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Local Voices

American Conference on Diversity Expands Its Reach to Make a Lasting Impact in New Jersey


In a move to expand the American Conference on Diversity’s critical programs and increase its capacity building, the organization recently restructured its localized chapters to operate as four geographically expanded regional community networks spanning the entire state of New Jersey.

The new regional community networks are comprised of organizations and individuals from across the state who bring years of experience and expertise in the areas of leadership development, community-building, capacity-building, and fundraising. They share their personal journeys and challenge the attitudes and behaviors of bias and discrimination based on ability, age, economic and social class, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, race, religion, and more.

The four networks, chaired by many of the same community leaders who led the chapters, include:

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Northern Jersey – Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex Counties

Central Jersey – Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties

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South Central Jersey – Northern Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties

Atlantic County/Southern Jersey – Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties

The networks develop programs and participate in collaboration with the American Conference on Diversity’s understanding of the issues and diverse climate of local communities. Their focus is to implement diversity and inclusion programs, involve community members, and foster local conversations that address diversity and inclusion. Efforts include:

●Hosting educational community forums to build relationships across cultural lines. The networks bring local schools, businesses, faith-based and other organizations together to advocate for social justice.

●Supporting local schools by raising funds to send high-school student delegates to summer leadership institute and engage them in yearlong Lead for Diversity (LFD) action planning activities. Annually, the American Conference LFD program impacts an estimated 20,000 NJ students.

●Volunteering time, networks, and expertise to support the American Conference on Diversity’s efforts to advance the organization’s mission and partner with other community organizations that value diversity, educate leaders, and promote respect.

●Providing opportunities for youth to express their vision for diversity and inclusion through the arts, writing, and public speaking.

●Recognizing local diversity and community leaders who help promote the organization’s mission.

To learn more about the American Conference on Diversity’s Regional Community Networks and join a network to make a lasting social impact, please visit http://americanconferenceondiversity.org/?page_id=926

 

About the American Conference on Diversity

The programs, services, and initiatives of the American Conference on Diversity are among the most important work focused on creating a more inclusive society. It is the unfinished business of living in a highly diverse nation: educating and empowering our next generation of leaders; enhancing our workplaces; and helping to create inclusive communities. The American Conference on Diversity, which has been serving schools, organizations, workplaces, and communities in New Jersey since 1948, builds on a historic mission and creates programs and activities relevant and vital to 21st Century life. It is a journey we can all take together. The American Conference on Diversity operates Regional Community Networks covering all of New Jersey. Visit www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org to learn more.

Contact:

Gail Zoppo

Media Relations Consultant

109 Church Street

New Brunswick, NJ 08901

gail@AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org 

732-745-9330

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