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Wyckoff Rally Energizes Bergen Women Into Action

WYCKOFF, N.J. – When Erin Chung of Wyckoff founded Women for Progress the group had about 35 members.

A participant holds a sign during the peaceful rally in Wyckoff organized by Women for Progress.

A participant holds a sign during the peaceful rally in Wyckoff organized by Women for Progress.

Photo Credit: Erika Kao Photography

That was in November, just a couple weeks after the Presidential election. By February, more than 750 women from all over Bergen County had joined the organization with a mission to bring awareness to progressive causes such as women’s health issues, environmental protection and LGBTQ rights.

“I think what is drawing people to us is that we are looking to actively be engaged and involved beyond just a Facebook page,” Chung told Daily Voice. “And that is really my hope. I want us to be a group of productive contributors that are about moving forward, rather than just staying stagnant and complaining.”

The group’s first big initiative was a peaceful rally last month to promote tolerance, acceptance and equality. It was a “Sister March” to the Women’s March that drew thousands to Washington, D.C.

More than 300 people attended the event held in front of Wyckoff’s town hall.

Chung said she wanted to harness the energy from the rally, “and turn it into action.” To that end, Women for Progress will be hosting and participating in a number of upcoming events throughout Bergen County.

“One place where I felt Women for Progress could stand out as an organization was to offer education, so that is why we set up these next few seminars,” she said.

Upcoming events are:

  • Sun., Feb. 12: Women for Progress is a co-sponsor of the Bergen County Unity March and Rally. The rally will start at 2 p.m., and will take place at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack.
  • Wed., Feb. 15: The organization is hosting a postcard mailing and new member meet and greet from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Ridgewood Unitarian Society. Attendees will draft postcards, about issues they care about, to send to politicians. Bergen County Freeholder Tracy Silna Zur is slated to speak.
  • Thurs., Mach 2: Along with WEDO of Bergen County, the group will host a politics 101 seminar at the Tice Senior Center in Woodcliff Lake at 7 p.m. WEDO’s president, Cristina Cutrone, a high school AP government teacher, will teach the class.
  • Tues., April 4: The group will host a climate change 101 seminar at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Harriet Shugarman, trained by former Vice President Al Gore, will speak about current climate change issues.

For more information visit the group's website or Facebook page.

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