‘The more voices you have, the better you’re heard’
Elmoria Thomas is a change maker, raising awareness for human rights every where she goes.
Knowledge can be empowering, and according to Elmoria Thomas from Williamstown, seeking information, having conversations and educating others on important issues is one of the best ways to make change.
As the director of the Southern Regional Child Care Resource Center for the Education Information and Resource Center and the president of the New Jersey Early Care and Education Alliance organization, Thomas has years of experience educating others, such as local, state and federal government officials on the issues and needs of women, their children and their families.
“Seek out what the issues are and have conversations about those issues. Look at local officials and educate them on the issues. See how we can work to make change happen,” Thomas said on how to be a change maker.
Thomas encourages people to stay involved and be actively present in situations where decisions can be influenced or determined. For example, she said, participate in public hearings for local, state or national leaders. If there is an opportunity to make a comment, say something. If there isn’t, write it down and mail it in. Stay up to date on bills trying to be passed. Lastly, spread awareness to others in your community.
“The more voices you have, the better you’re heard,” Thomas said.
In her work, Thomas raised awareness for the rights of women and children in New Jersey. She said some of the biggest issues on a state level is funding for families who need subsidies for childcare and raising the bar for quality caretakers. Wage parity is also a concern for her.
“Some of the things that have recently happened, it’s taken us back,” Thomas said. “We always have to be out there saying there should be equality between men and women and have the voice to speak out. If I’m doing a job a male is doing, I should be paid equally. People do forget that these things exist, so we should always make sure it’s not forgotten.”
Thomas says she is empowered by those who are empowered around her, and pushes other women to be the influence that has inspired them.
“When I see others unafraid to speak out, it encourages me to speak out,” Thomas said. “Although we made steps forward, we need to keep pressing, moving forward, staying out there, keeping issues out there, and be empowered to speak about them.”
For International Women’s Day, a celebration of women and their will to make change through a local or global reach, Thomas says to never forget those who came before you.
“Any chance we get to recognize those who have helped us along the way, so many women who have inspired many of us, always remember them in any way we can,” Thomas said. “Take on their legacy and recognize them for giving us the inspiration.”
Women in Gloucester County believe education, advocacy and determination is how women can make a difference globally and locally this International Women’s Day — and beyond. Hear more empowered voices from women in Gloucester County here.
