Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The key to effective civic engagement and community power is understanding, respecting and supporting local infrastructure.
BLACK VOTERS MATTER not only on election day, but on the 364 days between election days as well. This means we must support individuals and organizations that are striving to obtain social justice throughout the year.
BLACK VOTERS MATTER *everywhere*, including rural counties and smaller cities/towns that are often ignored by candidates, elected officials, political parties and the media.
In order for Black voters to matter, we must utilize authentic messaging which speaks to our issues, connects with our hopes and affirms our humanity.
The leadership, talent and commitment demonstrated by Black women in particular must receive recognition and, more importantly, investment in order to flourish and multiply.
Voting is the foundation of democracy and the most powerful tool to demand justice and equality. The policies impacting marginalized communities, especially African Americans, can only change when we participate fully in elections. Registering to vote is free, easy, and your right—take action today to make your voice heard and protect our future.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
500 Leading U.S. Progressive Organizations
Campaigning guides for activists
NAACP #2345 Gloucester County, NJ
NJ Voter Information Portal – Official voter registration, polling, & election info
League of Women Voters NJ – Nonpartisan voter education & candidate forums
Nonprofit VOTE – Tools & training for voter engagement
Rock the Vote – Youth-focused voter registration & advocacy
NJ Citizen Action – Social, racial, and economic justice advocacy
NJ Organizing Project – Grassroots activism & community solutions
New Jersey Resource Project – Organizing skill-building & training events
The Solutions Project – Climate justice & community power-building resources
Nonprofit Ready – Free nonprofit leadership and advocacy courses
NJ Center for Nonprofits – Resources, events, and advocacy support for nonprofits
2025 Summer Joint Policy Forum Resource List – Policy discussions and collaboration
ACLU of New Jersey – Civil liberties, voting and immigrant rights defense
NAACP New Jersey State Conference – Civil rights advocacy and community building
National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program – Legal support for activists
Legal Services of New Jersey – Free civil legal aid
Election Protection Coalition – Nonpartisan election protection hotline
NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) – Business grants, loans, and incentives
NJ Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) – Entrepreneurial assistance
Community FoodBank of New Jersey – Food support and community programs
National Black Chamber of Commerce – Business development & networking
Community Foundation of New Jersey – Grant Opportunities – Funding for community projects
National Domestic Workers Alliance – Advocacy and support for domestic workers
Faith in Action – Faith-based social justice organizing
Environmental Justice Advocacy Groups – Climate and environmental activism
NJ PAC Climate & Equity Resources – Arts and culture for community health
NJ Education Partnerships – Faith and community engagement support
Mobilize America – Event & volunteer management platform
Signal – Secure encrypted messaging for activists
Canva for Nonprofits – Free design resources for advocacy campaigns
Slack – Team communication & organizing
NationBuilder – Community engagement and CRM tools
Action Network – Digital advocacy platform
Grantmakers Council of New Jersey – Funders directory and resources
National Council of Nonprofits – Advocacy & funding resources
Guidestar by Candid – Nonprofit research and transparency
Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia – Regional funding supports
NJ211 – Access to health, housing, food, and utility support
NJ Helps – Assistance for low-income families
Community Healthcare Network – Health access and social services
Atlantic County Counseling Services – Mental health resources
Safe Space NJ – A multi-service youth services organization
Domestic Violence Direct Services – Support for survivors of domestic violence
YouthBuild USA – Employment and education for youth
Out of School Time Programs – After school program support
NJ Public Charter Schools Assoc. – Alternative education resources
United Way of Northern New Jersey – Volunteer and donor network
VolunteerMatch – Find volunteer opportunities across NJ