From Left to Right Grace Shackney from Metuchen, Lee Burke from Vineland, Bob Shinn from Cherry Hill and Frank Kenny from Toms River.

 At a Statehouse press conference in Trenton on Nov 11th, Citizen Leaders from the Jersey Call to Service came forward to tell their success stories (read stories) about introducing and winning adoption of government efficiency and waste cutting proposals  by their town governments and school boards.  They showcased 4 top proposals from the People's Tool Kit- proposals that have created savings of over 6 million dollars since their implementation.

These "Ready for Adoption" proposals are part of the online People's Tool Kit, which offers 15 model laws that a citizen can present for adoption, with the support and guidance from the Citizens' Campaign. Regular citizens are immediately empowered to lead in the area of cutting government waste by using the People's Tool Kit. Articles about the People's Tool Kit were featured on the front page of the Star Ledger (read story), the Asbury Park Press (read story), and other Gannett papers, and the Bergen Record (read story). 101.5 FM also did an interview on the "Unveiling of the People's Tool Kit" (listen now).  

This broad press coverage helped to stimulate statewide interest in the People's Tool Kit and over 20 citizens have signed up to make their own presentations in the week following the press event. A Citizens' Campaign coaching conference call was held on Friday Nov 19th with experts teaching those interested about the "ready to adopt" local insurance reform cost cutting proposal, and how to make a successful presentation. Listen to the coaching conference call now.

Energy Audit Grants expire Dec 31st. Its time to make this proposal to your town government.

Grants exist to help municipalities do an energy audit, which will result in significant long term savings for the community. These energy audit grants are for between $20,000- $50,000, but your community must apply by Dec. 31st. You can quickly see if your town has received the grant, and if not, make the proposal to your local government to do an energy audit and apply for the funding (check the current list of who has already applied). Take the short 30 minute Citizen Legislator Class, and learn how to make a successful constructive energy audit proposal before your local governing body. You can receive coaching, support and guidance from the Citizens' Campaign to make your proposal. But time is limited so act now!

The Citizens' Campaign is proud to announce that we are organizing the New Jersey Hyperlocal News Association (HNA) to provide free training and resources on local political and governmental news coverage to reporters, citizen journalists and journalism students. We will be hosting bi-monthly meetings for hyperlocal publishers and their staff on key issues and topics called "road map" features. These stories are about issues which significantly impact a town's policies or shape political dynamics in a community. The Citizens' Campaign will also provide educational articles on civic participation for hyperlocal news publications.

The kick-off meeting will take place on Dec 1 at Rutgers and will feature leading experts in hyperlocal journalism including Jeff Jarvis from CUNY, Baristanet founder Debbie Galant, and Michael Delli Carpini, Dean of the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. 

HNA Inaugural Meeting Reporting Topic- Municipal Reorganization Meetings
Don't let this important news slip through the cracks! At annual municipal reorganization meetings in January, municipalities select their leadership. Some select their Mayor and all pick their Council Presidents. They also hire their professionals such as attorneys and engineers, and make appointments to powerful boards and commissions like the planning board. A panel discussion will feature former New Brunswick Council President and current Director at Center for Government Services, Kathi Cupano, Debbie Galant from baristanet.com, and Joe Malinconico from the Citizens' Campaign's PatersonPress.com.

Visit www.JoinTheCampaign for Event Details

Wed. Dec 1st, 2010 10:30-12:30
Hyperlocal News Association Inaugural Meeting
Alexander Library, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ
Register Online

Reporting topic to be discussed-
Municipal Reorganization Meetings

Wed. Dec 8th, 2010 6:30-8 pm
Florence Township Call to Service Summit 
Municipal Complex, Florence, NJ

"It is my honor to host the Florence Township Call to Service. The Call to Service will give residents the information they need to constructively participate in local government."
Florence Mayor Bill Berry, Burlington County Times read more.

The Leonia Call to Service Summit, hosted by the Leonia Taxpayers Association,  attracted over 50 residents who came out to learn how to take a leadership role in their government. Tom Cullen, head of the Social Studies Department at Leonia High School, also brought students to learn how to apply for board and commission positions. The students were interviewed by NY1 TV (watch the interviews). 



You can call your community, business or organization to service with the support and guidance of the Citizens' Campaign. Learn how at www.JoinTheCampaign.com under Participate.