Introduction to the NJ Legislative Process

This training is perfect for anyone who is new to advocating for legislation or any veteran grassroots lobbyist looking for a refresher on how laws are made in the Garden State. Our trainers will provide an overview of the structure and powers of the New Jersey Legislature, explain how bills advance through each chamber, teach you how to research and track legislation, and let you know how you can start lobbying with the League.

Introduction to Organizing

Grassroots organizing happens when everyday people come together to identify common problems faced by their community and work together to address the issue or advocate for change. This training will introduce you to grassroots organizing principles and strategies and walk you through creating a campaign plan to mobilize supporters and reach critical goals.

From Ideas to Law: The Activist’s Role

As an activist, you probably have ideas on actions the state can take to solve a problem in your community. So how do you turn passion into policy that results in meaningful change?

Join this training to learn the nuts and bolts of how activists can work with elected officials to introduce impactful new laws bills.

Understanding the State Budget Process

Each year the Executive and Legislative Branches work together to approve a new state budget and determine how the state’s resources will be allocated. This process is complex and can be difficult to follow. During this training experts will walk you through how government agencies and the Office of Management and Budget collaborate to determine policy and program priorities, review important fiscal deadlines, and help you understand the ins-and-outs of this important government exercise.

Understanding NJ Local Government

Most people know that the actions that federal and state governments take can have major implications on the lives of millions of Americans. But what about local government?   In New Jersey, thousands of municipal and county government officials are responsible for making critical daily decisions and delivering essential services to the communities they serve. Despite the tremendous power that local government has over our daily lives, most people know little to nothing about what it does or how it works.

Join this training to learn about the structures and powers of the local government bodies that are making decisions for your community.

Understanding NJ School Boards

Education is a vital cornerstone of our society, and local school boards play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape in our communities. If you are interested in understanding how decisions are made at the local level and in making a difference in our education system, this training is for you.  Join us to get an overview of local New Jersey school boards -- including their structure, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. Learn how to advocate for change within the school board framework and engage effectively with board members.

Voter Registration

The first step towards increasing voter turnout is registering voters. Join this training to learn the ins and outs of setting up voter registration events, best practices for capturing data for GOTV follow-up, and the most common questions that new voters will have for you.