Month: December 2017

Resistance, Part III

People of conscience change history. 2017 began as a movement of people fighting for Democracy all across our country. At first it was rallies and letter writing. It has since become more organized with amazing election results in Virginia and Alabama.

Earlier this year a list of Resistance and progressive groups were posted here and on my blog, titled Philadelphia Resistance and Progressive Groups and Resources For The Resistance. Today, a number of additional organizations and campaigns are highlighted. Working together we can make a difference.

Listed below are organizations worth joining or supporting. They are:

New Jersey groups that stepped up in 2017 include:

Below is a description of each group in their own words; and links to their social media sites.

ACLU of Pennsylvania. “The ACLU of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedoms.” Facebook Twitter

Citizens for Better Elections. “A nonpartisan Montgomery County, Pennsylvania group dedicated to promoting election security and efficiency in both our county and our state. Our mission is to ensure accurate, verifiable and secure elections.” Facebook Twitter

Committee of Seventy. “Learn how to run for committeeperson in May 2018. Nomination petitions are due March 6.” Facebook Twitter

Fair Districts PA. “Pennsylvania has some of the most unfair congressional districts in the country. Gerrymandered district lines weaken the power of our votes – and politicians are working behind closed doors to keep it that way. We all pay the price.” Facebook Twitter

Pennsylvania Together. “Pennsylvania Together is a statewide coalition of more than 100 grassroots resistance groups. Our members come together to build a better future for all, especially those who face oppression on a daily basis and now have reason to fear that it will be state sanctioned. Together, we resist racism, misogyny and fascism; advocate for policy change; increase civic engagement; reduce voter registration and turnout gaps; and demand accountability from our elected leaders to put people and planet first.” Facebook Twitter

Philadelphia 3.0. “Our mission is to bring new voices into the city’s political discussions. We want to support leaders in their efforts to make smarter and better policy.” Facebook Twitter

POWER. “Through the discipline of relationship building and the empowerment of everyday people, we hope to make lasting racial and economic policy change that benefits all.” Facebook Twitter

Sara Johnson Rothman for State Representative (151st District). “A former prosecutor, a school board member, and a mom.” Facebook Twitter

Swing Left. “It starts with the House. Don’t despair. Mobilize.” Facebook Twitter

Turn PA Blue. “Turn PA Blue is changing the political landscape in PA by bringing volunteers together to work outside the gerrymandered boundaries that divide us.” Facebook Twitter

Blue Jersey. “The voice of Progressive New Jersey since 2005.” Facebook Twitter

Mikie Sherrill for Congress (11th Congressional District). “Naval Academy graduate, Navy pilot, former federal prosecutor and mother of four – Mikie Sherrill is running to represent New Jersey’s 11th District in Congress to fight back against Donald Trump and to fight for our future.” Facebook Twitter

New Jersey Citizen Action. “NJ Citizen Action is New Jersey’s largest progressive citizen watchdog coalition.” Facebook Twitter

New Jersey Working Families Alliance. “New Jersey Working Families Alliance is a grassroots independent political organization fighting for a government that represents the needs and values of working families.” Facebook Twitter

NJ 11th For Change. “1643 days since Rep. Frelinghuysen’s last town hall.” Facebook

STAND Central New Jersey. “Join the fight for social justice, economic opportunity and basic human rights.” Facebook Twitter

Tools For Job Searching

Note: OnRamp became inactive as of October, 2018. Job search tools for New Jersey job seekers are available at the state’s Career Services webpage.

Unemployment is down, but not to a person who is out of work or underemployed. To focus on the need for job search tools and links to employment programs, the New Jersey Community Resources website has added a new section titled, “Employment and Job Search”. It includes links to state agencies, workforce development groups, programs run by nonprofits and leading online job search tools. They include: OnRamp, Career Connections, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, One-Stop Career Centers, Civil Service Commission, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, New Start Career Network, Easterseals New Jersey – Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP), The Balance: Best Job Search Engine Sites, Resources For Job Seekers, Elsa Langer, Indeed and Glassdoor.

New Jersey Career Connections services can be accessed through a partnership with a number of libraries throughout the state. Library staffs have been trained to provide job search assistance in the following public libraries: Atlantic City, Cumberland County, East Brunswick, Gloucester County, Long Branch, Monmouth County, New Brunswick, New Jersey State Library, Newark, North Bergen, Ocean County, Paterson, Plainfield, Roselle, Salem, Sussex County, Union and Warren County.

Know another online job search tool? Send a note.

Dreams Do Come True

On December 13, 1992 I wished there was someplace to refer families when no other resources were available to help with energy bills. Little did I know then that it would lead to the creation of New Jersey SHARES, a statewide energy nonprofit organization.

Today, I need your help to keep my dream alive and to help New Jersey families stay warm. On February 1 & 2, 2018 NJ SHARES will be holding an event “Cool Down for Warmth” to both raise funds and to make our mission better known in our state of New Jersey.

We’re building an Ice House – yes, an ICE HOUSE – in Newark to highlight the critical importance of heat during the cold winter months.

You can help by making a donation. The average grant needed to restore/maintain utility service is about $400. Your donation makes a difference and may be eligible to be matched dollar for dollar by your utility company. So if you can give $50, it will have the impact of $100.

Read my personal story then visit my fundraising page, New Jersey SHARES Ice House Challenge. Thank you.

For more information on becoming involved, visit NJ SHARES Cool Down for Warmth Fundraising page.