5 Reasons Why Community Policing is Effective
What is Community Policing? In an era where the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve is under intense scrutiny, the concept of community policing emerges as a beacon of hope and a transformative approach to…
5 Influential Women You Should Know: Shedding Light on Important Advocates in History
Intro: Women have shaped the history of the world through advocating for causes dear to them. In the trials of time, women have had the tendency to be overlooked or underestimated. In history, women have shaped the timeline for…
Combatting Plastic Waste in Back-to-School Shopping: Why You Should Care and How to Advocate for a Sustainable Future
As the school year starts back up again, there is often an influx of new products bought to replace the ones from years prior. The usage of plastic in our society can feel unavoidable. It is woven into our…
Workers are tired: The Strikes seen Across the Country
There have been several publicly known and documented strikes in the country as of late. There are strikes happening in all types of work including a writers strike, UPS strike, United Auto Workers Union (UAW) strike, Amazon drivers strike…
Unveiling the Danger: The Reality of Governor DeSantis’s Anti-Woke Bills
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been in the news almost every day for years since he has begun signing “anti-woke” legislation. What does “woke” mean? The term “woke” originates from Black culture, the phrase “stay woke,” being used to…
Upholding Intellectual Freedom: The Fight Against Book Bans
What is the book ban? Many parents are calling for schools to remove certain books from curriculums and school libraries as the themes make them uncomfortable and don’t align with their own personal views. Books in the classroom are…
Saving our Children: Unveiling the Segregation of New Jersey Schools
“While NJ is the most diverse state…when it comes to schools it’s also the most segregated place.” This quote comes from Javier Robles, president of the Latino Action Network of New Jersey (LAN). LAN, in collaboration with other organizations…
There are 300 Ukrainian Orphans & 200 American Families that need your help
The Lesniak Institute joined Ukrainecare300 at the Summit on Solutions for Ukrainian Orphans with American Families. Ukrainecare300 is a coalition of parents, volunteers, and advocates whose mission is to engage lawmakers and the media, ultimately to create a discussion…
Federal Supreme Court vs. State Supreme Court
Delving deeper into the roles of the supreme courts at the federal and state level. Understandably there is a cloud of confusion surrounding the difference between the Federal Supreme Court and the State Supreme Court. You might find yourself…
From Bars to Better Lives: Why New Jersey Needs Comprehensive Reentry Support
5,300 inmates were released from New Jersey prisons in 2020 following the threat of the pandemic. 5,300 individuals are now out in the world needing homes and jobs while learning how to be productive members of society. These individuals…
5 Inventors You Should Know About: Touching Base on Black Success
Throughout history, black individuals often lose the credit and recognition that comes with their amazing work. These roadblocks they face determine whether they see success or failure, due to the discrimination African Americans faced in the United States. It…
Mastering the 5 Functions of Advocacy: Your Guide to Driving Social Change
Are you passionate about driving social change and ready to participate in policy advocacy? With the right approach, your passion can make a real impact. Advocacy plays a crucial role in driving change by influencing public opinion, policies, and…
Breaking Barriers: How Brown v. Board of Education Revolutionized America’s Pursuit of Equality
On this day in history in 1954, the United States Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. In a unanimous decision, the court declared that racial segregation in public schools was…
Exploring the NJ State House: A Journey Through History, Architecture, and Civic Engagement
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to visit the place where all important decisions are made? The New Jersey State House can seem intimidating at first, but once you’re there, you’ll find it’s not as intimidating as it…
Increasing the Black Women’s Voice Through Advocacy
Black women have such a powerful and graceful force. They have led many political and social movements while leading their community. Centuries later they still worked to abolish numerous difficulties Black women were facing in their communities. Equal and…
How Helping Animals Helps Us
Animal cruelty is a matter that is constantly over looked and pushed aside in our justice system today. Passing the Courtroom Animal Advocacy (CAAP)A1965/S2211 bill through the New Jersey legislature would not only help animals gain representation in the…
Lesniak Testifies to Amend Wrap-Around Community Schools Bill
Closing the Infant and Maternal Mortality deficit through policy advocacy The following was read into record in front of the Assembly Education Committee Hearing on September 22, 2022, regarding bill A1168, which Establishes a five-year community schools pilot program. Thank…
Labor day: The fight for a day off
In the late nineteenth century, labor activists took to the streets to make their contributions to America’s strength known. These activists wanted the day to be a federal holiday for a day of rest. The true meaning of Labor…
The Other States Have Something to Learn From New Jersey Leadership in Terms of Gun Violence Prevention
Yesterday in New Jersey Governor Murphy signed 7 new bills making this his 3rd gun safety package since taking office in 2018. One of the most instrumental parts of the new package is required training for anyone who wants…
Non-Lethal Deer Management Options in New Jersey
Allow municipalities the opportunity to implement non-lethal deer management options. Assembly Bills A4182 and A4183 were discussed at the Assembly Agriculture Committee meeting Monday, June 13th. They do two main things: They allow the use of bait for the…
Social Work Month 2022: the Time is Right
By Brittany Macaluso According to the NASW( National Association of Social Workers), the theme for Social Work Month 2022 is The Time is Right for Social Work. The time is right for social work because of people like you and me. People who’s small…
Bill S783 Will Benefit New Jersey: Here’s Why We Support It
As New Jersey continues to face an opioid epidemic, Bill S783 aims to provide a piece of the solution. This bill, introduced in January, will establish the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund and the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund…
Sharing Black Stories: 7 Must-Watch Movies and Shows
In honor of Black History Month we are sharing Black stories by rounding up 7 must-watch movies and shows that highlight black voices, specifically, stories of those whose activism has made, and continues to make, an impact today. While…
New Backpack Initiative Helps Support ReNew Reentry Participants
Since October of 2021, the ReNew Reentry Court in Newark has supported a new Backpack Initiative led by Brittany Macaluso and Henry Wilson-Sadlowski along with two participants who have provided frequent guidance. The stresses that result from having to gather basic necessities…
5 Animal Welfare Films: Change the Way You Think About Animals
by Samantha Hogan Animal welfare is one of the Lesniak Institute’s top priority causes. From banning the shark fin trade to stopping the cruel use of animals in circus performances, our advocacy efforts in NJ continue to make a…
The Recycled Content Bill: Immediate Call to Action
by Keyonna Murray A recent surge of startling environmental trends which include an influx of extreme weather incidents have resulted in increased concern in regards to climate change. An issue that has historically been relegated to being the burden…
Animal Protection Hopes for 2022 | Op-ed
2021 was not a good year for advances in animal protection legislation in New Jersey, hopefully 2022 will be different. When I was in the State Senate, I was optimistic New Jersey would be “The Humane State.” While we’ve…
Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide: Tis the Season to be a Responsible Shopper
By Samantha Hogan Searching for sustainable holiday gifts this year? We’ve got you covered! We’re breaking down some great places and ways to shop responsibly this season. Purchasing sustainable gifts, and supporting small businesses doesn’t have to be difficult or…
Giving Tuesday: 5 Ways to Give Back
By Samantha Hogan GivingTuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The global generosity movement started in 2012 to encourage acts of kindness. The movement was created to help the “giving season” get started, reminding people that there is much more to…
Cost of Care Legislation: An Opportunity to Right a Wrong and Save the Animals
By: Maggie Garbarino For too long, we have allowed animal shelters and taxpayer dollars to cover the costs of caring for court seized animals without charging their abusers a dime. This outdated practice depletes animal care facilities’ resources and…