Committees

Public Officials Forum Committee

What is the Public Officials Forum?

Founded in 2004 by United Way of Morris County, the annual Public Officials Forum brings elected and appointed leaders from the county and state together with business leaders from many of New Jersey's most respected corporations. Each year, the Forum presents a program designed to build awareness about a significant community issue, and to encourage attendees to become engaged in the efforts to create long-lasting solutions. We know that when those with political and corporate power get together to share concerns about community issues, connections can be made, ideas can be generated, and collaborative work can be ignited.

The Public Officials Forum Committee is comprised of community volunteers who work with United Way of Morris County staff on the annual Forum. Responsibilities may include:

• Location review and selection for annual Forum.
• Topic selection for discussion at Forum.
• Development of invitation list and outreach efforts to secure attendees.
• Advocacy efforts to inform the public and county officials about the importance of the issue.
• Speaking at the event on behalf of United Way of Morris County.
• Follow up outreach and activities after the Forum to continue the community dialogue around the given issue.

As a member of this committee, individuals will:

• Increase their knowledge of community issues in Morris County.
• Gain an understanding of United Way of Morris County's work.
• Network with other Morris County community members at high-profile event.

If you'd like to learn more or get involved as a member of the Public Officials Forum Committee, please email Molly Rennie or call 973.993.1160, x113.

Public Officials Forum Topic History

May 2010
For the first time, seven United Ways collectively hosted the Public Officials Forum: United Ways of Hunterdon, Morris, North Essex, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. Together, they presented on the ALICE population. ALICE is an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE research highlights the challenges facing nearly 25 percent of New Jersey’s individuals and families who live above the poverty line, but well below true financial self-sufficiency. Working in jobs that are essential to our communities, their households have low incomes and limited or no savings. They struggle to afford the basis of self-sufficiency, and live one crisis away from critical financial instability. Governor Chris Christie served as keynote speaker of this event, speaking about the current economic state of New Jersey.

Click here to learn more about ALICE in Morris County. 
Click here to see our photos from this event.

March 2009
This year's Forum "Communities Caring for Military Families" provided military personnel with an opportunity to present a brief program about critical issues that face military families. They shared how community members can best support our local military families not only while their loved ones are on the front lines, but when they return home as well. This discussion supported the ongoing work of United Way of Morris County’s Project Front Line Morris, an initiative established to build community support for local military families.

Click here to see our photos from this event.

February 2008
New Jersey Senator Bill Baroni and U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen presented data about critical issues facing Morris County's youngest teens. United Way's Youth Empowerment Alliance (YEA) initiative was unveiled. Today, YEA is a dynamic alliance that is increasing key supports for our county's middle school students.

October 2007
Building on the 2006 Forum, then New Jersey Senator, now Congressman Leonard Lance and Deputy Commissioner Chuck Richman of the NJ Department of Community Affairs discussed the need for affordable housing in Morris County. The advocacy efforts of United Way's Housing Alliance were advanced by the discussion.

October 2006
New Jersey Senator Tom Kean addressed the county's need for an increased housing supply for hard working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. United Way unveiled its new initiative, the Housing Alliance of Morris County, established to advocate for the creation of more affordable housing options in our communities.

October 2006
NJ Attorney General Peter Harvey and Finn Wentworth, Managing Principal of Normandy Real Estate Partners, set the stage for the future work of United Way of Morris County's Youth Empowerment Alliance by discussing the need for early intervention to curb the effects troubled teens have on our communities and our future.