What I learned this summer about lobbying
There is a Jewish value I learned this summer, kavod habriyot, which translates to respecting and recognizing the dignity of all people.
It might surprise you to know that I’m actually not Jewish. My name is Tori Cichelero, and I have had the privilege of interning this summer with NCJW’s Government Relations and Advocacy Department.
I am active in my own faith, so once I learned about NCJW’s mission and advocacy, I was eager to join a faith-based organization that brings people together to pursue justice, advocate for vulnerable populations, and turn values into meaningful action.
As part of my NCJW internship, my time culminated this summer with a day on Capitol Hill. I lobbied my congressional representatives from Missouri about the Vote Without Fear Act, all while zig-zagging underground between congressional offices and navigating uncomfortable conversations.
If passed, this legislation would prevent firearms within 100 yards of our polling places or ballot-counting centers. Growing up in St. Louis, where gun violence is prevalent across a community which prides itself in civic engagement, I felt empowered to advocate for the dignity of all people and urge my members of Congress to co-sponsor the Vote Without Fear Act.
The Vote Without Fear Act (HR 7965/S 4121), led by Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Senator Chris Murray (D-CT), would improve the lives of all Americans. No matter who you are or where you come from, every American has the right to cast their ballot. In fact, it is essential to the foundation of our democracy. To me, the most patriotic thing anyone can do is protect the freedom to vote and the freedom to be safe from violence.
Importantly, this bill contains key exemptions to ensure that personal freedoms include both the freedom to responsibly own a gun and freedom to vote without fear — including firearms left in cars, firearms carried by on-duty police and security officers, and firearms on private properties. Reasonable gun laws protect rights — they don’t violate them.
According to Bridging Divides, a nonpartisan research group supported by Princeton University, between 2022 and 2024 there were approximately 170 incidents of election-related threats and/or harassment targeting local officials around the country. From Phoenix to my own hometown of St. Louis, and coast to coast across the country, the intimidation at ballot drop-boxes, lines at polling places, and targeted threats to poll workers are attempts to weaponize our safe and free elections.
From my work this summer on this topic, it is glaringly evident that more advocacy is needed to keep sacred spaces safe.
I can confidently say that there is little my lawmakers and I agree upon, but there is one thing we all have in common: we are driven by our faith. They are not Jewish — and I am not Jewish — yet there were moments where we found common ground because we are all called to respect human life through religion.
NCJW advocates have a very special role in the policy space. Tapping into our religious identities — especially in conversation with elected officials we may disagree with — gives us the chance to move pieces of legislation that other organizations can’t. Using our faith to guide our advocacy work is powerful, and it can help keep people safe.
Action must be taken to protect our communities, honor our sacred right to vote, and respect poll workers. The Vote Without Fear Act does exactly this, and it also boldly sends a message that every person and every life matters.
This lobby day helped me realize that advocacy is so much more than standing up for myself, and in realizing that, it also brought me closer to my own faith.