Member Support

Articles to improve your JPus experience and maximize the power of your membership

Support Topic: Advocacy

Marriage Fraud

Marriage fraud happens everywhere. Specifically, foreign nationals recruit US born residents to participate in sham weddings. The Justice of the Peace Association and civil officiants have an inherent desire to maintain the integrity of the marriage process. Therefore, fraudulent marriage affects us. Since March 2020, when the NYC marriage bureau closed during the pandemic, the number of people pursuing marriages to circumvent immigration rules or other reasons in New England states increased. In particular, incidents went up in Connecticut.  Accordingly, JPs and notaries need to be aware of the signs. Then, they need to know what to do if marriage . . .

LGBTQ Couples Welcome!

On June 26, 2015, the US Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v Hodges made marriage equality the law of the land. Sadly, some marriage officiants continue to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and queer couples. Indeed, sometimes loving couples share their painful stories about officiants refusing to perform their ceremony. With this in mind, letting LGBTQ couples know that you are inclusive can alleviate any unease they may have before they contact you. Code of Ethics Of course you welcome all couples. After all, you are a member of the Justice of the Peace Association. In other words, as a member . . .

Exploring Our Own Implicit Bias

Implicit bias is how our unconscious attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes affect how we think about and treat other people. When we understand these thoughts, we can choose how we process that information.  The spring of 2020 was momentous, and will hopefully be remembered as a reckoning for our country. A time when a majority of our fellow citizens became more alert to racial discrimination and injustice. In this vain, each of us share in the responsibility to make our communities welcoming, safe and respectful for everyone. To expose and confront racism. This includes taking an active role to make change . . .

Coronavirus Related Financial Help

Updated March 24, 2020. COVID-19 has reached pandemic levels, and as the country responds to manage exposure, small businesses and the wedding industry are being hit particularly hard. A double-whammy for marriage officiants. This article is one of several JPus is posting to support our members during these difficult times. Financial Assistance Wedding officiants are typically sole proprietors, which are a type of a small business. They are reliant upon themselves and their network to advertise their services, connect with potential clients, and close the deal. As such, officiants are sensitive to fluctuations in the market, and vulnerable if there . . .

Trafficking: An Introduction

This article is part 1 of a two-part series on trafficking.  Marriage as a Doorway for Traffickers Human trafficking is when people are treated as objects and bought, sold or exploited for another’s benefit. Coercion, fraud, threats or violence are used for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor or sexual slavery. Marriage is used as a doorway for traffickers. Trafficking happens to adults and children, people of all genders, races, religions and socioeconomic statuses. Definitions Trafficking: No movement is needed. Someone may never leave their home and be trafficked. Sex Trafficking: Trafficking of adults for sex by force, fraud, . . .

Engaging Legislators

Updated September 13, 2021 [caption id="attachment_21551" align="alignright" width="429"] Credit: Schoolhouse Rock[/caption] This member support article is to help JPs and clerks advocate on issues that are important to them. As you may recall from our Schoolhouse Rock days, the process for a Bill (or Resolve) to become law is long. There are many important steps along the way where constituent involvement is important. How to Engage with your Legislator Our leaders are regular folks just like us. They got involved in politics to make the lives of their constituents better. They want to hear from you, and better understand what . . .