Rockland Rockstars: Jacquelyn Drechsler, or Jacqui

Rockland native Jacquelyn Drechsler, or Jacqui, was born into a social justice focused family. Her parents were always strong believers in “fighting for justice and fighting for the environment,” says Jacqui. The Rockland local described a bucolic childhood spent growing up near the Hudson River, a lifestyle that formed a close relationship with nature that has continued far into her adulthood. 

Environmentalism is far from Jacqui’s only passion, however. She is a professional flutist, and has worked with the Rockland Symphony Orchestra for several years, and has volunteered at the Morning Music Club. 

Jacqui is also a Volunteer Board Member of the National Alliance for Mental Illness in Rockland, or NAMI, where she  serves on the legislative committee. In this role, Jacqui has crafted legislation regarding mental health in collaboration with the state of New York. She also serves on the mental health committee and environmental committee of the Rockland Coalition to End the New Jim Crow. Most recently, the coalition appeared before the Rockland County Legislature to present ideas on how to foster better interactions between law enforcement and those suffering mental health crises. One suggestion was implementing a “Mental Health Team” made up of peer support individuals and EMTs that would be able to help with emergencies alongside law enforcement. According to Jacqui, Spring Valley has since implemented a mental health buddy program of their own to help mentor youths around the area. 

Jacqui must be one of the most involved residents the RCT has spoken with. When asked for advice for others looking to improve their community, Jacqui encouraged people to “join an organization that matches what some of your interests might be.” Whatever those interests may be, Rockland certainly has an organization to match it. 

At the same time, Jacqui stresses the importance of being open to learning new things and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. “It’s all a process,” Jacqui shared as she recounted how her environmentalist passions inspired her to learn the process of crafting and advocating for legislation.

“It’s all about finding out what matches what’s in your heart and what you feel strongly about, and then finding the organizations that match you.” Jacqui believes following what is in your heart is what leads you to be able to learn, grow, and stand up for yourself. Getting involved in a cause can and will lead you to new information with which you can reinforce your argument and better effect change.  

“I think a lot of people do feel overwhelmed by the forces constantly coming at us,” said Jacqui, who urged potential activists to remain optimistic and goal oriented. “Change happens at the local level and then it moves up the chain.”

Currently, Jacqui is one of many voices in the county pushing against the Faith Based Housing act being considered by the New York State Legislature; activists worry that, if passed, the new legislation would be a gateway to over development. She stated that “Rockland County does not have the resources, particularly water resources, to accommodate Faith Based Housing.” She hopes that we can also continue to address food insecurity, air quality, and pollution throughout the county.

Beyond legislature and at a more basic, human level, Jacqui hopes that Rocklanders can continue to strengthen their listening capabilities. “We have to try to listen to each other,” said Jacqui, following with a sincere “it would be nice if people could be kind to each other.” For Jacqui, it’s just as important to thank the legislators for their hard work as it is to fight for your beliefs. 

When not attending a town hall or writing legislation, Jacqui loves to see movies at Rivertown Film Society, play her flute both for fun and with the Symphony, see theater and partake in Rockland’s restaurant scene, and of course, enjoy the great outdoors.