EJAG: Economic Justice Activism in Portland + new Fall Film Series

This blog is meant to not only be a place to follow AWAZ's work, but also a place to learn of new ways to become involved in social justice causes around Portland. AWAZ owner Sarah has been actively involved in a few local organizations as an organizer and supporter, one of which is EJAG. The Economic Justice Action Group (EJAG) strives to create a better world for everyone to live in--one that promotes health, well-being, and happiness for all.



EJAG is a part of the Social Justice Program of the First Unitarian Church of Portland. Their mission is “to raise public awareness and to take action on behalf of the citizens of our community, nation and world in order to: promote the supremacy of life-sustaining and life-enhancing values, promote fair and just economic policies and practices and work to overcome unfair policies and practices, promote equal access to economic opportunity, and to promote democratic participation in national, state and local decisions on economic issues”.

Because EJAG’s mission is carried out by its members, they are ever changing and adjusting to our economic times. Their current areas of focus include the following subgroups: Democracy, Health Care, Fair Trade, Real Wealth, and Tax Fairness.
Learn more about their efforts to reform the Mental Health System and support for local banking by visiting their website or attending their next meeting.

As a part of their mission statement, Sarah has been an active member in EJAG, as a representative of AWAZ and NWFTC. She is part of this group because it is a great group of local activists and organizers who pool resources to work together, and because it is a great place to start expanding your knowledge about current challenges today, no matter what your interest, and take action in support of local and global change. Their blog posts--often in conjunction with Alliance for Democracy--update you on current campaigns in the area that you can help support, and keep you informed of the latest issues important to you. If you feel moved to contact your representative in government, EJAG lends a helping hand by providing this list.

EJAG hosts a Fall Documentary Film Series that starts next Friday, September 30. The film is called “What a Way to Go”, and will be held at 6:30 at the Eliot Chapel. A synopsis can be found here. They have a great list of more movies they're showing, see below.
For even more information about Social Justice programs and EJAG, contact Rev. Kate Lore, Minister of Social Justice, at klore@firstunitarianportland.org, and see their calendar of events, or the movie listings.