A Lifetime of Civic Improvement: Honoring Libby Sharpe

Libby Sharpe

The Libby Sharpe Memorial Fund, established by Irwin Sharpe to honor his late wife, has made it possible for the League of Women Voters of New Jersey to continue doing the work that she valued most—training members to become leaders in the League; in the workplace; and in elected and appointed office.  The training materials she developed, and which were donated to LWVUS, were incorporated into the 2005 publication, “Citizens Building Communities: the ABC’s of Public Dialog.”

Libby Sharpe was brilliant, vivacious, hard working, and passionate about good government. When she spoke at a celebration of the League’s 75^th birthday in 1995, at which she was honored for 50 years of community service, she described the League as “patient and tenacious.” She certainly was.

Libby age 17 or 18

Entering Hunter College at 14, she received a B.A. at 18, and earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago, studying sociology, political science, and economics.  Fresh out of school and attracted to the League by its role in changing the Federal Civil Service from a spoils system to one of merit appointments, she joined the Central Queens Branch of the League in 1944.

In the late 40’s she worked on local political reform in New York, helping expose the inefficiency and corruption of its yearly voter registration system. She was assigned to the Hell’s Kitchen area, where she investigated voter lists, finding that many names were listed as living in non-existent buildings or were people who had moved or died.

When she moved to West Orange in 1950, she immediately joined the League there where she held many positions, including the presidency, and remained active until her death. She worked as an educator and activist on many critical local issues. Among them was the form of West Orange’s government. The effort she and other League members began in 1957, first studying then advocating for a change from a Commission form to Mayor-Council form, was finally accomplished in 1968.

She also led the formation of the West Orange Campaign Ethics Committee and the establishment of a Code of Ethics that candidates for Council and the Mayoralty pledged (in front of a judge) to abide by, including campaign spending. This brought big changes in the tenor of local campaigns, which continues today.

She actively supported the United Nations and helped educate local citizens and political representatives in the 1950’s about the importance of international trade as a way to encourage global peace and help New Jersey develop.  She helped organize a League survey of 419 manufacturing firms in the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th Congressional Districts to analyze the importance of foreign trade on jobs and growth in the State.

She also persuaded her League and PTA to join forces in raising money for UNICEF (the U.N. International Children’s Emergency Fund). They converted half pint milk containers in school cafeterias into collection boxes to help children in war-torn Europe, an effort that preceded the ubiquitous orange “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” boxes that many children around the country carried on Halloween for years.

After serving on the West Orange Citizens Charter Association during the effort to change the charter in the 60’s, Libby worked with the League to establish a town Department of Planning headed by a capable, certified professional planner.  She then served on the West Orange Citizens Advisory Committee and later on the Zoning Board of Adjustment from 1977-1985, working closely with the first town planners hired.

Libby worked as a marketing manager and as office administrator for the family’s consulting firm; and her involvement in the League and her community was a second, unpaid full-time job, her family being the first. She was a devoted wife to Irwin and raised four children—Kenneth, Bonnie, Peter, and Debbie—and eventually had four grandchildren. All were shaped by her involvement in civic affairs.

Libby leading a discussion group

Honored by the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, the town of West Orange (which declared a “Libby Sharpe Day”) and the New Jersey State Assembly in 1995, Libby was also commemorated by a resolution of the joint Senate and Assembly of the State of New Jersey when she died in 2003, for her more than half-century of public service through the League of Women Voters.

Libby rarely took the limelight in reform efforts.  She usually worked behind the scenes, working the telephones, mobilizing others, quietly convincing public officials of the soundness and decency of her arguments, and above all educating and training others to be leaders.  She often said that her proudest accomplishment was training women to be leaders in the League and watching them go on to hold elective and appointive public office and become leaders in other volunteer organizations and professions.

Libby’s lifetime of League and civic achievements serve as a model for all. Her selfless devotion to civic improvement encapsulates the best of the League of Women Voters and her memorial fund further extends her work for civil dialog and good government. The League is wholeheartedly grateful for both her service and the opportunity to continue her good work through this Fund.

Please consider visiting www.lwvnj.org or mailing a check to 204 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 to give a gift honoring Libby or any other person who has contributed much to the work of the League.

League member honored, shares story of Dr. King

From  L to R: Gail Roberts, MLK committee member, Dion Davis, MLK committee member, Winnefred Rowell-Bullard, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Recipient, Vanessa Jenkins, MLK committee member and Thomas Seddon, Superintendent of Schools, Gloucester Township Public School District and MLK committee member.

League of Women Voters of New Jersey member Winnefred Rowell-Bullard received the 2012 Community Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Committee of the Gloucester Township Public Schools. Congratulations to Winne on this well deserved honor. Her acceptance speech was incredibly moving and it is my pleasure to be able to share it with you (below).

It is with gratitude and appreciation that I say, “Thank You” to the members of The Gloucester   Township Public Schools Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Committee.  My heart is filled with, cherished appreciation, and unforgettable gratefulness because you have selected me to receive this prestigious honor.

Today, along with you, I, too, look back and reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr…

My reflection shows me when I was a college freshman attending Allen University, which is located in Columbia, South Carolina, Two days before going home for the Christmas holidays,  I along with 20 other college students participated in a non-violent, sit-in demonstration at a segregated movie theater in downtown Columbia. After paying for our tickets, we took our seats downstairs in the White only section. Immediately, we were told to go up stairs and sit in the Colored only section. We refused to leave our seats to go and sit in the Colored section. Then, harshly, we were told we would be arrested and taken to jail, if we did not sit in the Colored section. WE REFUSED TO MOVE. In addition, the TICKET ATTENDANT CALLED THE LAW. DURING THAT DECADE, LAW MEANT POLICE. WE SAT IN THAT WHITE ONLY SECTION UNTIL THE LAW CAME to take us to jail, but instead of being taken to jail, we were finger printed and taken to the state penitentiary- the  place for convicted criminals. We learned later that as soon as Dr. King received the word that twenty African American college students in Columbia, South Carolina had been taken to the State Penitentiary and locked up for refusing to sit up stairs in a segregated movie balcony in downtown Columbia, early the next morning, he traveled from Atlanta, Ga. to the State Penitentiary to have our finger prints exonerated and to set us free. From that remarkable visit, I never forgot Dr. King’s strong words, and I quote: “From this day forward, you will always be proud of yourselves, because you have taken a direct stand for social justice by demonstrating non-violently and peacefully against the social ills of inequality toward humankind. From this day forward, I want you to continue to take a stand and to advocate for social justice.”

After returning from dinner with Dr. King, we formed a big circle on campus, we asked Dr. King to stand in the middle of the circle, and then we sang together, loudly, WE SHALL OVERCOME. From that memorable day, and over the decades to follow, to this day, I have taken a stand for social justice and as a giver of knowledge,  my goals as an educator and as an instructional and community leader have been to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and others.  I remain active in many community service organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., South Jersey Alumnae Chapter, The League of Women Voters of Camden County, and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. Each of these organizations works  to offer community services for the betterment of humankind.( and I say thank you to some of the members who have come today to show support and to give congratulations).

In closing, I will forever cherish meeting Dr. King, listening to his strong, everlasting words, and becoming an advocate for social justice. Dr. Kings’ visionary dreams of social justice remain strongly prevalent today. Thus, I will continue my work in the community for the cause of direct action for social justice. Again, I thank the Gloucester Township Public Schools Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Service Committee for honoring my call to be a community advocate in the name of service for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

- Winnefred Rowell-Bullard

Have You Seen Human Trafficking In Your Town?

The following is written by Elizabeth Santeramo, League of Women Voters of New Jersey board member and chair of the League’s Women and Family Issues Committee.

January has been declared “Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month” by President Obama. As a member of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, I have had the privilege to attend a United Nations briefing on Human Trafficking where a former sex slave bravely shared her story. The devastating crime of human trafficking occurs in New Jersey’s urban areas and in the quaint small towns that pepper the state. The League of Women Voters supports human rights, and condemns all forms of slavery and the violence associated with it. We believe that the basic inalienable rights granted at birth must be protected and upheld.

Many of the massage parlors that line our Main Streets are storefronts for sex shops-harbingers of terror and abuse where trafficked women and girls are forced to perform sexual acts on patrons. Often, the victims live where they work, in dark and filthy conditions. They are not allowed to leave, take breaks, or do the routine things you and I do, like shop, visit a friend, or take a walk in the park. They are truly sex slaves.

It is odd to use the term “slave” in 2012. Yet, these victims are transported to our local towns from Newark, where they are trafficked from Brazil and parts of Asia. This is modern day slavery. Some of these victims are as young as 8 years old. In most cases, community members do not complain about the massage parlors because they are unaware of what lies behind the doors, and the establishment does not constitute a nuisance. Many may think it’s a typical “happy ending spa” but few realize that we are dealing with real women and girls who have been abducted from their homeland and tricked into thinking they will live the American dream. But we know better. They are living an American nightmare.

As a League member, I was invited to attend other briefings at the U.N. where I heard a survivor share her story of being sold at 16 in her home state of California. She was walking with her sister one day, when another woman and fellow Mexican-American approached her with a job opportunity to clean homes. In need of money, she accepted. After a long car ride, she was taken to a small dark room where she was chained and drugged. Her job turned out to be that of a sex slave for an older married Mexican man. After years of psychological, emotional and physical torture, she now shares her story to help other victims and make citizens aware of how to spot trafficking activity.

I viewed a slideshow presented by an attorney who works at Sanctuary for Families in NYC. The program showed the three key things to look for to help identify makeshift massage parlors: obscure establishment names, i.e. a number and a name; windows discreetly veiled with curtains or blinds to hide the interior from outside; and the inability for potential customers to book an appointment if they are not the “right” type of client for the parlor.

If you have come across such parlors that offer “massages” and you’re suspicious that they may hold victims of human trafficking, there are ways that you can help. You can save a woman or a young girl by learning how to identify trafficking in your neighborhood, how to help a victim, and how to report it anonymously. The League of Women Voters of New Jersey partners with Polaris Project to help prevent these crimes. Polaris Project provides a hotline for the public to anonymously report suspicions and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey is looking for members who are interested in working to stop human trafficking in our state. For more information, please visit www.lwvnj.org and www.polarisproject.org.

New Jersey General Election Information

November 8th is Election Day and the League of Women Voters of New Jersey has a lot of resources to help voters become better informed!

• Voter Assistance Hotline, 1-800-792-VOTE (8683). This hotline will be staffed all day while the polls are open (6 am – 8pm) . Voters in need of assistance or who wish to report a problem should call that  number.
• Ballot Question Analysis – The League of Women Voters of New Jersey has a ballot question analysis available to help voters better understand the statewide public question. Our analysis includes background information and reasons to vote yes, as well as reasons to vote no. The League of Women Voters of New Jersey does not have a position on this question.
• Voters Guide – We asked all of the candidates running for NJ Senate and Assembly ten policy questions on a wide range of issues and published their responses.
• Know Your Rights  – Know your voting rights before you head to the polls.
• Frequently Asked Questions – Find the answers to some frequently asked voting questions.
• Polling Place Locator - Your polling place is on the front of your sample ballot, but you can also find that information on the NJ Division of Elections website.

If you have any other questions, please contact us at 1-800-792-VOTE (8683). Happy voting!

2011 Voters Guide for Senate and Assembly Races Now Available!

Do you know where your candidates for the upcoming General Election stand on hot button issues like unemployment, property taxes, education, eminent domain, and the state’s energy needs? As part of an effort to encourage informed participation, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey has published the responses of the candidates running for New Jersey Senate and Assembly to 10 hard hitting questions about these issues in its 2011 Voters Guide.  This guide is available on the League’s website, www.lwvnj.org.

The questions reflect what matters most to New Jersey’s voters. Listed by district, the online 2011 Voters Guide provides an easy way of accessing the candidates’ responses. There is a link to help voters find their district, which may have changed as a result of the 2010 census and redistricting.

There is also an analysis of the statewide public question that will appear on the November 8^th ballot. The League’s analysis of the ballot question includes the question and interpretive statement that will be found on the ballot, as well as a background of the question and reasons for voting yes and reasons for voting no.  The statewide public question asks if voters will allow the Legislature, when permitted by federal law, to legalize the placing of bets on certain sports events at casinos, racetracks, and former racetrack sites.

The 2011 Voters Guide, the ballot question analysis, redistricting information, and a wealth of additional voter service information can be found at www.lwvnj.org. In addition, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey also offers a toll-free hotline, 1-800-792-VOTE (8683) for members of the public to call in with their voting questions. That hotline is staffed during business hours and will also be available on Election Day while the polls are open (6 am – 8 pm) for voters in need of assistance.

Deadlines Approaching for November General Election

Election Day is coming up!  New Jersey’s General Election will take place on November 8, 2011. This year, all 120 seats in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly are up for election.  The results of this very important election will determine fiscal and policy decisions that will impact our communities for years. It is crucial that every eligible resident registers and votes on November 8.  The polls will be open from 6 am – 8 pm.

The deadline to register to vote or to submit a change of name or address for the November 8 election is Tuesday, October 18. The registration form is available on the League of Women Voters of New Jersey’s website, www.lwvnj.org. If you are not sure if you are registered you can look up that information on the New Jersey Division of Elections website, www.njelections.org.

In New Jersey, any voter can vote by mail, using a “Vote by Mail” ballot (formerly absentee ballot) in any election, but the deadlines for applying are quickly approaching. Applications can be found on the League of Women Voters of New Jersey website, www.lwvnj.org. If you choose to send your application by mail, it must be received by your County Clerk no later than Tuesday, November 1. There is a 3 p.m. deadline on November 7 to apply for a “Vote by Mail” ballot in person at the County Clerk’s office.

For additional information or clarification about the November 8 General Election, go to www.lwvnj.org or call the League of Women Voters of New Jersey’s toll free voter information line, 1-800- 792-VOTE (8683).

First Annual Pearl Schwartz Environmental Awards

The following is written by Jesse Burns, LWVNJ Director of Communications.

Recently I had the pleasure of joining the League of Women Voters of Ocean County as they honored three professionals whose work has benefited the environment. The “Pearl Schwartz Environmental Awards” is in memory of the passionate and committed work of League member Pearl Schwartz who passed away in 2010.

The reception was full of people who greatly admired both the work of Pearl and the work of the award recipients.  League member Sandy Potaski speaking of Pearl said “she best exemplified all that the League of Women Voters is about”. Sandy went on to mention that Pearl was an outspoken voice in Ocean County, attending Freeholder board meeting for over 20 years, registering voters, and encouraging residents to speak out and get involved.

It was Pearl’s passion for and commitment to the environment that led the League of Women Voters of Ocean County to honor her memory with this award ceremony.  The award recipients were William deCamp, Jr., Save Barnegat Bay, Dr. Michael Kennish, Rutgers University, and Kirk Moore, Asbury Park Press.

William deCamp, Jr.

William deCamp, Jr. is the chairman of Save Barnegat Bay, as well as a member of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. His work with the non-profit Save Barnegat Bay has been instrumental in slowing the over development that threatens the bay.

Dr. Mike Kennish

Dr. Michael Kennish is a research professor at the Institute of Marine and Coastal Science at Rutgers University and an expert on the ecology of Barnegat Bay. He is the author of many books and papers and his scientific data and expertise has led to legislation and action to conserve the bay.

Kirk Moore

Kirk Moore is a longtime environmental reporter with the Asbury Park Press. His week long series “Barnegat Bay Under Stress” was award winning and is credited with raising public awareness of the issues facing the bay.

As each of these deserving recipients spoke of their own work, as well as the work of the League, I could feel the audience becoming energized and inspired. I knew Pearl would be proud.

Education: Accountability in a New Landscape

Join the League of Women Voters of New Jersey for a lively panel discussion examining accountability in traditional public schools and charter schools. New Jersey education experts will discuss, debate, and offer insight into current education policy trends. Panelists are sure to touch on many current education topics including tenure and teacher evaluation, charter school authorization, and others as they discuss their ideas for education reform.

When: Saturday, September 24, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Where: PSEG Training Center, 234 Pierson Ave, Edison, NJ

Register: The registration deadline is this Friday, September 16th! Learn more about the event and register online!

This panel discussion will be moderated by John Mooney, education reporter and founding editor of NJSpotlight.com. There will be plenty of time for questions!

Panelists include:

Dr. Rosemary Knab, Associate Director, NJEA Research and Economic Services

Dr. Brian Osborne, Superientendent of Schools, South Orange & Maplewood

Dr. Julia Sass Rubin, Association Professor at Edward J. Bloustein School and one of the founding members of Save our Schools NJ

Dr. Alan R. Sadovnik, Professor of Education, Sociology, and Public Affairs and co-director of the Institute on Education Law and Policy and Newark Schools Research Collaborative, Rutgers University-Newark.

Workshops

In the afternoon, we will hold skill-building workshops. This year you have the opportunity to attend either

Moderator Training

An experienced trainer and moderator will teach you your responsibilities, including our updated procedures, using a manual and role-playing. This workshop is a double session precluding attendence at any other.

or two of the following workshops:

Effective Lobbying

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey is strengthening our Lobby Corps!    Are you interested in learning how you can be a part of our advocacy efforts, take on a leadership role in the League, and make a positive difference? Join longtime League lobbyist Sandy Matsen to learn effective lobbying techniques.

Membership and Leadership Development

This year, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey is participating in a national initiative aimed at increasing membership! Come learn how your local League can benefit from the best practices our state membership coaches have learned from LWVUS.

Starting a “Running & Winning” Workshop

Come learn how you can start this popular program that introduces high school girls in your community to public service. This is a wonderful way to engage your members and gain new members. The League of Women Voters of New Jersey even has resources and money to help your local League kick off this program!

BrandRaising: Marketing the League

For-profit companies invest significantly in marketing and communications in order to build their customer base and raise awareness. Traditionally, nonprofits have not used marketing strategies and tools in the same way…but should! Come learn how the League can use these proven techniques and tools (like social media) to raise funds, improve outreach, and increase visibility!

Register by Friday, September 16th to avoid the late fee!

Register To Vote!

Need to register to vote, change your address, or request a vote by mail ballot? The League of Women Voters of New Jersey will be out in communities around the state  registering voters and answering questions! The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is October 18th.

Find a drive near you (listed by county):

Bergen

September 17-18 – LWV of Ridgewood will be registering voters at the Ridgewood Town Fair.

Camden

September 10 – LWV of Camden will be registering voters at the Cherry Hill Mall from 10am – 5pm.

Essex

September 10 – LWV of Montclair will be registering voters at the corner of Church Street and South Fullerton Avenue from 10am – 3pm.

September 10 – Newark MAL will be registering voters at Mildred Helms Park from 11am – 4pm.

September 17 – LWV of Livingston will be registering voters at the Welcome to Livingston Picnic (204 Hillside Ave) from 5pm – 7pm.

Mercer

September 10 – LWV of Lawrence Township will be registering voters at the Trenton Farmers’ Market (Spruce Street) from 10:30am – 2pm.

September 10 – LWV of Princeton will be registering voters at the Montgomery Farmers’ Market from 9am – 1pm.

September 10 – LWV of Princeton will be registering voters at the West Windsor Farmers’ Market from 9am – 1pm.

September 10 – LWV of Princeton will be registering voters at McCaffrey’s Market in the Princeton Shopping Center from 9am – 4pm.

September 10 – LWV of Princeton will be registering voters at the Kingston Community Picnic at the Laurel Ave School from 3pm – 7pm.

September 16 and September 23 – LWV of East Windsor-Hightstown will be registering voters at the Hightstown Farmers’ Market (Main Street/Memorial Park) from 4pm – 8pm.

October 1 – LWV of East Windsor-Hightstown will be registering voters at the Hightstown Harvest Festival (Main Street/Memorial Park) from 10am – 4pm.

Middlesex

September 10 – LWV of Monroe will be registering voters at the Monroe Township Post Office (1601 Perrineville Rd) from 10am – 2pm.

Monmouth

September 12-17 – LWV of Red Bank will be registering voters at the Monmouth Mall from 10am – 9pm.

September 24 – LWV Township of Ocean will be registering voters at the Township of Ocean Fall Fest at Palaia Park from 9am – 4pm.

Morris

September 10 – LWV Chatham-Madison will be registering voters at the Farmers Market in Chatham (train station parking lot) from 9am – 1pm.

October 2 – LWV of Morristown will be registering voters at the Morristown Festival on the Green.  Time TBA.

Passaic

September 24 – LWV of Wayne will be registering voters at the Stop and Shop in the Preakness Shopping Center (1220 Hamburg Turnpike) from 10am – 4pm.

Somerset

September 10 – Somerset County MAL will be registering voters at the Bernardsville Farmers Market from 9:30am – 12pm.

Union

September 10 – LWV of Union will be registering voters at the Cranford Post Office from 10am – 2pm.

September 10-11 – LWV of Union will be registering voters at the Seabra Store, (Galloping Hill Road, Union) from 10am – 2pm.

October 2 – LWV of Hillside will be registering voters at the Peter D. Corvelli Annual Health Fair (Hillside High School – 1085 Liberty Avenue) from 10am – 2pm.

Not sure if you are registered to vote or need to change your address? Now you can check for that information online!

More drives to be added soon, and don’t forget you can call the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at 1-800-792-VOTE with any of your voting questions!

Women’s Equality Day: I Hope They Danced

The following post is written by LWVNJ President Toni Zimmer.

It’s hard to imagine the emotions that must have surged through the hearts of American women back on August 26, 1920 – the day they received the right to vote through passage of the 19th Amendment. It may be impossible to replicate those feelings, but what I can do is take you on a virtual trip back in time, to describe how the historic day unfolded in Washington, changed the future for all of us, and where we find ourselves today.

The fate of the 19th Amendment was decided by a single vote, by 24-year-old legislator Harry Burn, of Tennessee, who switched from “no” to “yes” in response to a letter from his mother saying, “Hurrah, and vote for suffrage!” The Secretary of State in Washington, DC issued the 19th Amendment’s proclamation immediately, well before breakfast on August 26, 1920, in order to head off any final obstructionism.

Did women kick up their heels and dance in the streets when they heard the news? I really don’t know, but they certainly deserved to. Our country had taken a tremendous step forward that could not have been accomplished without the decades of hard work, courage and planning put forth by woman suffrage movement leaders and supporters.

A couple of years before that historic day, leaders of the suffrage movement began to carefully plan for it. They realized that winning the right to vote would be just the beginning of full citizenship for women. As new voters, women would have to be taught the fundamental elements of voting, including how and where to register and vote, how to interpret ballot issues, and how to assess candidates. They would also need to be informed and educated on an array of relevant issues to cast their votes effectively and with conviction.  And so, the League of Women Voters was conceptualized, ready and waiting in the wings to step forward on that incredible day as the official organization to help women make the historic transition into the world of the informed voter.

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey joined in the original 1920 effort to launch this successful transition. Today, 91 years after it was officially founded in Newark, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey has grown to include 35 local League organizations throughout the state, and is supported by members who continue to serve the civic needs of all New Jersey citizens. The League of Women Voters of New Jersey registers thousands of voters, defends voting rights, supports women’s rights, and actively educates citizens on important issues so they can have an effective voice in government to bring about constructive change.

We are proud and grateful for the efforts of the strong and principled women who sacrificed and fought for so many years to bring equality to all women by standing up and insisting upon the passage of the 19th Amendment.  We believe that a secure future depends on citizens learning about the issues, speaking out, and seeking positive solutions to the problems confronting our communities and our country.

Of course, there is still lots of work to be done, but before we continue on, we should take some time off to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, as many celebrated this day back in 1920.  I hope they danced.