Yasher Koach, Carolyn Kunin
June 20, 2012 
6 Comments
Today, after over 20 years of remarkable service, we are saying farewell to one of our Movement’s most effective social activists: Carolyn Kunin, the longtime Director of Programming and Advocacy of Women of Reform Judaism.
I’m well aware that some readers will be thinking, “Who is Carolyn Kunin?” But anyone who has been involved with WRJ or the Commission on Social Action knows the answer to that – she is an organizer par excellence, the quintessential social action staff person. I don’t remember ever seeing Carolyn speak at a press conference or give a plenary address at a convention. I have no doubt that she would have done an outstanding job doing so, but her work was different. She was the one behind the scenes, the one who knew just who to invite to speak, the one who knew what issue would resonate most powerfully, the one who knew – always – what questions to ask.
One of the first things I learned when I came to the RAC 15 years ago was that our Movement has no more effective advocates than the troops of WRJ. In every city I visited, in every congregation I spoke at, WRJ activists were there, leading the way on whatever pressing social justice issue was at hand. The materials that Carolyn prepared for them – especially the guides to implementing their policy statements – were, literally, models of their kind. To this day, the RAC staff collectively aspires to do that as well as Carolyn did, pretty much single-handedly, for WRJ.
I cannot tell you how many conversations I have had – and they were almost always great conversations – that began with the words, “Carolyn suggested I call.” Or how many times I met congregational representatives at some event and had them tell me, “Carolyn told us to come.” To say that she had her finger on the pulse of WRJ’s amazing cadre of Critical Issues Chairs would be a vast understatement.
Carolyn also made her – and WRJ’s – presence felt at the Commission on Social Action. It’s strange to imagine a CSA meeting without her. She consistently brought such passion, wisdom, and expertise to our policy debates and to our work connecting with congregations.
Personally, I learned a lot about leadership and professionalism from Carolyn. She taught, by power of her personal example, how to pick your battles, how to weigh in at just the right moment, and how to always be thinking one (or two, or more) steps down the road.
As Carolyn leaves the WRJ staff, we at the RAC and Commission on Social Action say “yasher koach.” Not just in the common meaning of, “Job well done,” but also in the more literal meaning, “There is power.” Carolyn’s work was the work of inspiring activists, educating them, and then harnessing their power in support of the all-too-necessary task of rebuilding our troubled world. The RAC, the CSA, WRJ, the Movement and our entire community are in her debt.
Photo courtesy of Religions for Peace.
After all these years I will miss Carolyn’s concise Social Action and Critical Issues directives. My thanks to you Carolyn for making it easy to advocate the issues that NFTS and WRJ has promoted throughout the years. My very best warm wishes to you.
Dear Carolyn,
I have know Carolyn since her honeymoon at our cottage on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. Let’s not count the years!
Carolyn always made time to answer my questions and pass me on to the resources I needed as the President of Am Shalom sisterhood in Barrie, Ontario.
Carolyn, now you have more time for our Cousin’s Reunions and your immediate family.
Love,
Judy
The highlight of my tenure on the WRJ Board was working with Carolyn. As Vice Chair of Critical Issues, I had the pleasure of her knowledge and know how as we spent time together writing and implementing the Critical Issues of the time.
She was our Social Action inspiration!!!!!
Carolyn, now perhaps you can venture out to the “other coast”
I agree with the two comments and want to aadd that Carolyn’s work extended to many other WRJ staff responsibilities. She was the keeper of the WRJ Board minutes and was always available to support my efforts as WRJ Secretary – filling in the blanks, ensuring accuracy in every way, and following up. Beyond her excellence and knowledge of social action and social justice issues, Carolyn has a passion for many other interests. I’m sure that she will enjoy delving into new adventures while remaining engaged in long time
involvements.
Thank you, Marc, for capturing the essence of Carolyn Kunin. Yes, Carolyn always encouraged the lay leaders to take the spotlight while she held the safety net. Carolyn was the spark that lit the social action fire within me as a NFTS Board Member and WRJ Vice President. I cherish Carolyn’s friendship, the years we worked together and how much I learned from her. Carolyn, enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
I couldnot agree more. Carolyn has been one of the most passionate leaders in our search for justice at home and abroad. I have known her for more than fifteen years as an inspiring teacher, mentor and friend.
She will be sorely missed at WRJ..