CRC Mission

The Community Relations Committee (CRC) is the public affairs and inter-group relations arm of United Jewish Communities (UJC) of MetroWest NJ. The CRC spearheads the development of the public policy agenda for the Jewish community focusing on local, state and national issues. CRC advocates these views with legislators, and engages with other constituencies such as civic and interfaith leaders and the media on these matters. The CRC is actively involved in Israel advocacy and education, relations with other ethnic and cultural communities, and issues affecting the quality of life in the community and around the world.

CRC Vision and Goals

• Works in the areas of Israel Affairs, Government Relations, and Community-Based Initiatives.
• Informs and educates the MetroWest community on current events and public policy matters of interest to the community, and networks and builds various coalitions to further such interests.
• Serves as clearing house for new issues, has a rapid response capability, and takes immediate action in support of the Jewish community and Israel.
• Provides multiple opportunities and mechanisms for Jewish leaders, activists, and businessmen and businesswomen to be engaged with regard to their personal interests in the Jewish community.

Israel Affairs - reaches out beyond the Jewish community to educate them about Israel, its history, and its quest for peace and provides the MetroWest Jewish community with information and opportunities for engagement in order to enhance the community’s commitment to Israel.

Government Relations - interacts with government officials at the local, state, and national levels. The CRC also monitors and advocates for legislation and other issues of interest to the MetroWest Jewish community, including funding and legislation which supports Jewish institutions and communal priorities. The CRC continues to activate the MetroWest community to be active issue advocates.

Community-Based Initiatives

• Community Councils – The CRC convenes local councils to bring together Jewish leaders with influentials from the government, non-profit, and business sectors in their communities to share information and to respond to local issues – such as the current Newark Advisory Council.
• Community Outreach and Education – The CRC organizes forums with speakers on issues and initiatives that are of interest to the MetroWest Jewish community. The CRC works with state and local groups on issues such as separation of church and state and to support municipal diversity committees.
• Social Action – A mechanism by which the CRC is a common table for Social Action committees of synagogues in the MetroWest Jewish community share information with each other.
• Inter-Group/Coalition-Building – The CRC cultivates relationships and strategic alliances with other community-based groups to accomplish shared goals.

To volunteer, become a CRC advocate, or get more information about CRC projects, call 973/929-3064 or e-mail crc@ujcnj.org.

The Community Relations Committee is funded by the United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest NJ annual campaign.