LocationPalmyra, New Jersey 08065
Telephone(856) 220-6298
Join Us on Social Media

News & Events

68th United Nations Civil Society Conference

August 26-28, 2019, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

About 5,000 participants from over 100 countries attended the annual UN NGO conference, described by the UN as the Organization’s “premier event in the civil society calendar” in Salt Lake City. Utah’s capital city is the first in the United States to host the annual conference outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The theme of the conference was, “building sustainable and inclusive cities and communities.” Conference sessions include topics connected to that theme, including climate change, opportunities for youth, and emerging technologies and innovation.

The Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy partnered with three international non-profit organizations for an exhibit entitled “Return to One: One Planet, One Spirit, One Human Family.” The Brahma Kumaris (India), Legion of Good Will (Brazil) and International Federation of Women in Legal Careers (France) along with the CBJ Institute presented an interactive display that allowed individuals to interact with others but also allowed space for personal inner reflection followed by the opportunity to process and express those reflections in written words.

For a conference focused on climate, inclusivity, and sustainability, it is unsurprising that people were drawn to the magnificent tree on display at the ‘Return to one’ exhibition booth. The esthetics of the beautiful tree along with four banners of the participating organizations was both powerful and elegant. Each organization highlighted their work on one of the four steps along the “Spiritual Trajectory”: awareness (BK), mindset (IFWLC), dream (CBJ Institute), then sustainable action (LGW). The goal of the exhibit was to encourage participants to embark on the journey from awareness to sustainable action, and end by writing their commitment to action that would help bring unity to the world on leaf-shaped post-its, and stick it on the tree.

What may have surprised some participants, however, is that the booth was not solely focused on climate sustainability, but rather emphasized a much deeper sustenance of the self. This was demonstrated by the way the tree’s strong roots became entwined with the glowing earth below it, while the light of the sun shone behind in perfect synergy. It was interesting to witness people approach the exhibition hesitantly and guarded, only to be engulfed by the powerful energy and feel inspired and empowered. Some people became emotional as they shared their reflections on the small pieces of paper shaped in the form of leaves that were then place on the tree.

The exhibition attracted dozens of participants, including the local press, who walked through the reflective process. The tree began bare but by the end of the three days, it was covered in leaves representing Commitments to Action that included wanting to become educators, improving their household’s recycling, or joining local action committees.

Interestingly, 40% of people wrote “love” as their action. While others may dismiss such answers as being nonspecific, the four non-profit organizations recognize that love is often the most radical and revolutionary act a human being can perform. Love is what bridges divides and reminds us of our humanity. It underpins all of the work others NGOs at the conference were conducting and it is the fundamental approach for the Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy. In many ways, the exhibit was about caring for the caregivers of the world, those working on grassroots level, and restoring their faith in peace. In a large warehouse of an exhibition hall, the energy from the “Return to One” exhibit created a warmth that brought people into a space where thoughts, intentions, and love were valued.

The Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy actively seeks to participate in UN sanctioned events to share its mission which invokes community, empowerment, compassion and unity through civic service, research and education. Its aim is to keep Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Dream” alive, ensuring everyone recognizes that he/she is self-empowered with unlimited resources.

For more about the Return to One: One Planet, One Spirit, One Human Family exhibition at the 68th UN Civil Society Conference visit: http://bit.ly/2kbWsPh and http://bit.ly/2kfPOHW

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Wintertime Soldier”

It is difficult to witness what is happening in the USA in terms of hatred and intolerance after the sacrifices and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  January 2019 will mark the 90th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 88th birthday of MLK’s “wintertime soldier,” Dr. Clarence B. Jones.   Now, more than ever, America is in need of ‘wintertime soldiers” who will turn awareness into action. 

As Tom Paine’s famous words in 1776 state, “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

This Columbia College Today cover story of Dr. Jones will inspire all to be a wintertime soldier in our current environment.

Dr. Jones continues the fight of a wintertime soldier.

 

50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination

LEST WE FORGET

 

50 years ago someone thought they could silence a powerful voice of change and a social movement with a gunshot but today we know the movement is still alive… and still much needed!! Each one of us has an obligation to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s sacrifice by speaking up against racism, sexism, bigotry and hatred of any kind and make America great today. Is The Dream alive today? #MLK50 #blacklivesmatter #metoo #neveragain #loveislove

Palmyra High School Student Among the 2018 Princeton Prize in Race Relations Award Winners

Palmyra High School senior, Colin Cattell received a 2018 Princeton Prize in Race Relations – Certificate of Accomplishment.

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations has been established by Princeton University “to promote harmony, respect, and understanding among people of different races”.   Each year students from across the country, whose efforts have had a significant, positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities are honored by Princeton University with this prestigious award.  

Recipients of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations have stood up to intolerance, worked towards greater inclusivity, and encouraged understanding and harmony in their communities. Some have even been recognized by President Obama for their efforts.

Colin’s project submitted for the PPRR is a work in progress.  After doing intensive research, the initial phase included working with the Historical Society of Riverton in Riverton, NJ on getting an historical marker (the first in Riverton) placed at a 19th century home that was used with the Underground Railroad. Riverton was established by an elite group of 10 Quaker families and the project (the opening of this home as an educational site for students) will bring diverse groups of people together to learn how individuals navigated  race relations in the 19th century.  Colin created and produced a mini-documentary of the research entitled 1851 Riverbank Manor – Ogden

Now Colin has begun the second phase of his project with research on a few of the other original homes to determine their link to the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement.  He will produce other mini-documentaries based on his findings.  

Colin Cattell gets his inspiration from another Palmyra High School alumnus, Dr. Clarence B. Jones thus carrying on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.