WELCOME TO THE CITIZENS' CAMPAIGN
 "With crisis comes opportunity. But if we are to fully overcome the economic recession, we must first overcome the civic recession. We need to reach outside the political establishment to generate new leadership. And we need more informed and engaged citizens who are unharnessed from the negative, polarized politics of today.
To do this, we need a 'Call to Service' that goes beyond non-governmental volunteerism to offer citizens who care about our future the political and governmental know-how to make positive change beyond the ballot.
Each state must launch its own 'Call,' and New Jersey is poised to lead the way. Out of the depths of our culture of corruption, a Jersey Call to Service is rising that is capable of producing 5,000 new leaders and 50,000 citizens committed to unselfish, constructive action beyond the ballot.
Our goal is not simply to right our economic ship of state, but to distinguish New Jersey by its new leadership and its unselfish culture of service. Let's take back our state today by giving people the power for positive change." Harry Pozycki Chair, Citizens' Campaign
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People often think that the only way to be powerful in affecting their local communities is by running for elected office, which is a larger commitment of time and money than most of us are able to muster. With some training and support, you can begin making a difference in your local government in a leadership service role with a time commitment that works with your schedule. The Citizens' Campaign has launched a 3 year Jersey Call to Cervice to recruit and train 5,000 new leaders for the state of NJ to fill these leadership service roles.
Time Commitment
With a time commitment of just 2 hours a week, you can be on your way to becoming a leader.
Join the Campaign
The Citizens' Campaign offers a free membership that provides guidance and support in taking a leadership role in your community and pursuing the paths to service outlined in the courses. Members take the free coursework that is essential prepartion in becoming a leader and then pursue an act of leadership service within one year in their area of interest.
No Blame Pledge
Members are required to commit to our no blame pledge before accessing the rich learning materials offered by the Citizens Campaign. In this day and age of mud-slinging and personal vendattas, we are working to engage positive citizen leadership. The no-blame approach at the corp of the Citizens' Campaign is all about solving problems, not pointing fingers. |
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Citizen Service Act Passed |
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New State Law Invites Citizens to Participate Constructively
July 8, 2009
by Heather Taylor, Communications Director
State legislation opening up access to municipal boards and commissions was passed by the Legislature following an unanimous vote by the State Senate, setting the stage for an unprecedented Jersey Call to Service. The bill now awaits Governor Corzine's signature.
The Citizen Service Act (S-1426/A-2784), sponsored by Senators Jim Whelan and Bill Baroni, and Assemblymen John McKeon and Joseph Malone, requires municipalities to create a directory of boards and commissions, which includes current membership, vacancies, and terms. The bill also provides for a "Citizen Leadership Form" for residents to indicate their interest in serving on entities such as the Planning Board, Recreation Commission, or Environmental Commission.
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Citizens' Campaign Opens the Door to Party Service |
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Democratizing the Parties
Trenton Times
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
It seems like a simple thing to ask of county political parties that they have constitutions, bylaws and open, up-to-date membership lists. But it hasn't been the way some of them have done business.
In some counties, a small group, or even a lone party chairman, can call the shots, rig the selection of candidates, dictate how campaign cash is spent, and keep the county committee members -- neighborhood-level party officials whom the voters elected in primaries -- in the dark about even such basics as the identity of their fellow members. Would-be challengers to favored incumbents find high hurdles placed in their path. And when the county committee fills a vacancy in the New Jersey Senate or Assembly, as New Jersey law provides, party leaders observe how the members vote, exposing the members to the threat or perception of intimidation from people who may control their livelihoods.
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"By telling people in simple, practical terms how to get involved in shaping government decisions in their hometowns and beyond, the Citizens' Campaign makes an invaluable contribution to American Democracy." - Derek Bok, President Emeritus, Harvard University
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New Leaders
"Thank you Citizens' Campaign. I followed your guidance on making a constructive proposal and successfully passed two laws in my town! Citizen Legislator, Somerville
-Robert Bayait
Events
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Free Online Book!
 Read the free online book or request a copy to be mailed to you- $10 suggested donation.
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