“New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty (NYADP) is proud of shepherding a moratorium resolution through the New York City Council, but it wouldn’t have happened without Equal Justice USA. EJUSA’s Northeast Field Organizer, Celeste Fitzgerald, guided the way based on strategies that had been used successfully elsewhere, so we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. When we ran into snags, Celeste was always there with a practical solution and calm reassurance to settle our frazzled nerves. Once the resolution passed in June, EJUSA helped spread the word to national media.
“The NYC moratorium resolution was actually just one component – albeit a key component – of a statewide strategy that EJUSA helped design. Prior to the NYC Council resolution, Celeste facilitated a retreat in which the NYADP Board of Directors developed a strategic plan for the organization; later, she did the same for NYADP’s local chapter in Albany, the state capitol. Having EJUSA as a partner helped NYADP get off the ground as a credible statewide organization with the ability to make an impact on the news, politics, and climate of opinion in New York.”
