Jewish Federation
Engaging the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati resulting in legislative wins, increased political advocacy, and relationship building.
The Client
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is the backbone organization of dozens of Jewish organizations in the Greater Cincinnati Area. They have a large scope of work, including fundraising, allocating resources, convening community members, educational programming regarding anti-Semitism, and more. Their public relations arm, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), spearheads their political and legislative advocacy.
The Results
Locally, DSD and the Federation have lobbied for a change to the IHRA definition of antisemitism at Cincinnati City Council, hosted a ‘Jewish and Elected’ Townhall for Jewish legislators at the local, state, and federal level, and brought the first ever Menorah to Cincinnati City Hall to be displayed next to the Christmas tree during the holiday season. Along the way, the team has also worked to spread information about campaigns combating antisemitism around the area. At the State level, the Federation has also testified against bills impacting Jewish youth in educational settings, along with voicing perspectives from the Jewish community on other statewide issues. DSD also advocated for and received $300,000 in state funding for the expansion of the Mayerson JCC, the home of the Federation and many of its member organizations.
The Challenge
Community members, stakeholders, and leaders at the Federation were being left behind in decisions that heavily impacted Cincinnati’s Jewish Community, whether it be in schools or neighborhoods. Leadership determined that a strategic approach to the Federation’s involvement in governmental issues could be the change they needed to be consistently involved in the issues that impacted the Jewish Community.
The Solution
DSD worked with the Federation and JCRC to create short and long-term legislative goals both in Cincinnati and statewide. By leveraging relationships and identifying financial and community development opportunities, DSD was able to build upon the Federation’s foundation to expand their outreach and bring the organization to new tables.