Interfaith & Social Action Committee

Chair: Jeff Potash, email 802-862-0917
Members: Laura Merit, Michael Schaal, Shirley Rutstein, Ducky Donath, Wayne Senville, & Barbara McGrew

Our newly renamed committee focused considerable energies this year in its year-long “Empowering Our Elders” project. In November, January, and March, forums were held to explore the challenges confronting our elders in the areas of housing, transportation, and healthcare. Testimony by OZ members described the current needs in our congregation, followed by information shared by outside experts on existing programs and strategies in addition to other models and opportunities that address these needs. As an outgrowth of these forums, an “Elders Action Task Force” has been convened and begun to undertake a combination of research and focused actions aimed at addressing the current and future needs of our community.

In addition to this ongoing project, the committee continues to operate as OZ’s “Local Organizing Committee” connection to Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA) and to support that group’s efforts to affect social justice in the areas of affordable housing and accessible healthcare. Two members of our committee serve on the Board of Directors of VIA. In November, OZ hosted the first course in a Moveable Feast progressive dinner organized as a fundraiser for Vermont Interfaith Action. The committee plans on hosting the event again this year and is exploring additional fundraising and educational opportunities to support efforts for promoting social justice and interfaith action.

Sometimes the schedule changes. Some people who are not members of the Committee receive minutes and other communications via email. If you wish to be on this list, email the office.

Interesting Links:
Vermont Interfaith Action
PDF: Getting There! A Transportation Guide for Chittenden County Seniors & The Mobility-Challenged.

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Jeff Potash Interviewed on VPR - OZ member Jeff Potash was interviewed by Neal Charnoff on VPR's "All Things Considered" regarding "Israel@60" and Vermont's Jewish community. Jeff told listeners about the history of Burlington's Jewish community and the photo exhibit at the Fletcher Free Library. If you didn't catch the interview, you can listen to it here: http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/80369/.