Jewish Women's Action Alliance Arizona

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

Too many survivors are told to stay quiet, wait, or keep it to themselves. Speaking up can cost people a great deal, and the systems meant to protect them don’t always do it.

JWAAA believes survivors deserve a response that is fair, thorough, and focused on their safety and healing. We will keep speaking up for that, and for the accountability that should come with it.

If this week’s news has you thinking about what you can do, start here: follow our page, share this post with someone who needs to see it, and reach out to your own state legislators about how Arizona supports survivors.

10/11/2026

A former Cornell University student has filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was drugged and r***d at a fraternity house in 2024. She says she reported it to campus police and to Title IX shortly afterward. Lawyers for some of the men named in the suit have denied the allegations.

The case has raised serious questions about how the university responded. New York’s governor has appointed the state attorney general as special prosecutor, and the attorney general’s office has described it as an active criminal investigation. The university has said it will bring in an outside firm to review its handling of the case.

Whatever the outcome, survivors who come forward deserve to be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and supported. Institutions that fail them need to answer for it.

JWAAA stands with survivors and with the call for accountability.

10/09/2026

This week we’ve been reading about a congressional candidate in Arizona who says she was sexually assaulted while repairing her campaign signs in Sun City. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the report and is investigating.

She decided to speak publicly because she didn’t feel she could keep talking about fighting for women while staying silent about her own experience. That took courage, and it’s a reminder of how many survivors carry this alone, often for a long time.

JWAAA stands in support and solidarity with survivors. Every survivor deserves to be heard and believed. Those who commit sexual violence should be held accountable.

10/07/2026

Lesley Cain, MCHC, CTSS, Ruth Place's Community Partnerships Lead, spent time at Mark Stewart's "Stronger Together" Summit at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

Work like this doesn't happen in one room. Supporting survivors and protecting young people takes people who are willing to sit down together and ask hard questions, including how technology is shaping childhood today.

Thank you to Mark Stewart and everyone who put the summit together, and to the partners who keep showing up.

If you or someone you care about is healing from sexual violence, Ruth Place is here. Services are available in person across Arizona, and remote support is open to anyone. Learn more at ruthplaceaz.org, call 602-456-9308, or email [email protected].

10/07/2026

You have the power to make sure your vote counts.

Starting October 7, early ballots hit mailboxes across Arizona. When yours arrives, bring it to an official ballot drop box. They’re open 24/7, monitored all day and night, and your ballot goes straight into the official chain of custody.

Don’t leave your vote to chance. Drop it off and move on knowing it’s safe.

Key Dates:
• October 7: Early ballots begin mailing
• November 3 at 7:00 p.m.: Ballot drop-off deadline

Find your nearest ballot drop box at https://www.azcleanelections.gov/voter-dashboard

Your vote matters. Secure it.

10/05/2026

Big thanks to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for their $5,000 grant to Ruth Place AZ, our survivor recovery program!

Lesley Cain, MCHC, CTSS, Community Partnerships Lead for Ruth Place, accepted the award at a grant ceremony at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.

Support like this lets Ruth Place keep walking alongside survivors of s*xual trauma, in person across Arizona and remotely for anyone who needs it. We’re grateful for partners who show up for our community.

Learn more about Ruth Place at ruthplaceaz.org

10/01/2026

Power and Persistence: Making Our Voices Heard 💙

Join Jewish Women’s Action Alliance Arizona for our Benefit Brunch on Sunday, December 6 at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas.

We’re so excited to welcome featured speaker David Axelrod, CNN Senior Political Commentator and former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama.

We’ll also be honoring two women who have shaped Arizona for the better:
🏆 Impact Award: Dr. Catherine Nichols, for decades of work getting women elected to public office across our state
🏆 Visionary Voice Award: Reyna Montoya, founder and CEO of Aliento, for expanding access to education for undocumented youth

10:00 AM Reception
11:00 AM Brunch & Program

Grab your seat at the link in bio, or go to cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/jwaaa

Want to sponsor? Email [email protected] or call 602.784.8148.

09/30/2026

When women say “I am Jane Doe,” they’re standing with survivors of human trafficking who’ve fought for justice while living under the constant threat of exposure and retaliation.

Jane Doe represents every survivor whose name was used as a weapon against her. It’s the women who testified in court knowing their abusers would hunt them down. It’s the mothers who fought platforms like Backpage while their daughters’ traffickers remained anonymous. It’s every person who chose to speak up despite the cost.

This solidarity matters. When we say “I am Jane Doe,” we’re saying: your safety matters more than your notoriety. Your healing matters more than public recognition. You don’t have to trade your privacy for justice.

At JWAAA & Ruth Place AZ, we believe that protecting survivors is sacred work. Whether you’ve experienced trafficking, sexual violence, or abuse, you deserve support that doesn’t demand you sacrifice yourself in the process.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out. Solidarity starts with showing up. It starts with believing survivors. It starts with saying their name only if and when they’re ready.

Learn more about how we are supporting survivors in their healing at RuthPlaceAZ.org.