As graduation season is coming up, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) of Greater Kansas City section suggests giving graduates a membership for a unique and meaningful graduation gift.
NCJW members say that this gift offers friendships, opportunities for volunteerism, real world positive impact and an opportunity to have the recipient’s voice heard in Washington, D.C. They cite research from the University of Pennsylvania that says gift receivers feel more connected to gift givers who give experiences instead of “stuff.”
NCJW President Carla Oppenheimer shared eight reasons for giving a membership as a gift:
- Unlimited access to all NCJW activities.
- Community service events — NCJW holds eight different community service events each year, some of which are ongoing. It also holds a monthly community service event at another organization or in conjunction with it, and it works with Grandparents for Gun Safety.
- Advocacy — Support for women’s reproductive rights, safeguarding voting rights, justice for all and a fair and independent judiciary. NCJW advocates for policies that promote equal rights, end discrimination and encourage opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds.
- Friendship — NCJW offers social events so our members can get to know each other.
- Leadership opportunities — NCJW encourages members to lead a volunteer, social or advocacy event. Its board is made up of members, and new voices are always welcome.
- Learning opportunities — Quarterly, NCJW offers an online discussion based on Lilith Magazine, in addition to other learning opportunities such as advocacy training provided by the ACLU.
- Networking — NCJW of Kansas City has 540 members. Through the different activities and events, members meet and develop relationships providing contacts throughout the Kansas City metro in a variety of professions.
- A voice in Washington, D.C. — Each member of the local KC section adds a voice to NCJW lobbying power in Washington. Members from the National office can frequently be found in the capitol.
More information about NCJW, memberships and gifted memberships is available kansascity.section.ncjw.org or by emailing .