Rodef Sholom: A Reform Jewish Congregation in Marin County, California

And seek the well-being of the city in which you dwell . . . for in its peace you shall find peace. - Jeremiah 29.7

Congregation Rodef Sholom and the Marin Organizing Committee

What is the Marin Organizing Committee (MOC)?
MOC is an organization of institutions, mostly religious congregations and non-profit institutions, in Marin County, formed for the purpose of creating relational power that can both build and strengthen each member institution as well as shape Marin County's public policy for the common good.  The MOC is affilated with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the oldest and largest of the community organizing networks in the United States and abroad.  The MOC was born out of a conversation among clergy who wanted to form a political organization that could address issues of concern within the county, including housing, healthcare, transportation and education, on an ongoing basis. Launched in 2005, the MOC was officially founded in October of 2009, when 1100 delegates from many non-profits, congregations and their guests declared their intent to participate fully in all aspects of civic and political life within the County and beyond.

Principles and process of Community Organizing
The IAF believes that a truly democratic society begins in local institutions as members develop the vision and skills necessary for active engagement in civic and political life. We organize by building trusting relationships between people of diverse backgrounds and by training leaders to organize within their institutions and to create public relationships with local policymakers. The MOC is intended to be a long-term consensus-building organization that will help institutions in Marin County speak and act for themselves for the common good of our local community.. 

Current projects
MOC has three active research teams:  Towing & Impoundment/immigration, Shelter & Housing and Healthcare.  To learn more more about each of these issues as well as community organizing at Rodef Sholom, contact Jay Bellin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Judy Bloomberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Immigration), Alissa Ralston at lissaralston@gmail.com or Meredith Parnell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Shelter & Housing), or Mike Ralston at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Healthcare).  For general questions about community organizing at Rodef Sholom, contact Joanne Saxe at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .