Media PR
Believing in a philosophy that it takes more than individual effort to impact economic change, Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice (SOJwJ) is empowering communities and creating opportunities for innovation and positive change.
SOJwJ is a non-profit coalition of labor unions, student organizations, faith-based groups and other community organizations. SOJwJ’s Chair Wes Brain states, “a coalition like SOJwJ strengthens its participating organizations and facilitates economic change.” Whereas two organizations might disagree on principles, such as emphasizing environment instead of labor or vice versa, coalitions unite organizations that disagree by agreeing on the spirit of principles.
SOJwJ’s recent approval for charter application to the National Board validates the more than two years SOJwJ has worked in the Southern Oregon in solidarity with other organizations to make an economic impact.
SOJwJ now includes five community groups and five labor groups, over 100 organizational members and nearly 200 members returning pledge cards. From labor, the Southern Oregon Central Labor Council, SEIU #503 both state-wide and District 4, Oregon Nurses Association and American Postal Workers Union. From the community, Disabled United (DUDE), Pacific Green Party or Jackson County, KS Wild, Oregon Fair Trade Coalition and Oregon Action.
Representing Douglas, Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties, SOJwJ’s mission is to improve working people’s standard of living, fight for job security, and protect workers’ right to organize. Members of SOJwJ have marched with teachers from Rogue River School District during their strike, participated in Ashland’s Fourth of July Parade and organized benefit concerts featuring folk-singer/labor-agitator Anne Feeney. SOJwJ supported the Rogue Valley nurses recent victory allowing adequate meals and breaks.
Beginning with an exploratory committee in 2005, SOJwJ followed the lead of other Jobs with Justice coalitions, including Central Oregon JwJ and Eugene Springfield Solidarity Network (ESSN). In December 2006, SOJwJ was awarded a grant from the McKenzie River Group for use in organizing activities.
SOJwJ holds its meetings the second Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM at the Central Point Labor Temple.
SOJwJ Annual Meeting and Elections
The Southern Oregon coalition of Jobs With Justice will hold Board of Directors elections on April 29th at the Central Point Labor Temple. The election will be held after the annual meeting scheduled to begin at 1:30.
All signed members are invited to participate in this election, which will decide the makeup of the board. Board members are required to meet regularly to conduct business on behalf of the membership including but not limited to: approve requests for support and commitment of SOJwJ resources, approval of annual budget, approval and monitoring of annual organizing plan, and to plan and organize support actions.
Members who are interested in a board position should contact Wes Brain or Jason Houk prior to the April 29 election. Board positions require a one or two year commitment.
We can’t build Southern Oregon Jobs With Justice without YOU! Join SOJwJ and make a pledge to BE THERE. During the next year, pledge to be there at least five times for something else’s fight as well as your own. If enough of us are there we will start winning. Volunteers are the heart of SOJwJ and we hope you’ll get involved. To keep up with our work we also need your financial support to continue our grassroots organizing, education and mobilization to build living wage jobs and a healthy economy. With your help we can continue to make a difference.
Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice
Wes Brain, Chair
298 Garfield St.
Ashland OR 97520
