New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project.c/o The Arc of New Jersey

since 1983

Contact(s): Director: Ashley Ritchey (njsap@arcnj.org), Board President: Ellen Moskowitz at ellenmoskowitz1@comcast.net, or past board President: Barbara Coppens at bbcoppens58@gmail.com

Additional information:

Number of Active Members:
Statewide organization with 2500 members and 110 local self-advocacy groups

Reason(s) the Group Meets:
Political, Social, Personal Skills

Products or Services Offered:
The NJ Self-Advocacy Project supports 110 self-advocacy groups statewide. Groups are located in all 21 counties. Anyone interested in participating in a self-advocacy group may contact the Self-Advocacy Project directly for more information.

Board of Directors:
Yes

Receives Support From:
The Arc of New Jersey and Division of Developmental Disabilities

Mission/Vision Statement:
The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project is committed to assisting people with disabilities to become involved in self-advocacy, so that they are able to create positive change in their lives

Typical Activities:
Establishing self-advocacy groups.

Conducting staff trainings and working on cooperative projects with community service organizations.

Assisting groups in conducting public relations activities.

Planning and implementing leadership seminars.

Developing a statewide network of advocates.

Sponsoring the annual Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference.

Distributing The Self-Advocate quarterly newsletter.

Sharing information and resources.

Educating policy makers on issues of importance to people with disabilities and advocating for change.

Publications:
Advocacy Matters monthly e-newsletter, also available on the web site. The "Self Advocate" newsletter twice a year.