"I am just a bill,
Yes I'm only a bill,
And I got as far as Capitol Hill.
Well now I'm stuck in committee
And I sit here and wait
While a few key congressmen
Discuss and debate
Whether they should
Let me be a law..
Oh how I hope and pray that they will,
But today I am still just a bill."

--Schoolhouse Rock

Advocacy is a key component of the democratic process. UJC's Washington advocates on behalf of the Jewish federation system in Washington on such issues as Medicare, transportation for seniors and funding for social services. Here is an inside look at a typical day in the life of UJC's advocacy office.

8:35 a.m.On Capitol Hill changes happen rapidly. Keeping up-to-date, sometimes up to the hour, on the latest developments is key to effective advocacy.

9:05 a.m. Grassroots advocates play a critical role in Washington. UJC's Washington office brings missions from across the country to Washington, D.C. to tell their elected officials about the issues that concern them. Jewish Community Board of Akron and their interfaith coalition partners are briefed on domestic issues of importance to the Jewish Federated system.

11:12 a.m. Time with members of Congress is precious. Much preparation beforehand is required to make impact in that short time. The legislative team regularly sits down to develop the message on the issue at hand, discuss legislative strategy, identify other organizations that have taken similar position on the issue, and prepare documentation supporting UJC's position.

1:31 p.m. Coaltion work is key to advancing out Federation system's agenda in Washington. Groups come together on issues of common concern to present their views to the Congress in a united voice. Here, UJC's Washington staff, Catholic Health Association of the United States and American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging met with the staff of Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) to discuss Medicare and Medicaid.

2:45 p.m. Staff frequently attends hearings where congressional committees discuss specific legislation. Hearings are an opportunity for the executive branch, experts and other stakeholders to put their views on record. Few meetings actually happen in the Capitol building. More often, committees meet in the House or Senate office buildings.

4:40 p.m. Developing relationships with staff on Capitol Hill is an important aspect of the job. Advocates frequently share information with members of Congressional staff to educate them on issues.

There are many ways to make a difference. If you want to become an advocate on behalf of the Jewish community, visit UJC's online advocacy center and tell your elected members of Congress about our community's concerns and priorities.