Help us Grow!
The Equal Justice Partners Circle
We are looking for motivated community members who want to join our efforts to make Maine a better place to live! We work on economic issues, like affordable housing, getting resources to families in need, food security and more!
By filling out this form, the person you nominated will be reviewed and reached out to by one of our organizers, they will also receive invitations to EJPC training events happening this Summer, including a new virtual EJPC 101 training, where they can learn about the history of the EJPC, what we do, why and how! If they receive communication from us, they can opt out, and we will not share their information without their permission.
Nominate someone else: If you know someone who would be a good fit for the EJPC, please fill out this form.
Nominate Yourself: If you think you would be a good fit, and would like to join us, welcome! Please fill out this form and we will review, and send you sign-up information and registration links to our upcoming events. One of our organizers will likely reach out as well to touch base.
Still have Questions? Find out more about the EJPC below or SCROLL DOWN TO NOMINATE:
EJPC Members Must: Live in Maine, have past or current lived experience with poverty, be interested in advocacy, and able to work collaboratively with people of all backgrounds. Members do not need to be experts in advocacy or policy.
What is the EJPC?: This group is made up of folks from Maine from various walks of life, who have endured economic hardship. The group gathers together to identify issues in the community and work towards solutions. Often that looks like legislative advocacy-- trying to get new laws passed that help everyday and low income Mainers. We work on policies related to healthcare, SNAP, TANF, GA, and Housing. We are focused on systemic change, which means that while we want to address immediate needs, we also like to go "upstream" and fix the system, so the same harm doesn't happen over and over.
What has the EJPC Accomplished: The EJPC has successfully championed Medicaid expansion, dental care for adults on Mainecare, TANF reform, TANF increases, the Eviction Prevention Program, and more! We are making real, TANGIBLE change for Mainers. This year we even advocated for the millionaires tax, expected to bring tens of millions of dollars into the state that can be invested back into the community.
What are the EJPC's Values? We believe in housing for all, healthcare for all, we believe that every Mainer (and every person!) should have a roof over their head, food on the table, and be able to go to the doctor, and do so in dignity. We believe our systems of care should work for everyone, be easy to access, and work! We believe in access to education and training and a pathway out of poverty, and we believe we all have the right to not only survive but to THRIVE!
What does it mean to be a member? To become a member, someone just needs to attend a training, after that we will offer opportunities to engage with us all year long. We will provide opportunities and training for participants to tell their story, go to the state house, testify at public hearings, speak with legislators, attend direct action events, or even advocate virtually from home. Some members utilize just our trainings, and some get involved multiple times a year. People can choose the level of their involvement.
What if someone can't afford the childcare or travel to attend trainings? MEJ tries to address barriers to attendance and membership. We provide childcare and travel reimbursements for all in-person events, provide rides when possible, and are responsive to needed accommodations. We also provide healthy and thoughtful meals, food, and drink.