.

Members and non-members are welcome to meet and mingle at Hadassah’s Coffee Klatch on Wednesday, April 17. Join us at 10 a.m. at Brakeman’s Coffee in downtown Matthews, 225 N. Trade Street.

Other Spring Events

Hadassah Wine & Schmooze on April 2 at 7 p.m. at Vintner Wine Market in the Arboretum Shopping Center.

Short Story Discussion Group meets on the second Friday of the month, and continues to read stories throughout 2024 from the collection “Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.” The next meeting is 11:45 a.m. on Friday, April 12 to discuss “My Daughter’s Boyfriends” by Penny Jackson.

Hadassah BookTalk will not meet in April because of Passover. Join us on May 28 to discuss “Don’t Forget to Write” by Sara Goodman Confino.

The next Hadassah CLT Metro Board meeting is Monday, April 15 at 7 p.m.

Helpful Info

To learn about membership, contact Laurie Sheinhaus at the phone number or email below, or come to one of our events.

Our website, www.hadassahcltevents.org, has details and registration links for our events. If you have questions or need additional information, email HadassahCLT@gmail.com or call our general phone number, (980) 553-1880. Follow us on Facebook (Hadassah CLT Metro) and Instagram (Hadassah Charlotte Metro).