About CivicsNJ

What is

CivicsNJ is a new, non-partisan coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing civic learning and engagement in New Jersey.
Our members include:
  • Practitioners
  • Educators
  • Institutions of higher learning
  • Schools and school districts
  • Community-based organizations
  • Non-profits
  • Civil society organizations
  • Foundations and philanthropic organizations
  • Thought leaders

See a list of our member organizations here

Learn about our launch event

Our Story

In 2024, a group of community-based organizations, educators, institutions of higher learning and foundations came together to envision a collaborative effort to support civics in New Jersey. The group participated in a daylong community convening hosted by the Maher Charitable Foundation that included brainstorming, mapping and asking questions like “Who else should be in the room?”
The group learned about civic learning coalitions in other states and thought about how New Jersey citizens could benefit from organizing one here. Participants recommended:
  • Fostering Collaboration
  • Identifying Resources
  • Sharing Learnings
  • Promoting Excellence
  • Avoiding Duplication
  • Acting Collectively
  • Advocating for Civics

Following the workshop, a number of attendees agreed to form a Steering Committee, and over the next six months, worked on developing a framework for the coalition, including a draft mission and vision.              See Our Leadership

Our Mission

CivicsNJ channels and unifies the efforts of organizations and individuals to strengthen democracy and empower young people as stewards of change in their communities, the state, and the nation. The Coalition supports the development of consistent and robust civic learning and engagement opportunities for all New Jerseyans. 

Our Awards

Our Leadership

Steering Committee 2024-2025

Advisor

Maher Charitable Foundation

K-12 Social Studies Supervisor

Plainfield Public Schools

Founder and CEO

The Gem Project

Vice President

Government Affairs, NJBIA

Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives

Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University

Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy

iCivics

President

F.M. Kirby Foundation

Executive Director

Maher Charitable Foundation

President

The Fund for New Jersey

Associate Vice President, Community Partnerships

Montclair State University

Advisor

Maher Charitable Foundation

K-12 Social Studies Supervisor

Plainfield Public Schools

Founder and CEO

The Gem Project

Vice President

Government Affairs, NJBIA

Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives

Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University

Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy

iCivics

President

F.M. Kirby Foundation

Executive Director

Maher Charitable Foundation

President

The Fund for New Jersey

Associate Vice President, Community Partnerships

Montclair State University

Founder and CEO

The Gem Project

Executive Director

Maher Charitable Foundation

Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy

iCivics

President

The Fund for New Jersey

Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives

Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University

Advisor

Maher Charitable Foundation

K-12 Social Studies Supervisor

Plainfield Public Schools

Vice President

Government Affairs, NJBIA

President

F.C. Kirby Foundation

Associate Vice President, Community Partnerships

Montclair State University