Fast Facts

Interested in being considered for a state appointment? The Coalition is no longer accepting resumes for its talent bank. Instead, you are encouraged to submit your resume directly to Governor Corzine’s appointments office by emailing it to appointments.resume @ gov.state.nj.us or on their web site here. You may also call the appointments office at 609/777-0251.

While the Coalition is not currently active, the Center for American Women and Politics continues to track the numbers of women appointed to the Cabinet and other key boards and commissions.

Need more information about serving in appointed office or the Bipartisan Coalition's role?

• See our frequently asked questions about the appointments process in New Jersey.
• See also the list of New Jersey Boards and Commissions (partial listing).

About BCWA

The New Jersey Bipartisan Coalition for Women’s Appointments (BCWA) is a statewide, bipartisan group of prominent women and organizations convened in years immediately prior to gubernatorial elections. The purpose of BCWA is to ensure the placement of women in key positions throughout state government. Specifically, the goals of the New Jersey Bipartisan Coalition for Women's Appointments (BCWA) are:

• to create the expectation within both major parties and the campaigns of their gubernatorial candidates that women will be included in significant state government positions in even greater numbers than in any past administration at every level of appointment – from cabinet positions to unpaid boards and commissions.
• to create a “talent bank” of resumes from New Jersey women interested in being considered for appointments in the next administration.

History of BCWA

The BCWA was convened most recently in the summer of 2005 to develop strategies and resources in advance of the November 2005 gubernatorial election and to prepare for a new administration. The coalition's work in 2005 built on that of the original BCWA, formed in 1981, and on similar efforts in 1989 and 2000-2001. Through the use of media events, public relations efforts and direct contacts with organizations and individuals throughout the state, the Coalition generates publicity for its goals and creates pressure on party leaders and candidates. Over the years, the Coalition has seen success: the appointment of several women whom the Coalition actively promoted in different administrations; an elevated public awareness about the importance of women’s appointments; and increased sensitivity within new administrations to the need to recognize and respond to women’s concerns.

• Many elected officials and other citizens and organizations in New Jersey signed on as endorsers of the Coalition’s efforts in 2005. View the list of endorsers here.
• The 2005 Coalition was led by a bipartisan convening committee. A complete list of the 2005 committee members is available here.
• Read the report on Getting Women Appointed: New Jersey's Bipartisan Coalition (1984)

Questions?

If you would like to learn more about the Coalition or the Center's work on women's appointments, contact Jean Sinzdak at sinzdak @ rci.rutgers.edu or 732/932-9384, ext. 260.