League of Women Voters Glen Rock, New Jersey

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

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Celebrate your Successes!

Request for Award Nominations
Convention 2010: 90 Years of Making Democracy Work: A History of Change. A Future of Hope.
June 11-15, Atlanta, Georgia

At our 49th biennial national convention, LWVUS wants to recognize the outstanding work of our state and local Leagues. We invite Leagues to submit nominations for outstanding program work in the following areas: Connection with Community, Pioneer, Online Engagement, and Strengthening Democracy through Reform. Please see below for the criteria and definition for these awards as well as how to apply. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 19, 2010. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Peterson at SPeterson@lwv.org.

As League leaders, we recognize that it takes more than an interesting topic to make a good program and to impact our communities. It takes hands-on and hard work to educate the public, advocate for change, and to sustain the organization. That is why, in addition to evaluating the program itself, we will be evaluating all of the elements that make a program successful, such as organizational growth, membership recruitment, and community outreach.

To be eligible, program work must be completed between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010. Leagues may submit applications for more than one award; by filling out additional nomination forms.

Award winners will be recognized during the plenary session at Convention 2010. However, award winners do not have to be present at Convention to win.

HOW TO APPLY:
We encourage you to submit your award nomination by using the Online Awards Application Form. This form has been created to ease your nomination process. However, if you prefer to submit a form by email, please click on the appropriate category below for a word document where you can insert your answers. Please answer all question fields relating to your project.

All nominations must be received by April 19, 2010. All nominations will be sent directly to Sarah Peterson at speterson@lwv.org for review upon completion.



CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS AND QUESTIONS:

Connection with the Community – This category is for programs in which Leagues engage their communities to address a local concern. Programs in this category might include a community dialogue around a local issue, citizen training on how to facilitate public meetings, efforts to engage youth in civic life, or other public engagement projects.

1. Describe the project, including the date of the program/project, communities and populations being served and participation level (e.g. number attended) if applicable.
2. Describe how the project impacted your League in terms of membership, recruitment and organizational growth (e.g. did you recruit new members or identify new leaders).
3. Please describe what types of community outreach and visibility efforts were undertaken during this project (e.g. an article in the local newspaper promoting your event, posting your event information on your website or other venues, etc.).
4. How did your League succeed in engaging the community around issues of local concern (e.g. citizen trainings, engaging youth in civic life, community dialogue)?

Online Engagement – This category is for innovative, online engagement projects. This might include creating dynamic website content, utilizing blogs or social networking platforms, or working with other technologies to engage the public in the League’s work.

1. Please provide your League's Website address and any passwords (if applicable).
2. When did your League first make this website/online function/technology available to users?
3. How does your website/online function/technology serve its different audiences (e.g. your members, the public)?
4. Please describe your League's website/online function/technology's best feature.
5. Does your League's website/online function/technology engage its users and promote the League's work?

Pioneer – This category is for programs and activities that are unique, innovative and have been especially successful in recruiting members and gaining visibility for LWV. Programs in this category might include holding a community award event, forming a novel partnership with an allied organization, or other new, leading or “cutting edge” programs or activities.

1. Describe the project, including the date of the program/project, communities and populations being served and participation level (e.g. number attended) if applicable.
2. Describe how the project impacted your League in terms of membership, recruitment and organizational growth (e.g. did you recruit new members or identify new leaders).
3. Describe the types of community outreach and visibility efforts that were undertaken as part of this project.
4. Describe how this project was especially unique and innovative.

Strengthening Democracy through Reform – This category is for programs that strengthen our democracy through promoting reform. Programs in this category might include activating the grassroots to advocate for change, leading a coalition to advance a policy change, working on a ballot or legislative initiative, or other efforts to promote change.

1. Describe the project, including the date of the program/project, communities and populations being served and participation level (e.g. number attended) if applicable. How was this type of reform achieved?
2. Describe how the project impacted your League in terms of membership, recruitment and organizational growth (e.g. did you recruit new members or identify new leaders).
3. Please describe what types of community outreach and visibility efforts were undertaken during this project (e.g. grassroots advocating, advancing policy change, legislative initiatives or other efforts to promote change). What are your League's next efforts for continuing this reform?


Related Files
Connection with the Community (Word Document)
Online Engagement (Word Document)
Pioneer (Word Document)
Strengthening Democracy through Reform (Word Document)

A Discussion on the State Budget

Date: Tomorrow, Thursday, April 15
Time:7:00 pm
Location:Princeton Township Municipal Building, 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton
Free and Open to the Public

The League of Women Voters of the Princeton Area invites you to attend an important discussion on the state budget. The speaker will be Mary Forsberg, Interim President of New Jersey Policy Perspective, and she will discuss where the state budget stands and will have suggestions and ideas about what you can do.
League of Women Voters of New Jersey
to Receive the Prestigious Marilyn Morheuser Humanitarian Award
Please join us for the award ceremony, "A Wine and Food Tasting Celebrating Public Education", hosted by the Education Law Center.

Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Location: Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick
Tickets: $50 - Purchase tickets today

Long-time League member Judith Cambria and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey will be recognized at this event for their outstanding achievements assuring that New Jersey school children are educated in physical facilities that are safe, healthy, and conducive to learning.

The Education Law Center presents the award in memory of Marilyn Morheuser who worked as a lawyer to give students an opportunity for an equal education. It is a privilege to accept an award in Ms. Morheuser's name and we are extremely proud of Judith Cambria's hard work and her dedication to education equality and the children of our state.

Proceeds benefit the "Kids in Concert" program which gives children in urban public schools the opportunity to explore their musical talents.
"Coffee and Conversation" Series - Affordable Housing


Date: Tuesday, April 27
Time:10 am
Location:Private Address in Montclair
If you are interested in attending please email jburns@lwvnj.org for additional details.

The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area will kick off a new series, "Coffee and Conversation", with a discussion on affordable housing. The speaker and discussion leader will be Beverly Riddick, Director of HomeCorp, a nonprofit affordable housing agency in Montclair.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Make a Difference

Dear Friend,


This spring the Governor and the state Legislature must address the state's fiscal crisis. Unfortunately, the state League must address our own budgetary shortfalls this fiscal year. Like many nonprofits, we are experiencing a severe downturn in giving, and currently expect we will fall $18,000 short of our Annual Appeal goal, potentially devastating our programs and services in the coming months. If you have not already done so, please consider giving to the League today, and thank you to those who have already made a contribution!

Your donationhttps://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=7186 today makes it possible for the League to:


Fight for the passage of legislation that extends and protects voting rights, demands equal education opportunities, and increases transparency through improving and strengthening the Open Public Records Act.



Increase the visibility of the League and maintain a strong media presence to educate the public on election issues, through numerous op-eds and letters-to-the-editor, press and radio interviews, our web site , a blog, a Facebook page, and emails.



Publish and distribute the NJ Citizens Guide to Government making it easier for residents to contact their elected officials and learn about government.



Staff a toll-free voter assistance hotline, 1-800-792-VOTE, to answer any and all voting questions from the public.



Hold educational forums on important and timely policy topics such as alternative energy and health care.



Coordinate debates across the state on all levels of government by providing moderators and sponsorship.



Provide information about candidates through publishing and distributing 7,000 copies of candidates' answers to crucial policy questions.



Publish non-partisan and balanced ballot question analysis to help voters make an informed decision when voting.



Protect New Jersey voters by informing voters' of their rights and analyzing issues on election days and making recommendations for needed improvements, such as increased poll worker training.



Provide leadership training for League members and the public through workshops on topics such as fundraising, membership recruitment, and debate moderating.



Provide leadership to two new local League Member-At-Large Units in addition to providing support for over 40 other local Leagues.



This year, we proudly celebrate our 90th anniversary. For the past 90 years the League has been fighting to make New Jersey a better place and has worked to educate everyone on the value of public service and community participation. The League is the only organization in New Jersey that provides thoughtful, high-quality, nonpartisan, educational information and services.



We simply cannot continue to do it without your help. Please donate today to ensure that the work we've been doing will continue for the next 90 years.


Sincerely,


Anne Ruach Nicolas, LWVNJ, Executive Director

New Jersey needs the League, and the League needs YOU to make our work possible - please make a donation today!


https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=7186 Donate
Click above to support Click above to support
our voter education efforts our advocacy efforts

or mail your donation to LWVNJ, 204 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608


The League of Women Voters of New Jersey--where hands on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Climate Change is NOW

The League of Women Voters is well known for its efforts in voter protection and open government. But you may not have heard that the League is a leader in the fight to halt global climate change -- one of the most serious threats to our environment, health, and economy today.www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Global_Climate_Change&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=13387">

Mary Wilson and Sisters on the Planet Ambassadors Mary Wilson and Oxfam honorees receive Climate Leaders Award.

That's why we're partnering with Oxfam America to advocate for legislation that will create millions of clean energy jobs and reduce environmental damage.

Earlier this month I traveled to D.C. for two days of lobbying activities, and was honored to receive a Sisters on the Planet Climate Leaders Award:www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=News_and_Events&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=15052"> from Oxfam. Nineteen League leaders from as many states took to the Hill to lobby Congressional leaders on what is truly needed in strong climate change legislation, and many of them spoke to the media afterwards, helping to raise awareness on this important issue.

Now is your chance to participate in this debate. From March 29 - April 9, your Senators will be in your state for a two-week legislative recess. Take this opportunity to speak with them. Tell them how important it is to your community and the world that they support comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation that will reinvigorate our economy, create millions of jobs, and reduce climate change-causing pollution. The House of Representatives has already passed strong legislation, so now it's up to our Senators!

(Can't make it to an in-person visit? Give your Senators a call at their state offices. Click here: hq-salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5950/getLocal.jsp"> to look up contact information.)

Let us know about the climate change work being done in your state - and we'll keep you posted on our progress. Without immediate action from Congress and all citizens, the impacts on our planet will be devastating.

Thank you for all you do to keep our communities healthy, vibrant, and strong.




Mary G. Wilson
President, LWVUS

P.S. What are you doing to fight global climate change? Tell us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/leagueofwomenvoters">

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Upcoming Event - Rwanda survivor tells a story for women globally

Date: April 1, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Maplewood Library, 51 Baker Street, Maplewood
Free

The League of Women Voters of Maplewood and South Orange will feature speaker Eugenie Mukeshimana, a resident of Maplewood, the Founder of the Rwanda Consulting Company and a survivor of the genocide in Rwanda.

Her story is inspiring and the conversation will include what is happening to women worldwide and what women are doing to help women. A genocide survivor, she narrowly escaped death but she went on to rebuild her life and raise her daughter. She started the first social enterprise company to tackle sanitation and environmental problems in the city of Kigali. Formerly Kigali Cleaning Services, the company she created was later renamed COPED and is currently the leading waste management, and first plastics recycling company in Rwanda.

Learn more about this event: maplewood.patch.com/events/league-of-women-voters

Monday, March 22, 2010

HOUSE FINALLY PASSES COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM

"Monumental, Historic and Transforming," Says League

Washington, D.C. - Statement from Mary G. Wilson, President of the League of Women Voters of the United States:

"Today's votes by the U.S. House of Representatives mark an historic milestone in American political history. The path that began with Social Security and continued with Medicare is reaching fruition with this health care legislation. Comprehensive health care reform will begin to undo decades of neglect and inaction that has left millions of Americans uninsured and at risk.

"This legislation is a monumental step in the fight for social justice.

"Too many citizens lack adequate health insurance coverage and rising costs threaten everyone. Passage of comprehensive health care legislation greatly expands coverage to include millions more Americans; protects the coverage that currently delivers care to most; reduces costs over the long term; and accomplishes these goals at a reasonable cost.

"It would be difficult to overstate the importance of today's actions, and we commend our elected representatives for standing up for Americans and having the courage to do what needs to be done to confront the health care crisis in our country. The League congratulates the House leadership on a closely-fought victory.

"We can expect transformational reform from these bills. Access to health care will be extended to all Americans. Mechanisms to control rising costs will be put in place. And the marketplace will be expanded and safeguards put in place to protect consumers.

"Truly, this legislation is monumental, historic and transforming.

"Today we took the critical step in dealing with the current health care crisis. Tomorrow, many Americans will wake up to a new week and a new future that looks a great deal more promising."

P.S. Want to continue the conversation? Discuss last night's votes on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/leagueofwomenvoters

Reporters may contact Kelly Ceballos (kceballos@lwv.org or 202-263-1331) to set up media interviews with President Mary Wilson.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

REMINDER: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CONFERENCE

Alternative Energy for NJ Conference -
Early Registration Ends Friday!
Please join us, Saturday, April 10, for a full day event (including both breakfast and lunch) as we closely examine alternative energy sources, energy policies, and energy efficiency
http://www.lwvnj.org/pubs/AEC_Brochure.pdf

Thursday, March 11, 2010

LWVNJ eVoter
March 11, 2010
Help us Celebrate Women's History Month


In the upcoming weeks, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey will be celebrating Women's History Month by posting inspirational stories of women we admire in a blog series.

To kick off the series, we are asking for submissions from our members and supporters sharing the story of a woman that you personally admire. This woman can be from any time period, any walk of life, famous or not - as long as you believe she deserves to be honored.

Often times, our female heroes are overlooked or left in shadows. I hope that you will take this chance to educate the public and shine light on a woman that deserves to be celebrated.

Please send your submissions to jburns@lwvnj.org and remember to watch our newsletters for the announcement of the publication of our first Women's History Month blog.




New Jersey Citizens Guide to Government

The 2010 New Jersey Citizens Guide to Government has arrived!!!

Order now and we will process your order and send your Guide right away!lwvnj.org/guide/CG_Order_Form10.pdf

The 2010 Guide reflects many changes including: the election of a new Governor, and for the first time a Lieutenant Governor, new Cabinet members, new assembly members, and back by popular demand an easy to reference extended index of elected officials and districts!

Don't miss your chance to own the new New Jersey Citizens Guide to Government!

Order today! For more information call 1-800-792-VOTE or email jburns@lwvnj.org.



Be the first to see photos, videos, and learn about events. Join us on Facebook! facebook.com/pages/League-of-Women-Voters-of-New-Jersey/91248833454?ref=ts
Join Our Mailing List

In This Issue
Honor An Inspirational Woman
The Citizens Guides are Here!


Alternative Energy for NJ
Spotlight on Local Leagues
Alternative Energy for New Jersey Conference
8 Days Left to Register at the Regular Price

Date: Saturday, April 10, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm - Agenda lwvnj.org/pubs/AEC_Brochure.pdf
Location: NJHA Conference Center, Princeton Directions conferencecenternj.com/Directions.aspx
Registration: Postmarked by March 19 -
$30 Member, $40 Nonmember;
Late registration by March 31-
$40 Member, $50 nonmember

SPACE IS FILLING UP QUICKLY - REGISTER TODAY

Please join us, Saturday, April 10, for a full day event (including both breakfast and lunch) as we closely examine alternative energy sources, energy policies, and energy efficiency.

Speakers include:

*Presentations from local League research on biomass, solar, nuclear, geothermal, and wind.

*Keynote luncheon speaker Governor James J. Florio on New Jersey energy policy.

*Scott Minos, U.S. Department of Energy, on energy efficiency.

*Arjun Makhijani, Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, on smart grid technologies.

Learn More About This Event lwvnj.org/pubs/AEC_Brochure.pdf
Spotlight on Local Leagues
Encouraging Dialogue Around the State

Recent Event Coverage

Congratulations to the League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township for hosting a successful panel discussion about the upcoming census (pictured). This important dialogue stressed the importance of being counted. The Lawrence League wrote a well received op-ed nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1266907520237490.xml&coll=5 promoting the event as well as educating the public about the census. Centraljersey.com also covered this event with a wonderful follow up piece: centraljersey.com/articles/2010/03/09/topstory/doc4b958221ca017688481647.txt

The League of Women Voters of Burlington County also deserves praise for their reception celebrating our 90th anniversary. In addition to celebrating the League's past and present, the Burlington County League honored 10 New Jersey women with ties to Burlington. The women honored are from a variety of professional backgrounds, including a state senator, a newspaper editor, and a commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. All of these women were recognized for their work improving and supporting democracy. You can read more about the event and the honorees in the Burlington County Times.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times/bct_news_details/article/26/2010/february/19/group-marks-90-years-of-voting-rights.html

Congratulations to the League of Women Voters of Hopewell Valley on bringing together government experts and local mayors to discuss the often difficult to approach and sometimes controversial subject of municipal consolidation. The dialogue, which was open to the public, was broadcast live on local television channels and will be re-broadcast on March 28 - find out more.http://buckslocalnews.com/articles/2010/03/10/pennington_post/news/doc4b8eac534e7fb111708562.txt

Upcoming events

The League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes will host "Running and Winning" Workshop for high-school aged women. Tomorrow, March 12, the Mountain Lakes League of Women Voters will bring together 60 high school women for the opportunity to explore public service as a career. Participants, who applied for this chance, will interview and talk with female politicians and political operatives, including League Executive Director, Anne Ruach Nicolas and the Director of the Division on Women, Janice Kovach. Additionally, these students will organize and run a mock campaign. The League believes that "in order to achieve greater representational gender parity, people must inspire an interest in public service and develop leadership potential in young women.northjersey.com/community/events/82764052_League_of_Women_Voters_will_host_Running_and_Winning_workshop_for_high-school_aged_women.html

The League of Women Voters of the Greater Red Bank Area will sponsor Openness in Government:Building Transparency.

March 19, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Road, Manalapan, Free

The public is invited to view and participate in the live webcast of the 5th Annual Sunshine Week National Dialogue provided by Americans for Less Secrecy, More Democracy. This year's program will focus on transparency in the Obama administration. High-level government officials including Norm Eisen, Special Counsel to the President for Ethics and Government Reform, and Miriam Nisbet, Director of the new Office of Government Information Services, will discuss the Administration's new initiatives and their effect on the public.

The League of Women Voters of the Morristown Area will host a panel discussion celebrating Women's History Month - The Female Economy: The Changing Role of Women in the Great Recession.

March 25, 7:30 pm, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 100 Harter Road, Morris Township, Free

While some women have broken through the "glass ceiling", the majority are still subject to issues such as gender equity, the public's insensitivity to work and family schedules, and the changing family structure. How do women navigate a changing economy and prepare for retirement both financially and from a psychological perspective? Panel speakers addressing these issues include Dr. Anne M. Lanagan, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Sociology, College of St. Elizabeth, Barbara Piermont, Financial Consultant, Retirement Specialist, John Kraeutler, Economist.

The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area is sponsoring their 5th Annual Meet the Mayors Breakfast.

March 27, 9am - 11 am, Crane's Mill, West Caldwell

The guest speaker for this even is Bill Dressel, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. His presentation will be on "The Municipal Agenda: Today and Beyond". This will be an opportunity to hear how future state legislation may affect property taxes. Local mayors are very supportive of this event and many will be in attendance. There is no charge for this event, but advanced registration is required. Please email Helen Faulkner to RSVP hmfaulkner@comcast.net.


Interested in getting involved? Join the League of Women Voters of New Jersey lwvnj.org/about/membership.shtml and help start the dialogue in your community!