Each day, our communities in New Jersey face new threats, from devastating cuts to Medicaid funding to a growing militarized presence in immigrant neighborhoods. Our rights, our civil liberties, and the future of our democracy are all at stake – but we the people have the power to organize for change.
That’s why on August 16, the ACLU and the ACLU of New Jersey hosted the first Power and Purpose Training in Trenton to inspire community members to turn their outrage into action in this critical moment. The training was a high-impact, one-day experience open to all and was designed to give community members the tools to organize, mobilize, and lead alongside one another.
Throughout the seven hours of training, we covered topics such as effective community organizing, having persuasive conversations that move people to action, and building lasting connections with others who are ready to rise to the moment. Nearly 70 attendees from across the state spent the day strengthening their organizing skills to work toward creating a more equitable future for all New Jerseyans.
“By the end of the day, it was truly powerful to hear from so many attendees how necessary this training was for them,” said ACLU-NJ Associate Director of Civic Engagement Alejandra Sorto. “Seeing everyone eager and energized to engage with each other is exactly the kind of community building needed to meet this moment.”
As attacks on democracy continue, the ACLU-NJ will keep showing up to support and defend our neighbors, our rights, and our liberties with power and purpose.
