For over 60 years, the ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and extend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every New Jerseyan by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities.
Wendy Sealey has supported the ACLU for as long as she can remember. When she moved to New Jersey a few years ago, she was eager to bring her over 20 years of non-profit management and fundraising experience to support the ACLU of New Jersey as a member of our Board of Trustees. We spoke with Wendy to learn more about her perspective on her yearslong history with the ACLU and the importance of advancing social justice issues and uplifting civil rights advocacy right now.
ACLU of New Jersey: The mission to expand and protect civil rights and liberties is personal for all New Jerseyans, can you tell us more about your background?
Wendy Sealey: I am the child of Caribbean immigrants and really resonate with the ACLU’s broader mission to protect the rights of all people, no matter their origins.
ACLU-NJ: You've been a loyal supporter of our work. Can you share more about how you first got involved with the ACLU-NJ?
WS: Well, I have been a huge fan of the ACLU for as long as I can remember, and I had the distinct honor of working for the ACLU for many years, specifically NYCLU, the New York affiliate. During my time there, I met a lot of great people from ACLU affiliates across the country, including ACLU-NJ's Executive Director Amol Sinha, Director of Development Diane DuBrule, and ACLU-NJ board member Alexis Karteron. When I moved to New Jersey a few years ago, I was eager to connect with ACLU-NJ leadership because I had such deep respect for their vision as well as a deep admiration for what they had already accomplished in the state.
ACLU-NJ: The ACLU-NJ has dedicated decades to building a more perfect New Jersey, what specific areas of our work interest you most?
WS: I most connect with the ACLU-NJ's work on racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive rights, and criminal justice reform because these issues deeply affect the daily lives of everyone in New Jersey and across the United States.
ACLU-NJ: Our work is only possible with the help of our members. Can you tell us more about what motivates your support and why you would encourage other people to join us?
WS: The ACLU is at the forefront of protecting rights for all, which is an important pursuit, particularly at this time. When you see an organization that is effective in advancing its mission, when you trust the leadership, and when you feel safer knowing that the organization exists – which is how I feel about the ACLU – I think it’s important to support the organization financially. You know your contribution will be put to good use and will serve as a down payment on the organization's future.