Women of Reform Judaism convention in Milwaukee | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Women of Reform Judaism convention in Milwaukee

 

The Women of Reform Judaism will hold its Midwest District Convention in Milwaukee on Oct. 18-21, with programs on sex trafficking and domestic violence.

“Our Tapestry of Values Creates the Fabric of Community” is the theme of the four-day event at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. The convention will include workshops, worship experiences, an awards ceremony, local entertainment and the installation of the 2018-2020 officers and board members.

“Women of Reform Judaism is committed to providing a global voice and a safe and fulfilling world for women. We do this by providing ways for women to connect, have spiritual experiences, and advocate with one voice for the needs of women,” said Janet Buckstein, president of the Midwest District, one of eight districts within Women of Reform Judaism and an affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism.

“WRJ has a long tradition of advocacy and social justice engagement to support women. We are very excited to offer two special programs at our convention that have direct impact on women in crisis and provide an educational forum for our members: domestic violence and sex trafficking.”

One of the workshops benefits The Women’s Center located in Waukesha, whose mission “…is to provide safety, shelter and support to empower all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking.” Convention attendees are being asked to bring soap, shampoo, feminine products, toothpaste and other items —anything that women use on a daily basis – for people at The Women’s Center.

A second session, on Sunday morning, will include a panel to discuss human trafficking and its victims. Panelists will include a representative of The Women’s Center, a member of the Milwaukee Police Department with experience in human trafficking crimes, and a WRJ member who has been involved in planning programming to help and advocate for human trafficking victims.

The Milwaukee local events chair is Sarah Acker.

For more information visit Wrj.org/wrj-midwest-district-convention.