JCUA spent the last year asking an important question: how can we best take action in this political moment?

Over the last 18 months, the Trump regime has invaded cities like Chicago with a level of violence that has left immigrant families afraid to leave their homes. MAGA politicians and media have pushed anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, and anti-immigrant rhetoric into the mainstream. Antisemitism is rising, and is simultaneously being weaponized to undermine civil rights and democratic institutions.

Our answers came from more than 100 people: staff and Board, members who’ve been with us for decades, and partners across Chicagoland. Today we’re thrilled to share Building Power for Justice, our strategic plan for 2026–2028.

The plan commits us to two core strategic priorities:

• Grow and organize our base. By 2028, the JCUA community will be larger than ever, with members organizing their neighbors block by block and our Kol Or, Sephardi & Mizrahi, and Youth Organizing Caucuses doubled in size. Our Jewish community will be showing up consistently in the campaigns that shape the region.
• Confront white supremacy in all its forms. JCUA will train hundreds of people a year to speak with clarity about antisemitism, anti-Blackness, Islamophobia, and how these systems intersect — serving members, partners, and the elected officials who turn to us.

And we’ll keep doing the work JCUA is known for: organizing for systemic change, training young Jewish organizers through Or Tzedek, financing affordable housing and community development through CVP, and building relationships between Jews and our diverse neighbors.

All of JCUA’s impact happens because of you — because of the organized people and the organized resources that make up our power. Help us achieve the goals set out in this plan by becoming a member, meeting with an organizer, or making a donation today.

Elul is a month for cheshbon hanefesh, when we take account of ourselves before the new year. Our strategic plan is an honest look at where JCUA is at and a commitment to what comes next. We hope you’ll read the plan and join us as we build power for justice!