From students to seniors, non-profit is spreading the love of civic engagement

Newark-based nonprofit Project Ready is partnering with Ben & Jerry’s for a week of after-school “Votingtines Week” activities to share sweet treats and encourage participation in local elections. In addition, Project Ready will be delivering roses and Valentine’s Day cards with information on voting to senior citizens.

“When only 3 percent of our neighbors are voting in local school elections, it’s time for us to fall in love with democracy again, which is why we’re partnering with Ben & Jerry’s for ‘Votingtines Week’,” said Project Ready CEO Shennell McCloud. “Whether it’s registering to vote, committing to vote in the upcoming Newark school board election, or even deciding to run for office yourself, we’re going to give our community the tools to make a difference and spread the love of civic engagement.”

The Newark Board of Education election will take place on April 25, 2023.

The Ben and Jerry’s truck will visit various schools in Newark from February 13^th through the 16^th, offering free hot cocoa and treats. The Project Ready team will provide onsite voter registration and vote-by-mail applications and share critical local and state election dates and information on the Project Ready x Ignite Fellowship program partnership with IGNITE National.

On Saturday, February 11^th, Project Ready will also be distributing roses and Valentine’s Day cards with information on the Newark Board of Education election to senior citizens attending the free Pre-Valentine’s Day concert organized by the City of Newark at George Washington Carver Elementary School, 333 Clinton Place. The show starts at 3:00pm, and doors open at 2:00pm.

The Project Ready x Ignite Fellowship program is a leadership program for Black women interested in running for public office or serving on a campaign team. The training program prepares candidates and their staff to run a successful campaign and gives them the tools to win. The sessions will focus on building the core skills needed to run a campaign, including fundraising, public speaking, financial management, policy analysis, campaign management, organizing, team building, branding, marketing, and more. Applications are being accepted through February 15. Apply to be a Fellow today.

Votingtines Dates and Locations 

Monday, February 13, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Great Oaks Charter School & 13th Avenue School

Fairmount Heights Middle School

240 14th Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

KIPP BOLD & THRIVE Academy & Central High School

229 18th Ave, Newark, NJ 07108

Thursday, February 16, 2023, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Achieve Community Charter School & Avon Avenue School

534 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ 07108