The recent political season has left many disheartened and in need of encouragement. Meanwhile, others are ready for action but unsure what steps to take next. Cue the Central Oregon Social Justice Center, a great resource for taking steps toward a better future and protecting civil liberties. Its weekly newsletter offers some informative meetings and […]
Central Oregon Social Justice Center
Posted inOpinion
More Than A Minimum Debate Needed
Over the past year, Wal-Mart has been a microcosm of the debate about minimum wage. Well, as the country’s largest private employer with some 1.2 million workers, not so much a microcosm, but a massive case-study. A year ago, the retail giant was busted for sending its managers talking points to refute the benefits of […]
Posted inNews
Making Ends Meet
Fair Shot Oregon calls for higher wages and more sick days
Blanca Meliton and her husband want to start a family. But it’s just not financially feasible. The 25-year-old college grad makes $10 an hour as a homecare aid for hospice patients, and her husband makes minimum wage—$9.25 an hour—as a line cook for a Chinese restaurant. And even if they could pinch enough pennies to […]
Posted inNews
A Voice for Central Oregon
Labor representative Yaju Dharmarajah joins Oregon Civil Rights Council
Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian last week announced the appointment of Bend’s own Yaju Dharmarajah to the Oregon Council on Civil Rights. Dharmarajah is a Sri Lankan immigrant and staff representative with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 75 in Bend, as well as the co-founder of the Central Oregon Social […]
Posted inNews
Social Justice Center Plans Ferguson Solidarity Vigil
The Central Oregon Social Justice Center will hold a vigil in solidarity with Ferguson, Mo., at 4 pm Friday at the corner of Wall Street and Newport Avenue (the “Peace Corner”). In an email to members and supporters, SJC Coordinator Bruce Morris said that the timing of the protest happening across the country in response […]