As a national organization that is part of the broader Jewish community, ORT America will often be called upon in the spirit of cooperation to take a position on both domestic and international issues integral to maintaining democratic society.  Public Policy Resolutions provide the vehicle for allowing us to act as advocates in support of issues in areas that are related to our core organizational values.   

Historically, Women's American ORT adopted Public Policy Resolutions at its Triennial National Conventions and ORT America continues that tradition of support for social action. The Resolutions focus on five major areas: Israel, World Jewry, Human Rights, Democratic Values, and Education in the United States.

The approval process for Public Policy Resolutions is an excellent exercise in the democratic process. Members are encouraged to attend a hearing at ORT America's Convention and to share their views on a particular issue. It is only after consensus is reached and the Resolutions are approved that the Public Policy Resolutions are incorporated into our organizational structure.

ORT America seeks change with the following resolutions:

Resolution on Education in the United States:  ORT America has a continuing commitment to promoting its founding principles of providing and enhancing quality education.  Quality education results in productive employment and financial security.  We believe in importance of public education as a safeguard against ignorance, inequity and discrimination.

We therefore support:

• Literacy for every man, woman and child in the United States and the involvement of ORT America volunteers in local literacy projects to realize this goal
• The availability of career and technical education programs for all students
• The availability of public quality education and activities that will allow diverse student populations of all ages to engage in lifelong learning
• Equitable and sufficient educational funding for communities of all economic levels
• Quality teacher recruitment and professional educator development
• Programs designed to enable students to achieve English fluency
• Holocaust studies curricula nationwide that emphasize accurate historical data
• Diversity programs that regularly teach tolerance and understanding to all students and school personnel
• Providing quality education through ORT schools and programs in the United States

Resolution on Human Rights: ORT America shares a deep concern for the security and welfare of people in the United States, as well as throughout the world.  At the foundation of ORT’s philosophy of human rights is the immutable belief in respect for all people. 

We therefore support:

• National and international efforts to eradicate worldwide terrorism
• Efforts by human rights groups to make the world community aware of racial, ethnic and gender bias, discrimination, human trafficking and repression
• Humanitarian and diplomatic intervention that guarantees human rights under international law.
• The fundamental right of all people to be provided with basic needs, including food, clothing and shelter
• Programs that protect and improve the health and welfare of needy families, bringing them from poverty to economic self-sufficiency
• Unrestricted access to information and services for family planning, health care and reproductive freedom

Resolution on Democratic Values: The true measure of our democracy lies in our civil rights and liberties.  ORT America actively supports all efforts and public policies that foster our democratic society, including participation in like-minded coalitions.  We work to protect each individual’s rights as guaranteed in the United States Constitution and oppose all manifestations of hate and discrimination.

We therefore support:

• Equal rights for all, regardless of race, age, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation or national origin
• Freedom of speech
• Education and registration of all eligible voters, enabling them to be knowledgeable about the issues as well as the importance of their vote
• Uniform nationwide voting procedures, ballot formats and counting methods to ensure the validity of the democratic process
• Protection of privacy and the security of information transmitted through electronic media and the internet
• Unrestricted access to information and services for family planning, health care and reproductive freedom
• The separation between church and state and oppose efforts to erode this fundamental constitutional principle through such actions as institutionalized prayer and the use of government funds for school vouchers.
• Programs designed to promote religious understanding and tolerance whose goal is the elimination of discrimination and violence against religious and ethnic minorities

Resolution on Israel: Israel is central to Jewish life. ORT America’s solidarity with Israel and strong desire for Israel’s well being remains unshakeable.  As members of ORT America, we support a strong, secure, independent Israel.  We steadfastly stand by Israel as it attempts to achieve peace with its neighbors.

The World ORT program in Israel is vital to Israel’s strength and prosperity.  As one of the largest contributors to World ORT, ORT America reaffirms its commitment to maintain and increase its financial and moral support of World ORT programs.

In full recognition of the fact that Israel alone must make the difficult decisions affecting its security, we resolve to:

• Condemn any acts of terrorism that threaten the physical and economic security of Israel
• Urge all parties, including the United States as a key facilitator, to actively pursue Arab/Israeli reconciliation and to develop regional economic and security arrangements that promote peace
• Support our President and the United States Congress in their vigorous and steadfast support for Israel and their recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself
• Continue to advocate for Israel’s recognition as a full member of the United Nations, with the rights, privileges and opportunities available to all member nations
• Advocate ensuring a fair portrayal of Israel in local, nation and international media
• Preserve Israel as a safe haven where all Jews are entitled to full civil liberties regardless of the level of their religious observance or country of origin
• Support programs and projects in Israel that help promote economic parity and social justice among all Israeli citizens

Resolution on World Jewry: An ongoing commitment to combat all forms of global anti-Semitism is central to ORT America’s philosophy.  ORT stands firm in this commitment to the Jewish people worldwide.  ORT contributes to Jewish communities throughout the world by helping to improve their economic and social conditions, while promoting Jewish continuity.

We therefore support:

• Programs that strengthen and expand the economic infrastructure of various countries by advocating for the establishment of ORT programs where they are most needed
• Intensified efforts to focus the world’s attention on the events of the Holocaust to ensure that its lessons are never forgotten
• Worldwide efforts to return all assets confiscated from private citizens during the Holocaust to their rightful owners
• Dissemination of current information on the restitution process to eligible parties and advocacy efforts for financial assistance to those Holocaust survivors in financial need
• Continuing advocacy for aid to endangered Jewish communities worldwide
• Dissemination of all available information to heighten awareness of global anti-Semitism
• Efforts to encourage governments and organizations to take appropriate action against those responsible for terrorism and anti-Semitic acts