Restoring Trust in New Jersey's Government:

Upholding Ethics, Transparency & Accountability

Confidence in New Jersey's government has been severely shaken. Join the League of Women Voters of New Jersey for a timely discussion on the current condition of New Jersey's Government through the lens of ethics, transparency, and accountability.

The morning panel features experts offering their perspectives on good government. During lunch, we are offering a special opportunity for young people to get involved in changing the conversation surrounding youth in politics. Following the morning panel and lunch, participants can attend a skill building session of their choosing.

Good Government Morning Panel

Paula A. Franzese, Peter W. Rodino Professor of Law

  Professor Paula Franzese is one of the country's leading experts in property law as well as government ethics. She has spearheaded ethics reform initiatives on behalf of three governors, serving as Special Ethics Counsel to Governor Richard Codey, Chair of the State Ethics Commission, Vice-Chair of the Election Law Enforcement Commission and as ethics advisor to state and local governments across the country, including Mayor Cory Booker's administration in Newark. In 2014, Professor Franzese was appointed Vice-Chair of the New Jersey Supreme Court Special Committee on Attorney Ethics and Admissions.

Walter Luers, President, New Jersey Foundation for Open Government 

   Walter Luers is an attorney and has been the President of the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government (NJFOG) since June 2011. Since 2007, Luers has concentrated on rendering advice and handling litigation regarding the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). Luers speaks to community groups around the state about OPMA and OPRA and was recognized as one of the ten "Lawyers of the Year"  by the New Jersey Law Journal for his work on OPRA.

Jody Calendar, President, Jody Calendar Communications, LLC

  Jody Calendar has over 30 years of journalism experience. She has been the Managing Editor of the Record of Hackensack, the Deputy Executive Editor of the Asbury Park Press, and a member of the Board of the Associated Press Managing Editors. Ms. Calendar will offer her perspective on the crucial role the media plays in promoting transparency and speak about opportunities and challenges journalists face in holding governments accountable. Jody Calendar was named one of New Jersey's 50 most interesting people, Woman of the Year by the State Advisory Council on Women, and Role Model by the National Organization of Women. She is the President of Calendar Communications, LLC and is a trustee of the Brookdale Foundation.

"Aren't I A Woman?" performed by Lorraine Stone, Storyteller, Poet, Actress

Lorraine Stone is an acclaimed performance artist of many talents who brings to life historic and heroic African American women in her performances. She holds a B.A. in Communications Arts and Sciences and has worked as a journalist as well as director of Trinity School for the Arts at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park. Stone will open the day's events with a historical reenactment of Sojourner Truth's famous speech.

Special Opportunity for Youth during Lunch

Youth Organizing Committee with League Leadership

Have you heard pundits and politicians alike call you and your peers apathetic and disengaged? Are you tired of hearing discussions about the younger generation with no actual younger people at the table? Here is your chance to do something about it.

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is offering an opportunity for college students, graduate students, and young professionals to lead the discussion. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Youth Organizing Committee, please attend this informational session during lunch.  

A limited amount of financial assistance is available to support students interested in attending. Please contact Jesse Burns at jburns@lwvnj.org to learn more.

Afternoon Skill Building Sessions 

After the morning forum and lunch, the League is offering a number of skill building workshops. These workshop sessions will fill fast so please register early. You may choose one workshop during the registration process on the next page.

Effective Lobbying:  Nancy Hedinger, Vice President of Advocacy and Programs, LWVNJ; Sandy Matsen, Registered Lobbyist, LWVNJ

Would you like to have more say in policy decisions that affect you? Join us to learn best practices for lobbying your elected officials. This session will provide you with the skills needed to communicate your positions effectively with your representatives at all levels of government.

Getting Ready for Election 2014: Dawn Clarke, Vice President of Voters Service, LWVNJ

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is best known for our voter education work. From moderating debates to running voter registration drives and everything in between, the League has been informing and engaging voters for over 90 years. Experienced or novice, join us to learn effective practices to improve your skills in organizing and developing informational forums, debates, and voter education in your community.

Presidents' Training: Toni Zimmer, President, LWVNJ; Ed Gracely, Secretary, LWVNJ; Anne Maiese, Past President, LWVNJ; Deborah Macmillan, Past President, LWVNJ

Whether you're currently serving as League President or you're a dedicated member contemplating a leadership role in the future, this workshop is for you. Learn how to hone your skills and talents to effectively communicate with your members at meetings, with the public at special events, and much more. Review and affirm the core League mission and principles. Hear about benefits available to you through interacting with LWVNJ and LWVUS. Share experiences and compare notes with your peers on topics of importance to you.

 

 

Register Now!

If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to support the Youth Organizing Committee.

Thank you to our sponsors:

The Libby Sharpe Memorial Fund

Department of Political Science, Brookdale Community College

History and Political Science Club, Brookdale Community College

Women's and Gender Studies, Brookdale Community College