About The New Jersey Women's Policy Institute?
The Women’s Policy Institute is an intensive year-long public policy training program. What makes the Policy Institute unique is that we believe the best way to teach is not only through informational training sessions, but also through learning by doing.Our fellows work with mentorsto draft potential legislation and then shepherd that piece of legislation through the bill making process- hopefully all the way to the governor’s signature!The policy initiative the fellows develop is entirely their responsibility. They must find a sponsor, testify at a hearing,build a coalition and work to get the bill passed.
The Women’s Policy Institute has two primary goals. The first goal is to train non-profits and other groups dedicated to women’s causes to navigate New Jersey government. Legislators often only hear the concerns of groups that have a skilled lobbyist. Once trained, our fellows will know how to work with legislators and make their issues heard as well.
The second goal of the Policy Institute is to increase the number of women at the table in the public policy arena. We are very proud that the number of women legislators in New Jersey has increased in recent years, but it is not enough to have women elected officials. We must have women in all areas of policy- including lobbying and advocating. It is through policy positions that women are able to ensure that serious consideration is given to issues important to women and girls.
When our fellows graduate from the program, they will begin a network of women advocates to support one another and join the effort to bring issues affecting women and girls to the forefront of the policy debate.
The Institute is based on a highly successful women’s policy institute begun in California 10 years ago. Institute fellows from California have helped pass 18 laws covering topics such as human trafficking, child-care, and social services. New Jersey is one of only five states given a grant by the Women’s Fund of CA to replicate their program.
What will you ask of me?
• Get involved - serve on a committee or volunteer.
• Speak up! Help us prioritize the most critical issues forNew Jersey’s women.
• Attend WFNJ Functions. Join us for celebrations, milestones and accomplishments.
• Share us with your network and connections. Invite friends to become a charter member of the NJ Voices In Philanthropy.
How will my support help?
• Increased funding for critical programs that make a difference in the lives of New Jersey’s women and girls.
• Allow WFNJ to create new and innovative programs that will help rebuild our state and our communities.
• Fund the empowerment, leadership training, and philanthropic experience provided to the members of the Women’s Policy Institute.
• Fund women’s research in order to track the status of women and girls in New Jersey.
• Improve WFNJ’s office infrastructure.
WFNJ APPOINTS WOMEN'S POLICY INSTITUTE DIRECTOR
The Women's Fund of New Jersey is pleased to announce that Jackie Burke has been named to serve as Director of the Women's Policy Institute of New Jersey.
Ms. Burke is currently an adjunct professor at Drexel University's Center for Public Policy in the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to that she spent eight years with the New Jersey Senate Majority Office serving as Associate Executive Director where she supervised all research and policy staff. She also served as staff counsel to the and staffed the Education and Judiciary committees and she worked on many major pieces of legislation including the School Funding Reform Act.
Ms. Burke has also worked in the Philadelphia District Attorney's office as a prosecutor and on several political campaigns.
Ms. Burke received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Miami and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. She resides in Moorestown, NJ with her husband and has two young sons.
FINDING YOUR VOICE
Will you lend your voice to help us help New Jersey’s women and girls?
In 1995, five women with a shared vision established the Women’s Fund of New Jersey (WFNJ). Today, WFNJ remains committed to creating and supporting programs that meet the unique needs of New Jersey’s women and girls.
It is dedicated to changing public policy to address issues affecting women and girls, inspiring emerging leaders, providing philanthropic and leadership training and empowering women and girls to create change in their own lives.
Join today!! Contact us at 609-393-3752 x25 or e-mail wfnj@wfnj.org
