Message from Executive Director Cecilia Zalkind

 

New name, new logo, same commitment to children

 

Change.  It’s part of life.

Here at ACNJ, we continually examine the way we go about achieving our vision of giving every child the chance to grow up safe, healthy and educated. This means not only examining what we do, but how we do it.

Over the years, our efforts have evolved from a small group of people focused on one issue – child protection – to an organization that galvanizes thousands to advocate directly on behalf of New Jersey’s children on many issues and on many fronts.

And so we have changed our name to better capture the essence of our work. Advocates for Children (still ACNJ) reflects the power that comes from engaging you – our many partners -- in our efforts to put New Jersey children first.

As our base of advocates has grown – both through our 5000-member e-advocacy network and the hundreds who have taken ACNJ’s free advocacy courses -- we have come to realize the power of our partners to inform and carry out our advocacy agenda.

We are no longer an association working on behalf of children, but a network of effective advocates, working together as partners to secure the future of our children.

We’ve also changed our look. Our new website is designed to be more engaging and user-friendly. It is filled with useful information – everything from KIDS COUNT data to information about child health and children and the law.

Check in often. Content will change weekly. Take our quick, one-question KIDS COUNT Quiz each week when we’ll test – and expand -- your knowledge of the issues facing New Jersey children.

Sign up to receive our monthly e-news and other e-alerts, informing you of emergent child-related issues and giving you a chance to directly influence our state and national leaders. Friend us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And, explore our Get Involved page for other ways that you – our most powerful ally -- can advance positive change for children.

New Jersey children need your help.

By all measures, next year will be even more challenging for children and families. The new state budget, adopted in June, includes some of the steepest cuts to education that we have ever seen.

Funding for other essential programs – afterschool care, school breakfast and lunch, tax credits for working poor families, health insurance for parents – have all been reduced, hurting families on many financial fronts, all at the same time.

It is more important than ever for us to work together to be the change we want to see in the world.

To quote Ghandi, “Change is the essence of life. Be ready to surrender what you are for what you could become. You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Welcome to the new ACNJ.  

 

Cecilia Zalkind

Executive Director