Leadership New Jersey Class Answers the Call |
 Leadership New Jersey has retained the Citizens Campaign for 4 conferences teaching insider political skills and citizen leadership opportunities to its new class. The opening session was taught by our Chairman Harry Pozycki. The 2011 class consists of approximately 60 prospective leaders chosen by their company or nonprofit to participate in this prestigious leadership training program. Graduates include numerous cabinet members and other top governmental leaders. Response to the first forum was enthusiastic as virtually every participant took the pledge to Answer the Call to Service and become citizen leaders. One participant went so far as to introduce her family to the Citizens Campaign's Call to Service, and the entire family took the pledge to become citizen leaders! The Citizens Campaign looks forward to a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Leadership NJ. |
Green Teams Empowered by Political Skills Training |
|
 The Citizens Campaign has formed a partnership with Sustainable Jersey to add political skills to this worthy environmental program. Under a grant from the Dodge Foundation, the Citizens Campaign will be developing free environmental empowerment courses to provide serious political training for members of Sustainable Jersey Green Teams, who work with town officials to create environments which are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
|
|
Target and Reduce Local Government Waste Using Townstats.org |
|
 Editors, reporters and citizen journalists from around the state were guests of the Citizens Campaign at a forum of our Hyperlocal News Association featuring experts in municipal budget analysis. Keynote speaker Mark Magyar, pictured, demonstrated Townstats.org,his online town to town budget comparison tool. Other experts taught insider tips on reviewing the municipal budget including Tom Neff, Director of Local Government Services at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and Michael Lenz, former Hoboken Councilman and municipal CFO. Audience members included Dick Benfield, former editorial writer for the New York Times, Star Ledger Metro Editor Len Melisurgo, and Steve Johnson, head of all Patch.com hyperlocal news sites in New Jersey. The forum was held to facilitate investigative news reporting on local government waste and to attract citizens to the Citizens Campaign's People's Tool Kit which offers opportunities for citizens to lead in the area of government waste cutting. Citizens Campaign Chairman Harry Pozycki provided the audience with an overview of a new feature of the People's Tool Kit, called Best Price Insurance Contracting. Watch the video of the meeting.
|
|
New York Times Article Points Out Need for
Citizens Campaign Best Price Insurance Initiative |
|
 The New York Times article "Move on New Jersey Health Plan May Cost Towns but Help Power Broker" points out that many New Jersey municipalities and school districts have saved millions from using the State Health Insurance Plan. This approach is part of a more extensive Citizens Campaign "Best Price Insurance Contracting" initiative that has already produced cost savings of over $10 million in just 3 school districts. Download the Best Practice Insurance Contracting Presentation Kit. This step by step guide will walk you through the process of introducing this important cost savings reform in your own backyard. Take the Citizen Legislator Class to learn insider tips in making a successful constructive proposal. Contact Lauren at Lauren@thecitizenscampaign.com or 732-548-9798 x2 to receive the support of the Citizens Campaign in making your proposal.
|
Paterson Recognized as Green Leader |
|
 The Citizens Campaign was invited to a press conference on April 14th recognizing Paterson's accomplishment in becoming the largest municipality in New Jersey to receive certification from Sustainable Jersey. A significant factor in their certification was the creation of the Paterson Environmental Commission. Citizens from Paterson worked together with the Citizens Campaign to establish the Environmental Commission, which informs the planning process with regards to environmental protection. Learn how to be appointed to an Environmental Commission or get one created in your town. Take one of our free online classes and learn how! Answer the Call to Service (Click here)
|
|
Citizens Campaign Pay to Play Initiative Makes it to the White House |
 It was reported April 20th that President Obama is circulating an Executive Order to introduce Pay to Play regulations for all federal contracts, including military contracts. Model Pay to Play reform legislation was developed in New Jersey by the Citizens Campaign's Law and Policy Task Force to halt the costly practice of rewarding government contracts, not based on merit or best price, because of political contributions. The reform was first implemented at the state level through an Executive Order by Governor McGreevy. |
What Have You Done to be a Citizen Leader Lately? |
|
 Log on to our Facebook Page and let us know how you have gotten active!
|
|
Visit our website or our Facebook page to find and share information about upcoming events!
Trenton Call to Service Event
Wed April 27th 6:30pm
Mt. Holly Call to Service
Thurs. May 12th 6:30pm
Celebration of Leadership
Honoring Governors Byrne and Kean
Mon May 16th 6:30pm
The Palace at Somerset Park (buy tickets) |
Check out our Hyperlocal News Sites |
