It all began with a postcard announcing the start of a “Literature Study” class at the offices of the National Council of Jewish Women just blocks from my home. A stay-at-home mother of three, I thought, as Hillel is to have said, “If not now, when?” and off I went. And two hours later, I was hooked! Bright welcoming women, discussing literature and issues that mattered! Where had they been? I joined, of course, and at the close of the series, found myself saying “yes” to co-chairing the series the following year.

That was 1972. A co-chairmanship of another series followed and then, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Bulletin Editor, Education Assistance Chair, VP, and in 1988, the Presidency of NCJW. What a wonderful whirlwind of activity, of lifelong connections to exceptional women, many of them, now gone, who were my guides and mentors, many of whom remain my friends to this day. Attending Washington Institute and National Conventions in several cities, I saw the outreach of our efforts with other equally committed women nationwide to make a difference in the lives of women and children across the country. Each time I write my Annual Support check, I know I am continuing to help make our collective voices count.

One’s life is shaped by unforeseen circumstances. Mine was. A simple postcard led to enlarged horizons, to a deeper understanding of the world and my obligations to others. NCJW has enriched my life and, by extension, the lives of my three children, now grown, involved in their own communities and raising their children to make their voices count. My two eldest grandchildren cast their first ballots this November!

Forty-four years later, I look at the range of our projects and programs and know that we have continued to grow, to change lives and to make a difference. Hannah G. Solomon would have said, “Right on!”