About the EJC
The Economic Justice Coalition, a multi-ethnic organization, began in 2003 as a living wage campaign group, with three strategic goals:
- Educate the public on issues of working without a living wage,
- Educate low wage and no wage workers and empower them, and
- Negotiate with authorities that can make a difference in treatment of workers.
In 2004, we began working to increase civic engagement among workers through voter registration and Get Out The Vote activities in minority neighborhoods. Since 2004, we have registered over 7,000 new voters.
As we worked to increase political engagement, our living wage efforts also saw great success. The Athens-Clarke County government adopted a living wage with benefits, and at the Univiersity of Georgia (the largest employer in the area), the University of Georgia Living Wage Campaign was initiated, which has resulted in raises in the “minimum hiring rate” from $12,000 to $20,000 for many new employees.
Today, the Economic Justice Coalition is an active and dynamic organization with roots in every corner of the Athens-Clarke County area. Our programs and campaigns are helping workers get a fair wage, helping low-income families acheive sustainability, and connecting workers, business, and consumers.
Our Mission
EJC promotes justice for workers and builds avenues for workers to succeed.
There are many ways to help EJC accomplish its mission. Some of you already volunteer multiple hours in service to the community by helping us register people to vote, pushing for fair wages, attending multiple functions and meetings, distributing food at our food bank and so forth. For these things, we thank you. If you would like to further help us in our endeavors, we invite you to donate using the donate button. We thank you in advance for your contribution to a living wage for workers and a better quality of life for our communities.
EJC Values
- Civic Engagement
- Diversity, Multi-Ethnic, and more
- Empowerment
- Living Wage and Benefits
- Respect
- Right to organize
- Workforce and Skill Development
