ECFC Grantee Partner
Coalition for Social Justice (CSJ) Education Fund
The Coalition for Social Justice is dedicated to building a grassroots movement for progressive social change viewed through a race and gender lens, rooted in communities that have been excluded from the economic benefits of the current system. We have a dual focus: to recruit and develop leadership, especially from low income communities, and to build effective campaigns that address the economic survival issues that our constituency faces. We build grassroots power through empowering low-income voters, building a large network of volunteers, holding elected officials accountable and building broad coalitions.
Location:
Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States
Focus Area:
Paid Family and Medical Leave, Fair wages for educators, public access to care
Grantee Partner Since:
2019
Social Media:
Other Funders
Eastern Bank Family Values @Work
Highlights
The Coalition for Social Justice in Massachusetts has expanded the Common Start Coalition to 152 organizations including labor, business, early childhood, and organizations focused on health, economic, gender, and/or racial equity issues. Regional chapters with part-time organizers work directly with parents and providers. The Common Start universal child care bill passed the Senate in 2022, and was refiled at the start of 2023. Organizers hope that public investment in child care and early education will increase due to a recent state constitutional amendment that raises revenue for transportation and education through a tax on high-income earners.
Executive Director, Deb Fastino, said "CSJ is thrilled by the Senate’s passage of An Act to Expand Access to High-Quality, Affordable Early Education and Care. This legislation represents a substantial step toward implementing our full vision and tackling the ongoing multifaceted child care crisis."