The Just Group is a unique collection of thought leaders, influencers, and changemakers who are committed to working towards a more just world. This group is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences who all share a passion for social justice.
History and Formation
The Just Group first came together in 2017 in response to the growing social and political divides in many countries around the world. A group of concerned citizens recognized the need for more voices promoting unity, understanding and positive change. They believed that by bringing together respected leaders across sectors, they could amplify the message of justice and inspire action towards a better future.
The founders of The Just Group spent several months identifying and connecting with individuals who exemplified the values of empathy, integrity and moral courage. The criteria for joining centered on a person’s character and record of fighting injustice, not their political views or affiliations. The goal was to build a coalition of reasonable voices that could model productive dialogue and healing.
By early 2018, the group had grown to over 100 members. While diverse in every way, this collection of activists, artists, academics, journalists and more shared a commitment to justice based on human dignity. They pledged to use their platforms and talents to “speak up for the voiceless, build bridges of understanding, and work towards a world where all people can thrive.” This statement of purpose continues to guide The Just Group today.
Membership and Organization
Membership in The Just Group is by invitation only based on strict criteria. Candidates must demonstrate the following:
- A proven track record of working towards social justice and defying injustice
- Willingness to constructively engage with diverse perspectives
- Commitment to ethical and nonviolent approaches to change
- Belief in human dignity and universal human rights
- Courage and conviction to speak truth to power
Nominations for new members come from existing members and an advisory council. There is an extensive vetting process looking at a nominee’s background, achievements, and character. Membership is limited in order to cultivate a tight-knit community and maintain a consistent message.
The Just Group is run by a small leadership team made up of five elected members who each serve a 3-year term. They are supported by a staff of ten who coordinate member communications, events, campaigns and general operations. The team works from a donated office space in New York.
Members communicate through a private online platform as well as an annual in-person gathering. Smaller working groups focused on specific issues also collaborate year-round. Members volunteer their time and talent to the group’s projects and campaigns. The operating budget is funded through grants and donations from supporters.
Current Membership: 237
The Just Group is proud to have over 200 diverse and dedicated members spread across six continents. They represent many fields including:
Human rights activism | 35 members |
Academia & education | 42 members |
Law & criminal justice | 17 members |
Government & politics | 21 members |
Journalism & media | 43 members |
Business & economics | 16 members |
Religion & ministry | 19 members |
Art & culture | 28 members |
Community organizing | 12 members |
Youth activism | 4 members |
While members work in different contexts around the world, they are united through their belief in justice based on universal human dignity. They demonstrate how diverse perspectives can come together constructively for the common good.
Initiatives and Campaigns
From its start, The Just Group has launched initiatives and campaigns to pursue its vision of a just world. These efforts aim to increase public awareness, inspire grassroots action, and influence decision-makers. The group lends its credibility and networks to support proven approaches to transformative change.
Some major initiatives include:
Migration Is Beautiful
This campaign seeks to shift negative narratives about migrants and refugees by highlighting their humanity and courage. Through storytelling and advocacy, it calls for policies that uphold dignity while addressing complex challenges.
Democracy For All
This initiative promotes active civic participation and leadership development in underrepresented communities. It works to eliminate barriers to voting while building a diverse pipeline of qualified candidates.
Dignified Work
This effort calls for economic justice through worker protections, living wages, cooperative ownership models, and ethical sourcing practices. Resources help companies improve while challenging industry-wide exploitation.
Community Mediation
Proven models of community mediation are elevated as alternatives to traditional law enforcement and incarceration. Trainings help launch new programs in affected neighborhoods.
The Just Group is also vocal on current issues like mass incarceration, climate displacement, discrimination against women and girls, and the erosion of democratic norms. Members use their platforms to call attention to injustice while constructively engaging decision-makers and the public.
Impact and Reach
In just five years, The Just Group has become an important voice shaping narratives and approaches to social justice around the world. Some indicators of its growing impact include:
- Over 300 million social media impressions per month
- Regular coverage by major media outlets
- Consultations with 9 heads of state on policy reform
- Upsurge of 30% in giving to social justice causes
- Passage of 6 new laws aligned with its campaigns
- Reports downloaded over 500,000 times
- 2 million video views for its “What Is Justice?” series
The Just Group also tracks long-term cultural shifts that suggest its message is influencing hearts and minds. For example, surveys reveal a sharp increase in people prioritizing values like human dignity, inclusion, compassion and fairness. Leaders report greater public pressure to address systemic inequities. Grassroots social justice movements are also gaining momentum and political power.
While enormous work remains, The Just Group believes these trends indicate growing alignment between public attitudes and the vision of justice it promotes. By bringing together diverse, principled voices, it continues to play a critical role in this awakening.
Looking Ahead
As The Just Group enters its sixth year, it is focused on deepening its impact while expanding thoughtfully. Some goals for the future include:
Continued membership growth:
With over 1,000 qualified nominees awaiting review, the membership committee plans to increase total members to 300-350 over the next 2 years. This controlled growth allows for more diverse representation while maintaining group cohesion.
Increased South-based leadership:
To reduce geographic bias, new guidelines require at least 3 of the 5 leadership team members to be based in the global South. The advisory council will also add more Southern voices.
Issue-based collaborations:
Members will convene “Justice Labs” focused on specific justice issues like housing, healthcare or education access. These collaborative projects will drive innovative solutions.
Expanded storytelling and media:
Plans include a documentary series on Just Group members, a podcast, and a book profiling inspiring justice leaders worldwide.
Youth engagement strategy:
Realizing youth are pivotal to long-term change, a new taskforce will develop creative strategies to support and empower the next generation of justice advocates.
While the work ahead is great, The Just Group moves forward with passion, commitment and hope. Staying true to its founding values and members’ tireless efforts, it continues working towards a world where all human beings can flourish in dignity.
Conclusion
The Just Group represents an exciting evolution in social justice advocacy. By bringing together principled leaders from diverse backgrounds, it embodies the spirit of unity, empathy and moral courage needed to drive change. Members use their collective credibility, networks and talents to amplify a shared vision of a just world where all people can thrive.
Through ongoing campaigns, collaborations and bold initiatives, The Just Group gives voice to the voiceless and places human dignity at the center of policy and culture. Its impact continues to grow as its message resonates with more hearts and minds worldwide. By standing together in solidarity, this tenacious community models the power of moral conviction paired with wise advocacy.
Those longing for greater justice can draw hope from The Just Group’s bold example. When diverse people unite around shared values and constructive action, a better world comes closer within reach. Justice rooted in human dignity is always possible when voices of wisdom and integrity come together. The Just Group represents the power and promise of this sacred vision.