The Center for Social Justice emphasizes multi-issue movement-building through collaboration with and support of progressive movements working for social justice. CSJ is an extension of CSJ staff and Board of Director’s combined social justice work over the last 20 years. The Board of Directors and Advisors includes leaders from various communities and movements in the Seattle area. CSJ current focuses are criminal justice reform, poverty and housing issues, and global justice efforts.

Criminal Justice Reform

The Center for Social Justice works towards change in the criminal justice system through legislative advocacy, coalition building, and legal strategy. CSJ has implemented three forums concerning the criminal justice system and works with several local and national community organizations and government entities for reform in the criminal justice and prison system. CSJ areas of interest include a No More Prisons campaign, race and class disparity issues, the drug war and sentencing reform, three strikes law reform, and juvenile justice.

Movement Building

The Center for Social Justice values connecting regional and international issues to foster more just and sustainable practices in areas of independent media, corporate accountability, education, criminal justice, youth empowerment, homelessness and poverty, and other movements that are happening around the world for economic, political, legal, and social change. CSJ staff and members of the Board of Directors have traveled to Porto Alegre for the World Social Forums in 2002, 2003, & 2005. CSJ is on the planning committee and acts as a fiscal agent for the Northwest Social Forum, CSJ is a member of the planning committee for the United States Social Forum planned for 2006.

Poverty and Homelessness

The Center for Social Justice works to reduce poverty in our communities by supporting people- centered organizing, systemic change, educational and cultural events, and legal strategy. CSJ was integral to the shaping of alternative housing projects in Seattle such as Tent City through the work of the Legal Director, Robert Siegel. CSJ also works collaboratively with Real Change and other local organizations involved in homelessness and poverty issues.

Legislative Toolkit

The Center for Social Justice supports civic engagement and democratic participation by providing current and relevant information on public policy issues. CSJ 's Legislative Toolkit facilitates and improves access to the public policy process by maintaining a list of resources for education and action. This project is under construction. Input is welcomed.