5 Organizations Working Toward Economic Justice

From centers fighting on behalf of the economic health of historically marginalized individuals, to those expanding the rights of working families, many groups are dedicated to improving the system for all people. In no particular order, here are some organizations ensuring economic equity across the nation.

Starting off our list at #1, the Economic Roundtable is a non-profit research organization dedicated to analyzing economic, social, and environmental conditions. Based in Los Angeles, California, it has provided constructive policy research assistance to public sector agencies since 1991. The organization compiles and communicates data on demographics, housing, economy, and the environment in order to inform public policies.

The Economic Roundtable purports that its evidence-based research is honest, reliable, and transparent. According to the group, all initiatives are intended to strengthen the health and sustainability of surrounding communities. Projects include in-depth studies of homelessness and its causes, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and minimum wage research.

Coming in at #2, Jobs to Move America is a strategic policy center that works to transform public spending and corporate behavior using a comprehensive approach that is rooted in racial and economic justice, as well as community organizing. The Los Angeles-based organization works to advance a fair and prosperous economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all. Through research, policy advocacy, and public engagement, it fights for equitable benefits from common resources.

The organization's campaigns advocate for policies on the local, state, and national levels, with a focus on the workforce, quality of life, and racial and gender equality. U.S. Employment Plan, the organization's signature equity policy tool, has been adopted by cities and states across the country. Meanwhile, the group's Transparency and Sunshine platform is intended to give the public greater oversight on taxpayer-funded company subsidies.

At #3 is the Legal Aid Justice Center. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, it partners with communities and clients to achieve justice by dismantling systems that create and perpetuate poverty. Addressing inequalities on the basis of race, education, and immigration status, the Center represents each field to combat economic hardship and disparity.

The Center's Economic Justice Program provides information and assistance to low-income individuals and families in Central Virginia who face legal dilemmas related to housing, public benefits, employment, healthcare, consumer protection, and elderly rights. In addition, the program conducts outreach and provides education to both community members and social service workers, in order to increase community capacity for solving problems.

Entering the list at #4, A Better Balance's mission is to promote equality and expand choices for men and women at all income levels, enabling individuals to care for a family without sacrificing economic security. Employing a range of legal strategies, the organization promotes flexible workplace policies and strives to end discrimination against caregivers. Chief causes include paid sick leave, family leave, pregnant worker fairness, and pay equity.

Working alongside legislators and advocates across the nation, ABB researches, drafts, and testifies in support of bills that promote the progressive cause. In tandem with its efforts toward a hospitable workplace for caregivers, the New York City organization promotes reducing the wage gap between men and women with family responsibilities, encouraging men to take on a greater share of care work.

Lastly, at #5 is the Center for Responsible Lending. The nationwide organization works to expose dishonest and harmful practices, while ensuring a fair, inclusive financial marketplace that creates opportunities for all credit-worthy borrowers, regardless of income. CRL's work focuses on those who may be marginalized or under-served by the existing system, as well as those who are targeted by deceptive tactics.

CRL claims that its strategy to curb predatory lending informed the creation of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Center's work focuses on economic distress caused by payday and car title loans, on increasing home ownership among people of color and low-to-moderate income families, and on student loan reform. CRL's network spans state and national levels, and includes grassroots groups, consumer and civil rights organizations, and like-minded financial institutions.