ABOUT EPISCOPAL ORGANIZING
The Episcopal Organizing team works with Episcopal communities, both parishes and individuals, on campaigns within the state of MA to shrink the racial wealth gap. We invite you to join us in this work which we categorize into three core areas:
State Level Policy
ECM expects to be a contributor to at least one state policy campaign each legislative session, following the priorities of BIPOC-led community organizations that are seeking to shrink the racial wealth gap. Policy work can take the form of ECM members directly lobbying representatives, ballot initiative campaigns, or public pressure campaigns for changes in policy and practices controlled by state executive offices (such as Health & Human Services and Housing & Economic Development).
Reparations
Reparations refers to making amends for wrongdoing. In the context of the United States, reparations would entail compensation for descendants of enslaved people and Native Americans, and structural changes to prevent further harm. The Movement for Black Lives & the United Nations’ definition of reparations requires that five conditions be met: cessation and guarantees of non-repetition; restitution; compensation; satisfaction; and rehabilitation. An apology and acknowledgement of wrongdoing, as well as taking action to prevent future harms, are as essential as compensation.
Solidarity Economy
There is a solidarity economy movement in MA emerging from the aspirations of lower income communities of color to transform economy, as we know it, into a world rooted in values of democracy, justice, and sustainability Solidarity economy involves both using purchasing power to support BIPOC-owned businesses, and moving assets such as endowments into investments that benefit the community and create capital for people of color who typically face extra barriers to accessing loans for starting businesses or owning property.
