New Jersey’s Divine Nine Unites to Reach More Than 207,000 Voters in Statewide Nonpartisan Phone Bank Effort

New Jersey’s Divine Nine community just pulled off one of its largest civic engagement efforts to date. In partnership with the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council across the state joined forces for the 5th Annual Statewide Phone Bank Call Out, a coordinated, nonpartisan voter outreach initiative that connected with more than 207,000 registered voters ahead of the general election.

Launched in 2020 by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter, the Statewide PBCO began as a chapter-led innovation focused on nonpartisan voter education and mobilization. What started as a local project has grown into a powerful statewide coalition effort led in collaboration with New Jersey’s Divine Nine councils. Over the past five years, the model has expanded into a structured statewide system for delivering accurate, unbiased election information through organized phone banking and digital outreach. Together, the initiative has mobilized more than 1,500 volunteers and reached more than 800,000 registered voters across the state.

This year’s operation was co-chaired by Liz Nolley and Sherlock Dow, who led strategy and execution across multiple regions. The Call Out was hosted collaboratively by the NPHC of Central Jersey, NPHC of Essex County, Monmouth-Ocean County NPHC, and the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, reflecting a wide-reaching effort rooted in community service and civic responsibility.

The goal of the Phone Bank Call Out is simple: provide clear, accurate, nonpartisan information to New Jersey voters. Volunteers focused on helping residents understand polling locations, early voting options, deadlines, and Election Day logistics. Organizers emphasize that the effort does not support or endorse any candidate or party; it is strictly about education and access.

“Civic participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy,” said co-chair Sherlock Dow. “We want every registered voter in New Jersey to have the information they need to participate confidently and responsibly, free from political influence.”

Co-chair Liz Nolley highlighted the power of Divine Nine collaboration. “This event showcases the unity and strength of our organizations. We firmly believe we are stronger together, and we’re proud to have helped empower more than three percent of New Jersey’s registered voters to show up for this election. Every vote matters, especially in local races.”

This year’s Call Out operated across three in-person sites and one statewide virtual platform, bringing together more than 336 trained volunteers. The structure has helped solidify the PBCO as one of New Jersey’s leading nonpartisan mobilization models, uniting volunteers from diverse backgrounds under one mission: expanding informed civic participation.

As future elections approach, organizers say the Phone Bank Call Out will continue to strengthen voter education and engagement, ensuring that every eligible voice in New Jersey has the chance to be heard and that the work remains rooted in service rather than politics.

We at Watch The Yard would like to congratulate everyone in New Jersey who participated in this voter outreach. This is what it is all about.