Our Announcements

Reflections

Posted on January 5, 2021

Think about this

While the Justice of the Peace Association’s website is quite robust, it doesn’t have a place for my personal perspective, or for members to interact and engage. In light of this, I’ll be posting occasional musings on my LinkedIn page, since that is a platform for professional networking and dialogue. The first article asks, What do marriage officiants care about? My intention is for it to be a place to ponder and reflect. And, I hope, a place to connect. I welcome comments, feedback, discussion. There are certainly some topics where I have strong opinions. Other areas are not so clear. I hope that you will connect with me there, engage, and also follow JPus’ LinkedIn page.
Loretta Jay
Managing Member, Justice of the Peace Association

Requests for Proposals

Posted on December 29, 2020

JPus Conference 2021

The Justice of the Peace Association is excited to invite JPus members to submit a proposal to run a workshop or presentation at the JPus Conference 2021. Specifically, it is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th. Indeed, it will be a virtual event, Selected presenters will be admitted to the conference free of charge.
See all details, including RFP guidelines, and submission deadlines here.

JPus Conference 2021 – Save the Date

Posted on December 4, 2020

Next year is a big one for the Justice of the Peace Association. It is our 20th anniversary! To celebrate, we’re hosting our first virtual conference!

Save the Date: Saturday, March 13th 2021.

There will be keynote speakers, interactive workshops, networking breakout rooms and more. Full event details and ticket information coming soon!
Do you have expertise to share? Keep an eye out for an invitation to submit a proposal to run a workshop.
More conference details.

Coronavirus Update #5

Posted on November 12, 2020

COVID Upticks: Be Prepared

As the weather gets colder, health officials anticipate the coronavirus will spread more aggressively and faster. Indoor spaces and group gatherings are prime areas for the virus to thrive, and infect more people. Data has shown that private gatherings are high-risk settings. Governors have again increased restrictions, and fines are now being imposed.
Weddings, even the small backyard type, can become spreader-events. We need to remain diligent, despite covid-fatigue. In addition, as professional marriage officiants, we are leaders and influencers. During the wedding ceremony, all eyes are on us. Inherent in our role is to help couples make the safe decisions.

What is Your Plan?

Each of us has a personal responsibility to keep the virus in check. This includes assessing our own (or family members’) risk factors, and making personal decisions accordingly. Once you’ve made your own choices, be prepared to support your couples with implementation. Be ready with a selection of possible outdoor spots for a ceremony. Know what you’ll wear to stay warm. What if there is inclement weather? Identifying potential hiccups ahead of time will avoid on-the-spot dilemmas that put you or others at risk.
JPus has guidance for you on these questions and more. Our goal is to support members so you can continue to perform marriages, and also stay safe. See the links below.

Coronavirus Update #4

Posted on October 13, 2020

It has been seven months since our communities shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic, turning our worlds upside down. Life during a pandemic is hard. Quarantine fatigue is real. Covid burnout – we’re probably all there. Despite this, we move forward, because that is the only option. That is what we do.
For these reasons and more, we at JPus have been busy creating resources for our membership. Our goal is to help you safely and successfully navigate marriages during this time. Our situations are changing, and therefore we need to stay up-to-date and move fluidly. We strive to provide the guidance you are looking for, making sense of sometimes confusing or conflicting information.JPus’ networking events offer many benefits. The next Zoom call is on October 29th at noon. We’re in this together, and we’re here for each other.

Community Spread

As the leader of the ceremony, officiants have both influence and authority. This is a big deal – especially during this time. And, it comes with a hefty responsibility. For our own safety, and that of others, we can set the tone. The pastor who led the super-spreader wedding in Maine leading to at least 177 positive COVID cases and eight deaths is making international news with his defiant stance. He is the model of what not to do! On the other hand, you can be the calm voice of reason – and safety.
In fact, we need to acknowledge that the biggest source of community spread is private gatherings. Meaning, gatherings in private homes or other locations – similar to where many weddings take place. Being diligent about mask wearing and hand washing is paramount, and emphasizing outdoor events, even in the winter, is needed. Accordingly, I hope that you’ve taken our COVID training certification for marriage officiants (it is free!), so you understand steps to take to mitigate risk.

Ceremonies

In addition to providing guidance to our members, we are promoting findaJP and providing tips for couples, too. Fortunately, contacts to members’ listings on findaJP.com have been steady. There is an inherent nature about civil officiants that invokes a feeling of trust. Not to mention, our members follow a Code of Ethics that says they’ll always act in their clients’ best interest. So, while there may be a dip in marriages overall during the pandemic, the JPs and notaries listed on findaJP are doing okay.
Marriage ceremonies have changed. They are smaller (of course), and getting creative to find safe locations with air flow is needed. The wedding industry’s general message has been to postpone, not cancel. Nonetheless, officiants have been more fortunate than many others in the business. Couples can – and do – have two weddings. A small, intimate ceremony now, and a larger celebration later, also with nuptials! It is natural that couples anguish over what to do. Our monthly blog articles focus on areas that they struggle with. Written with the bridal couple in mind, they are also a resource for our officiants. Use them for ideas as you counsel your clients, and send them to your clients when you know that they are relevant. They will appreciate it – and you.
In the meantime, know that you can rely upon us. Stay connected with updates on our website, sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media and more. And, if you don’t see the answer you are looking for, the Justice of the Peace Association is just an email or phone call away.
Be well and safe,
Loretta Jay
Managing Member

Announcements