Social Action
Gun Violence Prevention Letter for Legislators
Gun Violence Prevention Letter
Legislators Addresses
Social action is a core component of 
how we build community at Temple Beth Emeth and how we make change in the world. The Social Action Committee meets monthly and collaborates with the clergy and community organizations to provide opportunities for direct service, education, and advocacy. Rather than a formal committee, we welcome any members to attend our monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 pm. During our meetings, we discuss ongoing work, new opportunities, and potential initiatives we can lead at Temple Beth Emeth as well as how we can collaborate with other organizations in the broader Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. We welcome your ideas about how to deepen our connection to Jewish values through tikkun olam, repairing the world. Join us!
Please sign up for our Social Action @ Temple Beth Emeth newsletter here. You can contact the Vice President for Social Action, Naomi Goldberg, or Committee Chair, Abbie Egherman by emailing socialaction@templebethemeth.org.
Take action to prevent gun violence
1. Call your representative in congress about reinstating the assault weapon ban.
• Download the “5 CALLS” app to your phone or computer (5calls.org).
• Enter your zip code.
• The names and phone numbers of your representatives will be provided, as well as a script to use during the calls.
2. Access the “Everytown for Gun Safety” website (everytown.org) to join nearly 10 million Americans working to end gun violence.
• Select “Take Action”
• Suggestions for actions to help end gun violence will be displayed.
3. Call your state legislators and stress the need to pass gun safety laws and oppose gutting current gun laws.
• Text “FED UP” to 644-33
4. Attend coffee hour chats with your city council leaders and representatives, express thanks for their support of gun legislation, and emphasize the continuing need for their efforts to make the safety of our community a priority. Demand continuous funding of community based violence intervention programs.
5. VOTE, with the knowledge of which candidates will stand up for gun safety if elected (gunsencevoter.org).
6. Participate in marches and events in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and neighboring communities.
7. Get involved in organizations that fight to reduce gun violence, such as:
• Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism (RAC/URJ)
• Moms Demand Action (grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence)
• Students Demand Action (student activists committed to ending gun violence)
• Bridging America’s Foundations (dedicated to improving America’s communities)
• Giffords Center for Violence Intervention (gun sense movement working in all 50 states to change policy and challenge injustice)
• End Gun Violence Michigan (focused on state-based gun violence reduction policies and programs)
• No Future Without Today (student-led social welfare initiative organized by survivors of the OxfordHigh School shooting)
• PPGV (Physicians for the Prevention of Gun Violence)
Resources
— The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) and the CARES line (734-544-3050) are available 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance for mental health issues.
— “Be Smart for Kids” (besmartforkids.org) promotes secure gun storage and is dedicated to raising awareness of parents, caretakers, and community leaders.
Education and advocacy activities include civic engagement and voter registration drives, the TBE Dayenu Circle focused on climate justice, congregational social justice book discussions, a series of June for Justice Shabbatot, supporting refugees joining our community with Jewish Family Services, anti-racism work, and more.
Direct Service Opportunities include these recurring opportunities:
- The Back Door Food Pantry is a collaboration between Temple Beth Emeth, St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, and the Muslim community to provide food to all those in need. Volunteers are needed to receive, unpack, and shelve food and to prepare and distribute food. To volunteer, contact Ellie Davidson, elliewdavidson@gmail.com, for more information.
- Food Gatherers Community Kitchen, located downtown at the Delonis Center, provides 20 meals per week to those in need. Temple Beth Emeth volunteers work in the kitchen to prepare meals once a month on Saturdays. Volunteers can be as young as 12 if accompanied by a parent. Email Yuni Aaron, yuniaaron@me.com, to join the volunteer list or learn more.
- Alpha House, which supports families experiencing housing instability, is supported by our community. Throughout the year, we prepare meals for and visit with families. Sign up for our Social Action @ Temple Beth Emeth email to learn more.
- Rotating Shelter is an interfaith effort through the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County to provide warm, safe shelter, meals, and community to people experiencing homelessness. Typically around Thanksgiving, Temple Beth Emeth members alongside St. Clare's Church members make meals, serve as overnight hosts, and provide transportation to members of the Washtenaw County community who are experiencing homelessness. Sign up for our Social Action @ Temple Beth Emeth email to learn more.
