NCADD-NJ needs your help to shape state addiction policy. NCADD-NJ makes it easy to have your voice heard by legislators. Let's work together.

Very few lawmakers have a clear understanding of what makes sound addiction policy. When they are contacted by individuals who know and care deeply about the prevention, treatment and recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, they listen. You may think your voice will not make a difference. It will. Collectively our voices are successful and carry great influence.

Get your voice heard by becoming a member of THINK ADVOCACY. NCADD-NJ makes it easy - With our simple and convenient online communications tools, within minutes you'll be able to voice your concerns and make a difference regarding important addiction issues.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THINK ADVOCACY

THINK ADVOCACY is made up of members just like you. It is a collaborative effort involving concerned individuals, volunteers and addiction professionals from each of the state's 40 legislative districts, working to shape the outcome of legislation in Trenton. NCADD-NJ will inform and provide you with everything you need to get your message heard.

Why become a member of THINK ADVOCACY?
As an advocate for the prevention, treatment and recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, you are in a unique position to communicate your needs and experience to elected officials in Trenton. Each year decisions are made by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly that will impact addiction policy for years. Legislative decisions can affect you, your family and friends.

Advocacy/Policy Case Study: Just a Nickel a Gallon Campaign
Supporters of an increase in New Jersey’s alcohol tax had, by 2006, grown accustomed to disappointment. The state’s excise tax on alcohol had not undergone anything approaching an increase since the early 1990’s. Yet after many years in what amounted to legislative exile, the issue commanded considerable attention during the budget discussions in spring of 2006. How an alcohol tax hike proposal came to figure so prominently in those budget talks was the fruit of the collaboration between two organizations, one grassroots and one professional. To advance a politically unpopular issue such as increasing the tax on alcohol requires a mix of passion, skill and good timing. The Just A Nickel a Gallon Campaign, which in the short-term sought to raise nickels to fund treatment and in the long-term advocated to have revenues from an alcohol tax increase dedicated to expanding addiction treatment, saw these elements come into alignment. The result was that the issue received more attention in the press and among lawmakers, including the governor, than it had in a decade and a half. Review the campaign case study

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Your participation in the legislative process is vital to encourage legislators to support public policies that advance treatment and prevention. Watch the video and learn why other advocates have become involved.

How do you benefit as a member of THINK ADVOCACY?
Membership is free. NCADD-NJ informs you on legislative activities with:

~ CAPITOL TALKS, the agency's quarterly legislative publication.

~ PERSPECTIVES, bimonthly publication on addiction research and public policy.

~ HOT ISSUES our electronic news will inform you about legislation that could have an impact on the prevention or treatment of alcohol and drug addiction and what you can do immediately to influence it.

~ BILL SUCCESS AND STRUGGLE Be the first to know when legislation has passed or stalled.

~ REPORTS, POSITION PAPERS newslinks, training information and sobering facts.

At NCADD-NJ, we know your time is valuable and will only ask you to contact legislators when:

~ It is essential to have your support for a bill to prevent or treat alcohol and drug addiction.

~ To defeat legislation that will hurt efforts to have addiction recognized as a public health problem.

This information will be sent to the email address you provide when you become a member. You will also receive e-mail Action Alerts to inform you about proposed laws that could shape the prevention or treatment of alcohol and drug addiction. Together, our collective voice will be heard to Promote Positive Change in Addiction Policy.

THINK ADVOCACY PARTNERS