Matthias Clock

The decline of the American family has led passionate citizens to found state-based advocacy groups lobbying state governments for pro-family reforms. This summer recent King’s graduate Emily Miller (PPE ’11) joined the fight for stronger families as a Communications and Research Assistant at one such think-tank: the New Jersey Family Policy Council (NJFPC).

Miller’s position entails maintaining routine communications and developing the organization’s social media outreach. “I write newsletters legislative analysis donation appeals radio spots and action alerts ” Emily said. “I also write press statements when they're called for.”

After graduating in May Emily interviewed for full-time positions while doing part-time research and writing for the Center for Christian Business Ethics. Midway through the summer Director of Career Services Michele DeKonty met Len Deo the president of NJFPC at a prayer breakfast in the city. Len's communications assistant was about to leave for law school and Michele recommended Miller for the position. Miller interviewed received an offer and said yes.

Miller said she has felt particularly prepared for her work at NJFPC by her experience in Civil Rights. “When I took that class ” she said “I was weary of what I took to be a defensive mentality among social-issues conservatives because I saw it leading to a paranoid consciousness and strident communications. Afterwards having an idea of the legal history (which you don't have to be a Christian to acknowledge) my desire was to see a sense of confidence restored as mine had been.”

The focus on critical thinking and communication skills at King’s was also helpful in helping Emily get the job. Emily said that “in general the most marketable skill we get at King's is knowing how to write ask questions communicate and have considered opinions.”

As for how her position connects with the mission of King’s Emily said “I think both organizations also want to see something deeper which is a cultural restoration of Christian truth that ultimately benefits individual people.”

As for the future Emily is taking it a step at a time. “Too much forethought makes me spin my wheels right now ” she said. “So far I've been trying to figure out what I like as an adult and settle into my financial grooves.” She did however say that in a year or two she may be ready to pursue a Master’s degree. “Mostly ” she said “I'm waiting for a sense of calling.”

The occupation has begun. On September 17th 2011 citizens from across the nation gathered in Zuccotti Park to protest Wall Street and the United States government for unemployment greed and the state of the economy.

Several weeks ago Adbusters an anti-consumerist organization published an article with a simple idea: an occupation of Wall Street. Soon Anonymous an organization calling for civil action organized and summoned people to protest corporate greed and government bailouts. Democrats Republicans Independents Socialists and Anarchists united for a revolution against an American economic system—oppressive and obsolete. This revolution is for everyone who has suffered.

“This is not just for hippies ” said Jay an activist proudly wearing his Guy Fawkes mask “The people need to rise up and see what is happening.

Chants of the revolution arose through the streets as the occupiers marched. “Hey ho the cops and banks have got to go.”

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