Equal Justice Society News

Recognized by the national civil rights community as a formidable advocacy organization after only three years in existence, the Equal Justice Society - in the words of President Eva Paterson - "is here to stay."

Advocates like you have made our rapid growth possible. Because of your support we have been able to take strong positions on key racial justice issues and to organize leaders across multiple disciplines for strategic action.

EJS is willing to both lobby and litigate. When an EJS spokesperson speaks out in the media, in the courtroom or in a public forum, people often ask what they can do to help. Our messages resonate with many communities, and people appreciate our willingness to take a stand.

The confirmation of Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court underscores the importance of taking coordinated action to repel the attack on civil rights. Within 24 hours, EJS and its allies mustered the support of thousands of Californians as well as other citizens across the United States to insist that Senator Feinstein support a filibuster to block the Alito nomination. As the Senator herself acknowledged, it was the pressure from individuals like you that reversed her previously held stance against supporting a filibuster! While we should be proud of our efforts and of the courage of those Senators who listened to the voices of civil rights advocates, clearly we need to do more.

The recent Supreme Court confirmation battles tell us how important it is for us to consolidate our membership base. While we will continue organizing advocacy campaigns aimed at key decision-makers that call upon your timely support, EJS also needs to enhance its collective identity to represent a critical mass of racial justice advocates like you.

Membership support also helps diversify our financial base. Often, foundations cannot support the bold actions EJS takes in standing for justice, so we depend on individual donors and membership fees to support our political advocacy work.

We invite you to become a member of EJS. To find out more about the various levels of membership, just click here. We will offer you a variety of premiums, including a membership card (good for discounts at EJS events), an EJS t-shirt and must-read publications. But the most important premium will be your strengthening of the EJS voice in the challenging political battles to come.

Zuni Café Throws Surprise Fundraiser for EJS and Clara House

On December 12, the owners and staff of Zuni Café, the James Beard award-winning restaurant in San Francisco, organized a fundraiser for the Equal Justice Society that was deemed both a culinary and a financial success.

"Co-owner Vince Calcagno, and his partner Joe Lucero, have been extraordinary supporters of EJS since its inception. Joe served as our initial Development Director, but we all could spot his true culinary avocation while he was in the kitchen at Zuni orchestrating incredible small plates for the large crowd that jammed the restaurant," said David Salniker, Director of Finance and Administration.

Calcagno organized the fundraiser as a salute to both EJS and Clara House, a shelter that is located across a narrow alleyway from the restaurant. Zuni Café co-owner and chef, Judy Rodgers, and the entire staff at Zuni worked various stations spread out on both floors and donated their time, energy and the proceeds of the event to the two organizations. "We are all very appreciative," said EJS President Eva Paterson, "it was a great gift to us and an unexpected way to end the year."

Like What We're Doing? Join, Donate to the Equal Justice Society

Your contributions make it possible for EJS to develop and support new legal theories and strategies to help ensure equal justice for all. Donations are tax deductible. To donate online to EJS, click here to go directly to the donation page.

You can also join EJS as a member:

To support a national progressive movement
To interact with progressive lawyers, judges, scholars, policy experts, students and journalists
To receive free or reduced admission to many EJS events
To receive special invitations to national conferences, regional events, local forums and panels, and CLE programs
To receive email updates on EJS events, news and programs
To help shape and develop a national, progressive voice

Click here to join or donate today!