Category: UUFANJ News

Last Chance to Register for the 2014 Fall Issues Conference!

by UU FA Office

The following speakers have been announced for Task Force session at this Saturday’s (Sept. 27) Fall Issues Conference which will be held at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus from 9 am to 2:30 pm :

Criminal Justice Reform: Ending the New Jim Crow:

Meagan Glaser, Deputy Director of the Drug Policy Alliance/New Solutions Campaign. The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the nation’s leading organization promoting drug policies that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. DPA is actively involved in the legislative process and seeks to roll back the excesses of the drug war, block new, harmful initiatives, and promote sensible drug policy reforms. As a result of their work, hundreds of thousands of people have been diverted from incarceration to drug treatment programs.

Immigration:

Sally Pillay, Program Director for First Friends, an immigrant advocacy group working in areas related to detention and deportation.  She will be talking about how UUs can support unaccompanied children crossing the border into the US for the past few months.  As of July, there were 1877 migrant children, unaccompanied by their parents or guardians, in New Jersey needing sponsors and support.

Economic Justice:

Arnold Cohen, Senior Policy Coordinator, Housing Community Development Network of New Jersey (the Network) The Network is a statewide association of over 150 community-based development organizations, created in 1989 to enhance the efforts of these groups to create affordable housing and revitalize their communities, and to improve the climate for community development in New Jersey.  With over 35 years’ experience, Arnold leads the Network’s public policy advocacy and outreach activities. Through Arnold’s efforts, the Network has been a leader in advocacy for creating homes lower income people can afford, revitalizing the communities where they live and strengthening the work of nonprofits in these areas.

Register NOW through September 22 to:

  • Discuss and prioritize task force issues;
  • Meet and collaborate with other New Jersey UUs
  • Be inspired by keynote speaker Udi Ofer, executive director of the ACLU of NJ

Share the info with friends and family on Facebook!

Why not make a day of it?  See what Paramus has to offer for the whole family!

Paramas Park Mall NJ

Van Saun County Park / Bergen County Zoological Park

Within its 146 acres, Van Saun County Park offers a wide-range of activities that is sure to please the entire family. Some of its popular attractions include the nationally accredited Bergen County Zoological Park, the historic Washington Spring Garden, train, carousel, pony rides, and picnic and fishing areas.

The Outlets at Bergen Town Center

The Outlets at Bergen Town Center is a dominant super regional shopping center  in Paramus, New Jersey, featuring specialty shops and eateries, including Century 21 Department Store, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Marshall’s, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Whole Foods Market, Target, Nordstrom Rack, Last Call Studio by Neiman Marcus, Nike Factory Store and much more.

Or make the 40 minute drive to New York City after the workshop!

Find more fun things to do in Paramus!

YUUR Voice in Trenton: Sept. 2014

by UU FA Office

Welcome back to the congregational year!  The year is kicking off with a bang!  We hope you can join us at these important upcoming events.

The People’s Climate March, “the largest climate march in history”, will take place in New York City on Sunday, September 21.  UUs will be gathering at 10:30 at 58th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues wearing Standing on the Side of Love gear.  Does your congregation have plans to attend the march?  Let us know on our Facebook page where you can find more event info!

Our Annual Fall Issues Workshop will be held on Saturday, September 27.  Registration is open through the 22nd.  This year’s keynote speaker is ACLU New Jersey executive director, Udi Ofer.  You will also have an opportunity to discuss and set task force focus issues and meet other social action UUs from around the state.  Plus, get a sneak peek at the new UULMNJ cable access series!

October is Month of Resistance to Mass Incarceration, Police Terror, and the Criminalization of Youth.  Many congregations have scheduled events or partnered with local organizations.  If this is a cause you are passionate about, consider joining our Criminal Justice Reform – Ending the New Jim Crow Task Force.  What is your congregation doing? We want to hear from you!

Are you signed up?  Do you want more information about upcoming events, local legislation, and action alerts? Join our mailing list TODAY and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @UULMNJ.

Time for the UULMNJ 2014 Fall Issues Workshop

by UU FA Office

Let YUUr Voice BE HEARD  in Trenton in 2014-15!

Time for the UULMNJ 2014 Fall Issues Workshop!

Saturday, September 27, 2014
9:00am-2:30pm
Hosted by the Central Unitarian Church
156 Forest Park Avenue, Paramus, NJ

This will be a working session to:

  • Listen to informed speakers and get up to date information on our task forces
  • Determine and discuss UULMNJ task force focus issues for the coming year
  • Learn how to MOBILIZE UULMNJ action in your home congregation
  • Meet with justice leaders from other congregations

Be INSPIRED by keynote speaker, Udi Ofer, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. In his first year and a half at ACLU-NJ, Mr. Ofer has co-founded an unprecedented campaign to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in New Jersey, and also played a leading role in the passage of the New Jersey Dream Act.

Let this year’s workshop be a congregational TEAM BUILDER.  Bring 6 people from your congregation, enough for each task force to have a representative from your home congregation.  This way your congregation gets first hand information on ways to move our Unitarian Universalist principles into key legislation!

Should I come to this workshop? Are you:

  • a person who wants to make a difference by putting their faith into action
  • interested in the work of UULMNJ or the state legislative process
  • a congregational liaison, action team member, social action chair, minister or staff
  • a UULMNJ Task Force member?

If you identify with any of these statements then YES!  You should join others like you in Paramus!

A working lunch will be provided.  A donation is asked to cover this cost.

Register NOW through September 22.

Join UULMNJ Executive Director, Rev. Craig Hirshberg, for a round table discussion after the day’s programming.  Learn more about our new cable access series, currently in production!

Don’t forget to follow UULMNJ on Facebook and Twitter!

YUUR Voice in Trenton: July 2014

by UU FA Office

Thank you! It has been a busy and successful legislative year for the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ. We thank all of our advocates for their hard work and dedication over the past months. We have two bills that have passed both houses and await the Governor’s signature:

  •     The Opportunity to Compete Act was passed on June 26 by both branches of the NJ Legislature.  This bill will allow the estimated one in four New Jersey adults with a criminal record to fairly compete for work based on merit by requiring the majority employers to wait until after the first interview to ask about an applicant’s criminal background. With the Governor’s anticipated signature, New Jersey will become the thirteenth state to pass such a law.
  •     The Fracking Waste Ban bill, S1041 still needs our help! This bill would prohibit the treatment, disposal, and storage of waste produced by hydraulic fracking in the state of New Jersey. Contact Governor Christie today and tell him to keep New Jersey water clean and safe!

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to have S946, a bill reducing gun magazine capacity from 15 to 10 rounds. The bill was passed by both houses but was vetoed by the Governor.

GA Workshop: UULMNJ Executive Director, Rev. Craig Hirshberg, was a speaker for “Tools for Organizing,” a State Advocacy Networks workshop at General Assembly in Providence, Rhode Island. The workshop and materials were organized by UULMNJ in conjunction with other State Advocacy Networks (SANS). Rev. Hirshberg serves on the national SANS steering committee.

Legal Advocacy Project (LAP). The mission of the LAP program is to advocate through the New Jersey State and Federal Courts to advance cases that are consistent with the seven UU principles and that generally encompass at least one of the subject matters of the UUMNJ taskforces. Gary Nissenbaum has generously agreed to be our first legal director. UULMNJ would like to express its appreciation and gratitude for his inspiration and leadership!

SAVE THE DATES:

UULMNJ ISSUES CONFERENCE IS September 27th at Paramus. Mark you calendar!

PEOPLES CLIMATE MARCH is September 21 in New York City.

Watch UULMNJ notices for more information on both of these events.

ARE YOU SIGNED UP? Do you want to get more information about upcoming events, educational events, local legislation, and action alerts? Join our mailing list at www.uulmnj.org today! Also follow us on Facebook @UU Legislative Ministry of NJ and Twitter @UULMNJ!

YUUR Voice in Trenton: June 2014

by UU FA Office

Save the date for our 2014 Fall Issues Conference!  Udi Ofer, Executive Director of ACLU of New Jersey will be our Keynote Speaker on September 27, 2014.  This year’s conference will be held at Central Unitarian Church in Paramus, NJ.

June has been a very busy legislative month.  Here is a brief look at some of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ’s activities:

  •  After first being introduced to the Assembly on January 16, 2014 and to the Senate on January 27 bill A 2006 was passed by both houses on May 22, 2014 by a vote of 44-34.  The bill introduced sought to reduce maximum capacity of ammunition magazines from 15 to 10 rounds. Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee reported favorably March 13, 2014 and was passed by a 46-31-0 vote on March 20, 2014.  It was then referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee where it was reported favorably after a 3-2 vote on May 5, 2014, with amendments.  The amended bill also designated a semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds as a prohibited assault firearm. The amended bill was passed by the Senate on May 12, 2014 by a vote of 22-17.  The 2nd reading was presented to the Assembly on May 15.
  • UULMNJ is also working with New Jersey Together, urging municipalities to only purchase guns from safe and responsible manufacturers and distributers.  For more information contact Diane Finn, task force chair, finnflynn@verizon.net.
  • An important bill for our new Criminal Justice: End the New Jim Crow task force, A1910/S946 was passed by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 5, 2014.  This bill implements a constitutional amendment providing for pretrial detention of certain criminal defendants; establishes non-monetary bail alternatives for release; and authorizes Judiciary to revise fees for certain legal programs and services.  The bill was passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on June 12th. A number of amendments are expected and the bill will be on its way to the Governor’s desk.
  • Senate Bill 2124, better known as “The Opportunity to Compete Act,” passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 5, 2014.  As amended “The Opportunity to Compete Act” provides job applicants who have a criminal record with certain protections when they seek employment.  The bill specifically prohibits employers from inquiring about a job applicant’s criminal record during the initial employment application process.  1 in 4 New Jerseyans has a criminal record, many for non-violent crimes.  It is time to “ban the box” and give these citizens an opportunity to compete.
    Both A1910/S946 and S2124 bills have support in both houses and there is a strong possibility that they could be passed through this session.  For more information contact Task Force Chair Al, Stawsky alynways@gmail.com.
  • The time to visit your legislators regarding affordable housing is NOW!  June 5 was lobby day for poverty and affordable housing in Trenton.  Current key issues include the distribution of Sandy Relief Funds to help renters and to deal with vacant homes and homes on the verge of foreclosure.
  • June 12 was Fracking Waste Ban lobby day, with events taking place in Trenton all day. UULMNJ Exec. Dir. Rev. Craig Hirshberg was the opening speaker at the rally on the State House steps.   Contact Assembly Speaker Prieto at 877-844-5384 and urge him to make bill A2108 to ban the transport of fracking waste through NJ a priority before the end of this session.

 

UULMNJ Welcomes New Administrator and Summer Interns

  • UULMNJ is excited to announce the hiring of a new office administrator.  Laurice Grae, a member of the Montclair congregation, joined the staff June 1.  Laurice brings a great deal of talent and energy to the position.  She can be reached at admin@UULMNJ.org.
  • UU College of Social Justice has coordinated two interns for UULMNJ this summer.  Richelle Perry, from Missouri and Elana Cohen from Washington state will be living with local families and will be working on  task force research, rapid response development, and the development of an educational public access TV series.

UULMNJ is on Facebook and Twitter!  Get the most current information and help mobilize your favorite causes by following and “liking” us today!

Task Force Current Priorities: May

by UU FA Office

Environmental Justice: The prime focus of the Environmental Task force through June, 2014 is the bill to ban the transportation of fracking wastes in New Jersey. The bill (S-252) was voted out of the Senate Environmental Committee by a 4-1 vote and was passed by the full Senate on May 12 by a vote of 32-5. The bill (A-2108) has yet to be heard in the Assembly Environmental Committee. All of the major environmental groups will be sponsoring a Lobby Day on Monday, June 12th when it is possible that the committee will meet. The full Assembly meets on June 15th when a final vote is also possible.

Criminal Justice Reform: Ending the New Jim Crow: The priority of the Task Force at the present time and foreseeably through June 2014 is activity supporting the passage of two current NJ legislative actions.  These are a real and meaningful Bail Reform Bill and an effective Opportunity to Compete Act.  Both of these are expected to make some measurable improvement in the NJ criminal justice system and its effects.

Economic Justice: Economic Justice continues to monitor the disbursement of Sandy Relief funding and support the Sandy Bill of Rights, with letters to our State Representatives and local newspapers. We will make comments on the new COAH Rules by the deadline of July 2nd. We will advocate for the preservation of the Realty Transfer Tax, which helps to fund affordable housing. At the Federal level, we will consider how best to support a proposed Constitutional Amendment to counteract the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision.

Immigration:The Immigration Task Force priorities over the next several months extend into the fall.  At the state level, we are participating in a coalition’s determination to push legislation that would allow undocumented persons the legal ability to drive, either through drivers licenses or a driving privilege card.  We support other efforts as they arise — especially access to state aid for undocumented students and improved legal options to pursue wage theft.  At the national level, we are re-strengthening efforts to get the House of Representatives to pass some form of comprehensive immigration reform.

Gun Violence Prevention:The gun violence task force’s top priority at this time is working with New Jersey Together to get New Jersey municipalities to use their buying power to get gun manufacturers to stop selling to rogue dealers and invest in smart gun technology.  We are also conducting public education, primarily by showing the documentary Shell-Shocked, and supporting legislation that would limit the size of magazines to 10 rounds.

Reproductive Justice: The Reproductive Justice and Healthcare Task Force is focused on gathering continued support of buffer zones and clinic escorts, as well as planning congregation trainings in reproductive justice. We are also actively seeking support for exploration into New Jersey’s healthcare system and access to health services.

Join Us for Upcoming Coalition Lobbying Days:

June 5: Affordable Housing, 9-4, State House
            contact Lorraine Wearley or Rev. Craig Hirshberg for more information

June 12: Environment and Fracking 9-4 State House
            contact Rohn Hein or Rev. Craig Hirshberg for more information

UULMNJ Administrator – Job Opening

by UU FA Office

Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry
of New Jersey

UULMNJ Administrator Job Description

The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey (UULMNJ) is seeking a part-time Administrator to begin work as soon as possible and no later than June 1.  Duties of the position include but are not limited to:

  • Administrative support for Executive Director
  • Assist with Board, plenary and issues workshop preparation
  • Organizational data keeping
  • Maintaining organization files
  • Assume responsibility for electronic advocacy postings, data base, membership, communications, event registration, and reporting
  • Development of some electronic communications
  • Some financial responsibilities
  • Social media maintenance (Facebook, Twitter)

Qualifications:  Previous office administration experience; good office organizing skills; knowledge of Facebook and social media; strong computer skills; basic computer graphics is helpful.  Knowledge of Salsa electronic advocacy program helpful. This person needs to be able to work independently.  Required to meet weekly with Executive Director.

Compensation:   $18 – $20 hr.  18-20 hours/wk.

Applications should be submitted to Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Director, director@uulmnj.org   Contact:  609.672.7331.

Application Deadline: Applications may be submitted until May 10, 2014.
The Unitarian Universalist Ministry of New Jersey, A Public Policy Network of New Jersey’s 21 UU congregations, provides a comprehensive structure, network and resources to empower the moral voice and actions of our Unitarian Universalist principles and values in the public arena.  UULMNJ engages in social justice and public policy issues important to our state through Education, Research, Advocacy, Witness, and Service. UULMNJ works to facilitate communications among the NJ UU congregations and aims to be a resource to encourage and strengthen their social justice programs.  UULMNJ is an equal opportunity employer.  www.uulmnj.org.

Supported in part by a grant from the UU Funding Program Social Responsibility Fund.

Please help us publicize this position by downloading the job description (pdf) and posting it and/or forwarding it to people who might be interested. Thank you.

Annual Meeting Recap; Materials Posted

by UU FA Office

UULMNJ 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & ANNUAL PLENARY – RECAP

About 80 UUs gathered at the UU Congregation of Princeton to for UULMNJ’s Annual Plenary.  “We are getting good at these meetings” sums up attendees’ feelings about the event.  One participant noted that these meeting allow us to create thoughtful positions on many complex issues, a task which is too large for individual congregations. And it is always important to have an opportunity to connect and energize one another in addition to our usual teleconferences. We even had a cake to celebrate our fifth anniversary.  Thank you for all who helped the day run smoothly.

Meeting business included electing new board members and adopting a 2014 – 2015 budget.  New board members elected to serve on the UULMNJ Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2014:

  • Andrea Lerner (Metro NY District Executive)
  • Rev. Bill Neely (Princeton)
  • Roni Taylor (Plainfield)

Continuing to serve on the board are Nick Lewis (Montclair), Frances Prestianni (Princeton), Missy Staples (Somerset Hills), and Judy Strachan (Montclair).   Gail Marsh Saxer (Ocean County) and Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst (Monmouth County) will be ending their terms on the board. And our youth representative, Adam Green (Ridgewood) has let us know that he has to leave the board.

The past year’s highlights and accomplishments were reviewed, and attendees were treated to an informative and entertaining keynote address, How We Got Here:  New Jersey’s Crawl Out of the Great Recession, by Gordon MacInnes, President of New Jersey Policy Perspective.

At the conclusion of the plenary, there was a liaison and congregation volunteer training covering actions as a moral imperative, congregational resources and Salsa, our advocacy system.

Meeting materials are posted here:

Annual Meeting Recap

Plenary Agenda

Executive Director’s Report

President’s Report

Legal Advocacy Project

Task Forces – Annual Reports

Issue Briefs/Position Papers

UULMNJ Partnerships

Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet

 

 

 

 

YUUR Voice in Trenton: Mar 2014

by UU FA Office

UULMNJ is gearing up for the new legislative session. Here are a few of the highlights this month:

  • A new task force Criminal Justice: Ending the New Jim Crow was approved by the board at its February meeting. The chair is Al Stawsky from our Palisades congregation. If you would like to get involved on this active task force, contact Al at alynways@gmail.com. To view the UULMNJEnding Jim Crow policy brief,Go to the UULMNJ website www.uulmnj.org.
  • The immigration task force is launching a 1000 letter campaign to address the detention conditions in New Jersey. UU’s across the state are asked to sign letters at coffee hour during the month of March. The letters, addressed to Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security, will be collected at the April 5 plenary. After a news release is issued, the letters will be sent.
  • The Gun Violence Prevention Task force is supporting new proposed state legislation to reduce magazines to a maximum of ten rounds. It is also promoting resolutions within local town councils, requiring the town to purchase guns only from socially responsible gun manufacturers. Three Gun Violence Prevention educational events are being planned at Summit, with the capability of other congregations participating via teleconferencing. The dates are March 23, April 27 and May 18. Watch for more detailed information coming soon. For more GVP information, contact Diane Finn, chair at finnflynn@verizon.net
  • From our environmental task force: The Delaware River Basin Commission is meeting on March 11, and the Obama administration holds one of five key votes on the commission’s decision whether or not to allow fracking in the Delaware River Basin. Will you tell the president to shut the door on drilling in one of our best places” Go to http://www.webaction.org/site/R?i=AdyuMpSsQK_iSTHJGsfCsA to send your letter.
  • We had to say goodbye to our issues organizer, Jame deBoer. James left to become the full time minister of a UCC congregation in Livingston. We will miss him! We wish him the very best.

UULMNJ will be hosting its 5th Anniversary Annual Plenary Meeting on April 5 at the Princeton Congregation. The keynote speaker is Gordon MacInnes, President of New Jersey Policy Perspective. Each registrant will get a free copy of the 2014 League of Women Voters Guide. To register go to plenary14@uulmnj.org

Registration is Open for the 2014 Annual Plenary

by UU FA Office

UULMNJ 5th Anniversary Celebration & Annual Plenary
Saturday, April 5, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

                                                                                                                                   

Hosted by the UU Congregation of Princeton
50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
(see www.uuprinceton.org for directions)

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Gordon MacInnes, President
New Jersey Policy Perspective

“How We Got Here:  New Jersey’s Crawl Out of the Great Recession”

                                                                                   

Please join us at the 2014 UULMNJ annual meeting:

  • UU Justice Leaders from all over New Jersey will be gathering to discuss past and future actions on key issues:  Immigration, Economic Justice, Health & Reproductive Justice, Criminal Justice Reform: New Jim Crow, Environmental Justice, Gun Violence Prevention
  • Delegates from Affiliated Congregations will be updated on UULMNJ latest events and vote on the new budget and members of the Board of Trustees.
  • Each attendee will receive a free copy of the 2014 League of Women Voters Legislative Guide in celebration of our 5th anniversary, made available through the generosity of the Princeton congregation
  • Liaison and Volunteer Training opportunity immediately following the conclusion of the meeting

Check-in starts at 8:30 am with coffee and bagels; the meeting will begin promptly at 9:00.

Lunch will be provided.  Registration is free, but we rely on your donations to cover the cost of food and materials for this event.

                                                                                                 

Register Now!

OR, contact us at 609-672-7331 or admin@uulmnj.org