Social Justice Fund

The Agriculture Union Social Justice Fund (SJF) was approved at our union’s 2008 Triennial National Convention and officially launched in January 2009.

The official logo of our Social Justice Fund is seen to the right.  It was designed in 2009 by Wendy Hooisma, a graphic artist whose spouse James is a member of Local 16 in London, Ontario. Wendy's entry was the winner in a membership-wide contest seeking logo designs that represented the outreach and global vision that are at the heart of our SJF. Click HERE to view information on projects supported by our Social Justice Fund .

Goals

In keeping with the labour movement’s historic and continued commitment to social and economic justice, the Agriculture Union Social Justice Fund is dedicated to building capacity in our communities and around the globe for people to participate and flourish fully in their daily lives.

Subject to review every three years, the SJF will support projects aimed at providing:
          • access to affordable, safe food supplies;
          • marketing opportunities for agricultural products;
          • safe working conditions;
          • access to quality education; and
          • anti-poverty initiatives.

Operation

The Agriculture Union Social Justice Fund is governed by the National Executive and is fully transparent. A special Committee administers the SJF and approves specific projects and programs proposed by Agriculture Union members within the parameters approved by the Executive.

Members of this vetting Committee are drawn from both the National Executive and the National Council. Its current members are: Debbie Forsythe; Raphaël Tarasco, Sam Barlin, Brenda Baergen and Larry Budge (staff).

The Agriculture Union Social Justice Fund entertains requests for funding in three distinct project categories:

One-Time Funding - This funding will be approved to meet a specific need or purpose. On- time funding requests may be considered for projects or organizations outside of the five mandates (e.g. disaster relief).

Short-Term Projects - Proposals will be considered for funding specific projects or organizations by providing funding for a period up to one year. Proposals for short-term projects must meet at least one of the mandates of the AUSJF.

Long Term Projects - Proposals will be considered for funding specific projects or organizations by providing funding for a specified number of years. Proposals for long term projects must meet at least one of the mandates of the AUSJF.

Application for Funding

Applications may only be made by members in good standing of the Agriculture Union.

An application form for project support, as well as additional information on the Agriculture Union's Social Justice Fund, may be downloaded HERE.