West Virginia Economic Justice
The West Virginia Economic Justice Project (WVEJ) works statewide on issues affecting low income and working families.
WVEJ works to create and defend policies that will enhance quality of life for West Virginians. We accomplish this through legislative advocacy, public education, strategic organizing, and coalition building.
We work closely with the Appalachian Center for Equality program and other groups in the state committed to youth leadership. We aim to develop leaders and allies who can advocate effectively for social change and preserve the gains of the past.
Our work helps people get the best possible deal from the current system.
WVEJ and allies have successfully advocated for many legislative and policy changes. These include increased coal mine safety and childcare subsidies for working families. Additionally, we've worked to restore funding for essential programs and expand Medicaid coverage.
Program Components
Policy Advocacy
We engage in both direct and grassroots lobbying to advance a proactive economic justice agenda including a state budget that invests in the common good. We bring the voices of community members into the policy space through reports, media opportunities, and citizen-lobbying to influence the policy makers to act in the interest of the people of West Virginia.
Popular Education
Our public education efforts often utilize the model of popular education to cover a wide variety of issues, which are determined by current policies that need to be defeated or championed, the areas in which we determine we can have the biggest impact, and the needs and demands of communities. We believe that an educated and engaged community is the best tool for effectively advocating on its own behalf.
Research and Media
We maintain a steady media presence through regularly published op-eds in the states largest newspaper, a presence on twitter and Facebook, and publication of research reports on economic justice issues. We also utilize the Listening Project process to gather the stories and experiences of West Virginians to inform our work.
Coalition-Building
We work as a coalition on specific advocacy campaigns, legislative lobbying, press events and trainings, giving us greater efficiency and flexibility. Together out public education and coalition work strengthens our social capital so that when there is a strategic opportunity to have a big impact, there is a stronger network of people and organizations ready to mobilize.
American Friends Service Committee
AFSC works for a just, peaceful, and sustainable world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. We join with people and partners worldwide to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light of each person, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) works with communities and partners worldwide to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace.