At DJJ, we focus on two specific campaigns through our campaign teams, however, we have built dozens of partnerships across the Detroit movement space over the last decade. As such, we have a team of leader organizers who act as DJJ’s primary representative and organizer with our longstanding partner organizations. Get to know our dedicated DJJ-niks who hold down our partnerships with the People's Water Board Coalition, the Coalition for Property Tax Justice, and the Disability Justice Alliance.
People's Water Board Coalition Leader Organizers:
Barry Rubin (he/him)
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I’ve tried to live each day of my life emphasizing Relationships, Education and Social Justice. So much of my life has revolved around my family, friends and the many wonderful people I’ve worked with as a teacher, principal and educational consultant, as well as those I’ve worked with in organizations. Social Justice brought me to DJJ after I retired. I joined in their work attempting to end water shutoffs in Detroit, and have continued deeper involvement in water issues with the People's Water Board Coalition, striving to bring affordable water to all Michiganders. |
Rondi Brower (she/her)
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One night in the fall of 2017, shortly after moving to Michigan, I attended the DJJ program “The Public Health Impact of Our Regional Water Crisis” at Temple Kol Ami, the synagogue my husband and I had just joined. I had been hoping to find social, economic and environmental justice issues to engage with in my new home. Working with DJJ and the People's Water Board Coalition so that all Michiganders have access to clean and affordable water turned out to be everything in one! But I have a poorly developed ”No” muscle, so I’ve participated in other DJJ campaigns, too – Anti-racism, Repro Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, property tax justice and more – often by bringing programs to TKA, where I am co-chair of the Green Team and Social Action Committee. Affordable water remains my passion, so co-liaison from DJJ to PWBC is the perfect job for me. |
Disability Justice Alliance/Detroit Disability Power Leader Organizer:
Noah Levinson (he/him)
I first became involved with Detroit Jews for Justice in 2020 and found it the perfect place to become involved with social justice work while staying remote. Watching whole groups of people intentionally left behind, and worse, increased my sense of urgency to find a way to get involved somewhere, somehow. I’ve always had a heightened sense of awareness for disability justice through my oldest brother, Josh, who was born with Williams Syndrome and then also became physically disabled from a stroke in 2010. I also spent half a year in a wheelchair following injuries of my own as a teenager and have had a lifetime of experience seeing what parents, guardians, and various loved ones need to go through just to reach even the most baseline levels of fair access to a life of opportunity, choice, and dignity. Since March 2023, I have served as DJJ's representative on the Disability Justice Alliance, a growing consortium of organizations around the state of Michigan. Liaisoning between Detroit Jews for Justice and Detroit Disability Power will be an intriguing role, and I look forward to growing and strengthening our partnership.
Coalition for Property Tax Justice Leader Organizer:
Ronit Wagman (she/her)
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I first got involved with Detroit Jews for Justice through signature collecting for Michigan’s reproductive health amendment. I was drawn to the work because it felt urgent, tangible, and grounded in shared values—protecting people’s rights and bodily autonomy. That experience opened my eyes to the power of local organizing. When I learned about the Coalition for Property Tax Justice through DJJ—and the opportunity to support homeowners facing foreclosure—I felt compelled to join the fight against the city’s illegal taxation that has cost thousands of Detroiters their homes, stability, and potential for generational wealth. Stepping into a leadership role felt like a natural next step—not just to challenge injustice, but to help build lasting equity in a city I care deeply about. |