Want to learn more about N.J.’s diversity? Here are some resources.

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Communities across New Jersey and the United States are reckoning with their racial pasts with an uptick in Black Lives Matter movement protests over the past several months.

Here at NJ Advance Media we’ve created a new position to help report on New Jersey’s diverse communities, in a way that is inclusive and equitable. As part of that effort, we’ve pulled together this guide to help people who are seeking out resources that touch on issues of diversity in the Garden State.

This resource list includes topics such as race, gender, religion, sexuality and more (with some overlap). Some items listed include safe spaces for historically marginalized people to talk about their life experiences, without being berated by folks who do not fully empathize.

General

  • Bayard Rustin Center For Social Justice - Princeton-based non-profit offering services that advocate for social justice and equality in personal and professional spaces. Examples of services provided, according to its website, include creating and performing art that speak to issues of social justice, and mentorship programs for youth and adults.

Last year, the Bayard Rustin Center For Social Justice hosted Princeton’s Inaugural Pride Parade.

Website: https://www.rustincenter.org/

  • Lucy Outreach - This Camden County non-profit organization offers multilingual, culturally-sensitive programs for youth aged seven to 25 and their families, according to its website. Examples of services include an LGBT support group, after school programs, summer activities, college and career preparation, mentor programs, and weekend and overnight trips.

Website: https://www.lucyoutreach.org/

  • The Meta Theatre Company - A Lebanon-based theatre company producing shows that focus on white privilege, sexual orientation, gender, and class, the group says on its website. The company performed its first show in 2013 and has since performed for schools, churches, synagogues, community groups and international conferences, according to the theatre group’s Facebook page.

Website: https://www.themetatheatrecompany.org/

  • Not in Our Town Princeton - This multicultural, multi-religious organization stands for racial justice and inclusive communities, according to its website. Its mission is to “promote the equitable treatment of all, and to uncover and confront white supremacy.”

Website: https://niotprinceton.org/

  • Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition - The Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition is an organization devoted to fighting bias, bigotry and prejudice. It does so by hosting multicultural festivals, speaking events, discussions and by putting together various publications, its website says.

Website: https://www.sccdiversity.com/

Disability and Special Needs

  • Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc. - A Washington-based non-profit offering employment opportunities and support services for people with disabilities. The organization ask anyone who wants to volunteer to learn more here.

Website: https://www.abilitiesnw.com/index.php

  • The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute - The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute is an organization geared toward enhancing the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, according to its website. It offers programs that assist people with the criminal justice system, employment, self-advocacy, health, and planning for adulthood.

Website: https://www.arcnj.org/index.html

  • Community Access Unlimited - An Elizabeth-based program offering services for youth and adults with disabilities, its website says. Its services include transition services for youth transitioning into adulthood, low-income housing, financial management, transportation, and youth services.

Website: https://www.caunj.org/

  • ReelAbilities Film Festival - The largest film festival in the U.S. dedicated to people living with disabilities, promoting awareness of and appreciation for their life experiences and art, according to its website. In 2019, ReelAbilities expanded programming and film screenings throughout North and Central New Jersey.

Website: https://reelabilities.org/newjersey/

  • Disability Rights New Jersey - Located in the New Jersey’s Capitol, Disability Rights New Jersey is a non-profit and consumer driven organization working to enhance the lives of New Jerseyans living with disabilities. According to its website, the organization’s mission includes advocacy work, public awareness, education, training, and other assistance.

Website: https://www.drnj.org/pdf/index.htm

  • Easter Seals New Jersey - This Middlesex County-based organization’s mission is to “enrich the lives of people with disabilities and special needs, and those who care about them, by providing opportunities to live, learn, work, and play, in their communities,” its website says. Services provided include housing services, self-advocacy training, workforce development, and camping and recreational activities.

Website: https://www.easterseals.com/nj/

  • The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) and New Jersey Common Ground - The NJCDD is a federally and state-funded organization and self-proclaimed agency of change for improving the lives of people living with developmental disabilities. New Jersey Common Ground is an Internet newsletter by the NJCDD.

Website: https://www.njcommonground.org/

  • New Jersey Institute For Disabilities - The New Jersey Institute For Disabilities is an Edison-based organization specializing in programs for babies, children and adults living with disabilities, according to its website. Programs and services include adaptive educational programs for children, day programs for adults, and housing services.

Website: https://www.njid.org/

Race

  • Association of Indian Americans: South Jersey Chapter - A community group for Indian Americans in South Jersey, promoting community integration and awareness, Indian art and culture, racial harmony and the fight against bias crime and education and awareness of Indian immigration history, its website says.

Website: http://www.aia-sj.org/index.html

  • Center For The Study of White American Culture - A New Jersey-based non-profit operation run by a diverse group of educators and professionals. The center’s goal is to help create an anti-racist society by teaching people how white supremacy has been centered in America for generations. Its hope is to help foster a world in which multicultural communities can thrive. The organization hosts anti-racism workshops and their next three-part workshop series is scheduled for November. You can learn more here.

Website: http://www.euroamerican.org/default.asp

  • Chinese Community Center of New Jersey (CCCNJ) - A New Jersey nonprofit working to teach Chinese language and culture, according to its website. It also hosts social events for the community.

Website: http://www.cccnj888.org/home

  • Hispanic Family Association of South Jersey - A Camden-based organization with programs related to health awareness and education, family strengthening, community building, senior services and behavioral health, according to its website.

Website: http://www.cccnj888.org/home

  • Hunterdon County Anti-Racism Coalition - A collaborative anti-racism action group in Hunterdon County, it typically meets every second Friday of the month.

Website: https://hunterdonantiracis.wixsite.com/hcarc/events

  • Link New Jersey - Link New Jersey is a support group for Black professionals in New Jersey. It started as a small group chat and has since expanded into a network of more than 900 members. Link New Jersey plans social gatherings and offers educational content touching on financial literacy, home ownership and more.

Website: https://www.linknewjersey.com/

  • NAACP New Jersey State Conference - This network is part of the national organization with a documented history of pushing for civil rights in the United States, dating back to 1909. The New Jersey organization hosts an annual conference. There are also smaller regional chapters in the Garden State.

Website: http://www.njscnaacp.org/

  • The Natural Hair Coalition - The Natural Hair Coalition is the home of The New Jersey Natural Hair and Beauty Expo, its signature annual event, and Curls and Cupcakes. Both events encourage people to take pride in their natural hair journey, more specifically people of color, who have been historically marginalized for their hair in the U.S.

Website: https://www.njhairexpo.com/

  • New Jersey Institute For Social Justice - Founded in 1999, to “create just, vibrant, and inclusive urban communities throughout New Jersey,” the New Jersey Institute For Social Justice has been vocal about issues of racial justice in New Jersey. Recently, the NJISJ supported legislation to restore voting rights to people on parole or probation in New Jersey.

Website: https://www.njisj.org/

  • The Princeton and Slavery Project - This project explores the historical ties between New Jersey’s Ivy League educational institution and slavery. At least five of Princeton’s past presidents owned enslaved people who lived and worked at the President’s House on campus, according to the project’s website.

Website: https://slavery.princeton.edu/

  • Sanfoka Collaborative - Sanfoka Collaborative is an organization designed to help people discuss and appreciate African American history in schools, museums and libraries present. Its motto is “looking back, moving forward.” Sanfoka means “go back and get it,” in the Ghanian Twi language, according to the collaborative’s website.

Website: https://sankofacollaborative.org/

  • Striving Together Equals Progress (STEP), Inc. - STEP is a rites of passage and mentorship program for underserved boys ages 5 through 18 in the Newark area. The program teaches health and wellness, community and civic duty, violence and crime prevention, spirituality (but no specific religion) and more.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/StrivingTogetherEqualsProgressInc.RitesofPassageNJ/

LGBTQ

  • Exit 82 Theatre - Exit 82 Theatre is a performing arts center in Toms River, known for its advocacy for the LGBTQ community. Part of its mission is to provide “an educational environment to unify the arts community and inspire artistic development,” according to its website. Exit 82 has hosted Pride events in the past.

Website: https://www.exit82theatre.com/

  • Garden State Equality - A statewide educational and advocacy organization for people from the LGBTQ community. Garden State Equality is the largest LGBTQ advocacy group in New Jersey, its website says. It’s grassroots programs are Teach and Affirm, Map and Expand and Pledge and Protect.

Website: https://www.gardenstateequality.org/

  • The Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network - GLSEN is a national organization with three chapters in New Jersey (Northern, Central and Southern). Its goal is to advocate for LGBTQ students to have a quality and supportive education. Nationally, GLSEN has more than 40 chapters, doing similar work.

Website: https://www.glsen.org/

  • HiTops - An adolescent health and well-being organization, with a special emphasis on sex education for LGBTQ youth. HiTops hosts virtual group meetings for youth and their families. It also hosts its annual Trans Youth Forum, which was held virtually last month.

Website: https://www.hitops.org/

  • The Pride Center of New Jersey - A LGBTQ organization with a physical location in Highland Park. The group normally hosts more than 50 meetings each month, according to its website; making it one of the most active LGBTQ groups in the Garden State. The Pride Center offers support groups, social events, game nights, art sessions and more.

Website: https://www.pridecenter.org/

  • Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) -A Montclair-area organization providing support, education, and advocacy for the LGBT community, their families and their friends. PFLAG produces a monthly newsletter called PFLAG Waver. The group typically holds meetings each second Thursday of the month, according to its website.

Website: https://www.pflagnj.org/

  • Q Spot - Q Spot is an LGBTQ community center in Asbury Park. It offers counseling, has a marching band and hosts movie nights. It’s currently open for limited in-person meetings, following state regulations.

Website: http://qspot.org/

Women

  • Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) - EWNJ promotes equal opportunities and representation for women in corporate leadership. The organization offers a mentorship program, a scholarship, and other initiatives to help create women leaders.

Website: https://www.ewnj.org/

  • League of Women Voters of New Jersey - A nonpartisan group of that “believes in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy.” While the group does not support or oppose any particular election candidates, it says it works on “vital issues” concerning its members and the general population.

Website: https://www.lwvnj.org/

  • Melinated Moms - A community-based support group for moms and women of color. Melinated Moms offers support groups, lifestyle advice, education, consulting and networking opportunities.

Website: https://www.melinatedmoms.com/

  • New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners - The largest network of women entrepreneurs in the Garden State, according to its website. NJAWBO, founded in 1978, advocates for women business ownership.

Website: https://www.njawbo.org/

  • New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs - The largest volunteer women’s service group in New Jersey, according to its website. NJSFWC hosts a calendar of service events and meetings throughout the year.

Website: https://njsfwc.org/

  • NJ Conference For Women - An annual convention for women in New Jersey, usually scheduled for October. The conference includes keynote speakers, workshops, networking and an after party.

Website: https://www.njconferenceforwomen.com/

  • The Village Warriors: Postpartum Support Group - The Village Warriors Postpartum Support Group is a weekly group facilitated by medical professionals in South Jersey. The group is a safe space for new moms with a children aged zero to 18 months.

Website: https://www.thevillagesj.com/village-warriors-support-group

  • Think Like A Boss New Jersey - A Newark-area women empowerment group, providing women with tools and networking opportunities to become successful entrepreneurs. Think Like A Boss also offers educational programs for underserved youth. The organization offers business consultation, various community events, lifestyle advice and women’s retreats.

Website: https://actladythinkboss.com/think-like-a-boss-services/

  • Visions of Belle - A place for young women and girls to discuss societal concerns and social issues, as it relates to them. Visions of Belle’s goal is to empower women to excel. It typically hosts an annual “Self-Conference,” aimed at self-improvement and prepares women for university life with its “College Bound” program.

Website: http://visionsofbelle.com/

  • Women’s Rights Information Center - A New Jersey nonprofit, Women’s Rights Information Center offers a litany of services including English-as-Second-Language classes (ESL), citizenship education, technology and skills training, business education career services and more.

Website: https://www.womensrights.org/

Immigration

  • Make The Road New Jersey - A community organization, Make The Road New Jersey advocates for New Jersey’s immigrant community. Its hubs are in Elizabeth and Passaic.

Website: https://www.maketheroadnj.org/

  • New Jersey Alliance For Immigrant Justice - A membership-based group of organizations in New Jersey supporting immigrants to become established, “economically, politically and socially.” The group offers resources for people hoping to learn more about social causes like Black Lives Matter, immigration advocacy and societal concerns such as the coronavirus.

Website: https://www.njimmigrantjustice.org/

Religion

  • Diocese of Camden - Racial Justice Commission - Part of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries and Cultural Diversity, the Diocese of Camden’s Racial Justice Commission provides diversity training, according to its website. It also raises awareness for Catholic social teaching on racial justice and immigration.

Website: https://www.camdendiocese.org/bcm/racial-justice-commission/

  • Islamic Society of Central Jersey (ISCJ)- The ISCJ is an organization of Muslim New Jerseyans providing religious services and social for its community. It also provides educational resources for its community, and the community at large, according to its Facebook Page.

Website: https://iscj.org/

  • Jewish Abilities Alliance - A Jewish organization serving as a “gateway to resources in the Jewish or general community for people with disabilities,” according to its website. The national organization has chapters all over the country, including in South Jersey.

Website: https://southjersey.jewishabilities.org/

  • New Jersey Interfaith Coalition - A nonpartisan coalition of religious organizations, houses of worship and people aiming to create a culture of “positive mutual acceptance and appreciation for all, regardless of their faith, race, or sexual orientation,” its website says.

Website: https://www.njifc.org/

  • Faith in New Jersey - A multi-faith, multicultural network of faith communities fighting for social and economic justice, according to its website.

Website: http://faithinnewjersey.org/


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Tennyson Donyèa may be reached at tcoleman@njadvancemedia.com.

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