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Mission
History
Programs
Education
Board
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Our Mission
The mission of Just Economics is to educate, advocate, and organize for equitable economic conditions, increased union representation, and a fair share for all in the prosperity of our region, regardless of race, gender, or citizenship status.
We strive to:
- Educate our communities. Get the word out about local trends in wages, working conditions, and economic decision-making.
- Partner with businesses to develop successful living wage models
- Tackle the myths that divide and confuse us, including the minimum wage, immigrant workers, and unions.
- Support increased wages, affordable community resources, workplace organizing, and the collective bargaining process.
Just Economics is a membership organization, with members responsible for electing the Board of Directors, approving the annual budget and giving input into our programs and action plan.
A basic membership is just $10. Help us recruit 200 members in 2007…
Click here to join us today!
History of Just Economics
Just Economics was formed by community members in 1999, to promote local grassroots action on issues such as wages, access to affordable housing and health care, working conditions, and community empowerment.
Since February of 2006, the Asheville Buncombe Living Wage Campaign has been working with the community and elected officials to address the problem of inadequate wages in this community.
One important lesson from our work was that passing Living Wage ordinances in Asheville and Buncombe County would not the end of our task, but just the beginning.
As a result, in January of 2007, the AB Living Wage Campaign’s steering committee voted to become a project of Just Economics with the goal of sustaining long-term economic justice work locally and, eventually, regionally.
Our Programs
Living Wage Campaigns
Unlike the Minimum Wage ($6.15 an hour in NC), a Living Wage is based on information about what it actually costs to afford basic necessities in a particular area.
Local governments can set a “living wage” for their own workers. This allows local officials to set an example for local businesses; keeps government workers’ wages from eroding, and brings the issue of low wages to the public’s attention.
The Asheville/Buncombe Living Wage Campaign, a project of Just Economics, is working to pass living wage ordinances in Asheville and Buncombe County. Where interest exists we can assist with campaigns in other WNC counties.
Click here for more on the AB Living Wage Campaign.
Living Wage Business
Certification Program
The Living Wage Business Certification program identifies businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County which are paying a Living Wage.
This program rewards existing Living Wage businesses, encourages other businesses to increase their wages, and increases revenue for those businesses that are making this commitment to their workers.
Just Economics publicizes Living Wage businesses in order to connect these businesses to consumers
Living Wage Certification Brochure
Education and Training
A central part of our mission is educating ourselves on economic issues that affect us. If you understand the problem, you can do something to change the situation.
Just Economics members are available to give presentations to your congregation or group. We also host leadership and advocacy trainings, and inform our members about local and state economic justice initiatives.
Board of Directors
Steve Agan - Attorney, Hyler and Lopez
Ernie Boyd - Co-founder, Just Economics
Isaac Coleman - Asheville Housing Authority
Zach Comer - Affordable Housing Coalition
Laura Gordon - President, Western NC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Tyrone Greenlee - (Chair) Christians for a United Community
Judy Miller - Social Action Committee,Temple Beth Ha-Tephila
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