Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle Makes First Grant

posted by Jan Hoffberger

April 21, 2007

Inspired by heroic actions of a single woman to stand up against drug trafficking in her neighborhood, the Weinberg Fellows’ Giving Circle has made its first ever grant. In December 2006, the Giving Circle awarded $500 to the Public Justice Center in support of the Tenant Advocacy Center. The Weinberg Fellows created their Giving Circle as a grass roots effort to make meaningful contributions to organizations in need.

The Public Justice Center (PJC) seeks to enforce and expand the rights of people who are denied justice because of their economic status or discrimination. PJC knows that sympathy is not enough to change poverty or injustice. They know that it is necessary to confront the institutions, laws, practices and attitudes that cause poverty and discrimination. This means PJC looks for cases that are likely to change the legal and social systems that cause injustice or permit injustice to prevail. PJC seeks cases that produce just and enduring results—not just for the individuals who bring the case, but also for the class of people affected by the problem.

Several key principles inform the work of PJC: dedicated, long-term advocacy; collaboration with organization of poor people and advocates; and flexible, coordinated strategies. The PJC uses all of the tools in the lawyers’ tool box including legislative and policy advocacy; public and client education; individual, class action and appellate litigation. Each strategy advances the PJC mission of pursuing systemic change to build a more just society.

The Weinberg Fellows’ Giving Circle was established to support the work of nonprofits serving disadvantaged and under-served communities within Baltimore City and the surrounding area. Anyone may donate to the Giving Circle. Membership is open to those who have successfully completed the Weinberg Fellows program.

Fellows Featured in this story