MEET THE 2024 DEMOCRACY ORGANIZER PROGRAM COHORT

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is excited to introduce our 2024 Democracy Organizers!

These dedicated individuals will be engaging with communities across the state, focusing on relationship-building and active listening to strengthen grassroots efforts for a more inclusive and accessible democracy. Working closely with our experienced team, our organizers will gain essential skills in grassroots organizing and hands-on experience in defending democracy within their own communities.

Charlana McKeithen

Pronouns: She/Her
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Region: Mercer County
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Organizer Assignment: Issue Advocacy
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"I am incredibly excited and honored to join the LWVNJ's Democracy Organizer Program because it empowers me to champion a more inclusive and accessible democracy through grassroots organizing. This program is a perfect platform to amplify voices in our communities, build authentic relationships, and drive meaningful change. I am eager to bring my passion for social justice and my commitment to leadership to this effort, working alongside others to create a stronger, more equitable democratic process for all New Jersey residents."

Suzanne Hagen

Pronouns: She/Her
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Region: Mercer County
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Organizer Assignment: Voter Services
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"I believe the Democracy Organizer program will be a meaningful volunteer opportunity providing tools for community organizing and leading for a cause, specifically advocating for democracy and voter rights."

Kenya Easton

Pronouns: She/Her
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Region: Passaic County
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Organizer Assignment: Voter Services
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"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou

ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

The ideal applicant is:

Someone who is 0 – 2 years into organizing communities and wants to sharpen their skills
Passionate about increasing civic engagement and voter participation
Interested in LWVNJ’s advocacy program areas
Someone who wants to be an active and involved member of their community

Participant Requirements:

Participants must be able to participate in all program components fully from July 2024- December 2024
Participants must be able to dedicate 10 hours a month to the program
Must be a resident of New Jersey for the duration of the program (July 2024 – December 2024)
Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program (July 20, 2024)
Participants must observe the following LWVNJ policies:

Nonpartisan Policy

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate at any level of government. To avoid the possible perception of partisanship, we ask our most visible leaders – including organizers – to refrain from political activity or active partisan support.

All participants must adhere to the following policies during their participation in the Democracy Organizer Program:

Elected Office. Participants shall not run for, nor hold, any partisan elective office at any level of government. Participants may run for or hold a local nonpartisan elective office, after consultation with and approval by LWVNJ staff.
Political Party Office. Participants shall not serve in any official position in a political party at any level of government.
Political Campaigns. Participants shall not chair a political campaign or administer fundraising for a political campaign, chair a campaign event, be a spokesperson, or work in any other significant way in the campaign of a candidate for a partisan office at any level of government.
Social and Other Media. Participants shall not indicate their political affiliations or candidate preferences at any level of government in the media, including on social networking sites or other public venues that also prominently identify them as an organizer for LWVNJ
Partisan Activities Outside of New Jersey: Partisan activities (for example phone banking) for races or issue campaigns outside of New Jersey might be considered permissible depending on specific circumstances. Organizers must first consult and seek approval from LWVNJ staff.
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Additional Clarification: Participants shall present questions about specific situations to LWVNJ staff where the foregoing policies do not resolve the question.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy

The League of Women Voters is an organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and in practice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s current and future success in engaging all individuals, households, communities, and policy makers in creating a more perfect democracy.

There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.

Read our full policy here.

Charlana McKeithen

Suzanne Hagen

Kenya Easton

ABOUT THE DEMOCRACY ORGANIZER PROGRAM

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

OUTCOMES FOR PARTICIPANTS

TIME COMMITMENT

COST