Confirmation Goes to Washington! December 2-5, 2011

Are you ready to change the world? Then, get excited for the L’Taken Social Justice Seminar! In partnership with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), you will have the opportunity to impact our political process as you share your views on social justice topics with decision-makers on Capitol Hill.

This program is designed to both expose you to a variety of public policy issues and explore the Jewish values that inform the Reform Movement’s advocacy around these issues. Throughout the weekend, we will give you the knowledge and tools to write an effective, persuasive and passionate speech on a topic of your choice to present when you visit the offices of your Senators and Representatives on the Monday of the program. There’s also time for dinner in Georgetown, museums and monuments on the National Mall, and Havdallah at the Jefferson Memorial! See a sample itinerary of the weekend at http://rac.org/confprog/ltaken/ – click on “Learn More.”

Click here to see a sample program and  itinerary.

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Temple Isaiah
December 2011 Confirmation Class goes to Washington
Religious Action Center L’Taken Seminar

Itinerary

Depart: Friday, December 2, 2011
Virgin America Flight 108
Depart 7:00 AM LAX Terminal 3
Arrive Washington Dulles 2:45 PM
Virgin America: (877) 359-8474

Shuttle:
GO – The Airport Shuttle – (800) 776-0323
Reservation #686777
Info: After arrival, exit downstairs in Section B. Cross a couple of roadways to Hourly Parking Lot. Look for row numbers 6 & 7.
Look for white van: GO AIRPORT SHUTTLE

Return: Monday, December 5, 2011
American Airlines Flight 75
Depart 5:50 PM No Terminal/Gate Info
Arrive 8:40 PM No Terminal/Gate Info
American Airlines: (800) 223-5436

*** Meet at Virgin America Desk in Terminal 3 at 5:30 AM sharp ***

Call Rabbi Dara if late: (310) 433-0603

 You are permitted to carry-on one bag with a maximum outside linear dimension of 50” (i.e., 10” in length x 16” in width x 24” in height) weighing no more than about 15 pounds that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat PLUS one personal item (e.g., purse, backpack, computer case, camera or coat). Please plan on checking at most one bag; carry-on luggage would be best. Checked bags must be less than 50 lbs., and there is a $25 fee for the first bag.  Bags weighing more than 50 lbs. will have a charge, and a second bag will have a charge.  Fees will apply in both directions.  Regarding liquids in carry-ons: no more than 3 oz. and packed in one 1-quart plastic bag.

Hotel
Doubletree Crystal City
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: (703) 416-4100
Fax: (703) 416-4126

What to bring?

Please click here for the RAC packing list.

Clothing:Dress warmly, as temperatures in Washington, DC in December can be in the 30s and 40s. A winter coat is a must, as are scarf, hat and gloves. The hotel has hairdryers in the rooms, so you do not need to bring. Please do not let your child pack only flip flops!

Please bring nice clothes for Erev Shabbat (Friday Night).

Monday visits to Capitol Hill: All students and chaperones must be in business attire (shirts, ties and jackets for boys and nice pants or skirts and tops or dresses for girls). Please wear comfortable shoes (not heels) as we will be walking about a mile while at the Capitol.

Money: Students should bring $50-75 to spend on food. We will be eating out on Saturday and Sunday night, as well as Monday lunch. We will purchase Monday dinner at the airport and bring it on the plane. Students may also want to buy snacks at the airport or hotel. (FYI: The RAC tells us that people spend between $7-$11 for lunch and $11-$16 for dinner.) Don’t worry: Dara will have funds to supplement hungry students pursuing justice!

Laptop Computers: We will be typing our speeches to senators and representatives using laptop computers. The more we have, the easier it will be. If you are comfortable bringing your computer, we would love to have it as a resource for our Temple Isaiah team.

What happens in an Emergency?
The chaperones will have everyone’s health forms with them at all times and will contact the parents and a representative from the temple in case of an emergency.  All students will receive wallet cards with emergency numbers and the cell phone numbers of all participants and chaperones to carry with them during the event.

Trip Highlights
Museums at the National Mall, the National Holocaust Museum, dining in Georgetown and Pentagon Row, Havdallah at the Jefferson Memorial, lobbying our elected officials.

Meeting Family/Friends in D.C.
The only acceptable times for your child to meet up with family or friends in D.C. will be at dinner on Saturday or Sunday night. Once the students are dropped off in downtown Georgetown or Pentagon Row, they will have approximately one hour of free time to eat at that location. Please tell Rabbi Dara if you plan to arrange a meet-up. (FYI: Students tend to eat together and appreciate the free time and independence, so please check with your child before pre-arranging a meeting with distant cousins.)