Civic engagement is central to Hadassah’s promise to effect change—from promoting voting and an informed citizenry, to writing and meeting directly
with elected officials.

At Hadassah’s virtual National Business Meeting in July, delegates passed three new policy statements, including Celebrating Women’s Suffrage Through Civic Engagement. (The other two expressed support for women and health care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and for medical partnerships between the United States and Israel.) The statement on civic engagement honors the history and impact of the suffrage movement; expands on Hadassah’s support for voting and grassroots advocacy; and highlights Day in the District, the online National Action Center and the #HadassahVotes initiative.

#HadassahVotes is a digital and in-person effort to mobilize Hadassah members and their communities around all phases of voter engagement. Hadassah is one of several organizations participating in Vision2020Votes—a national, nonpartisan effort to get more women than ever registered and voting in the 2020 elections. Gamification—essentially, turning a task into a game—is a strong motivator to encourage certain actions. Via the online platform Motivote, anyone can join Hadassah’s Voting Team and earn points for verifying registration, requesting an absentee ballot, helping someone else register, participating in a Hadassah Day in the District and more.

Earlier this year, Hadassah launched Members to Members: Hadassah’s Virtual Day in the District Program. Now, advocates across the country are meeting with representatives, senators and congressional staff online to educate policymakers about the Hadassah Medical Organization and to promote the organization’s policy priorities.