History
The Center for Economic and Social Justice was co-founded by Dr. Norman G. Kurland and Fr. William Ferree in 1984. The Center of Economic and Social Justice is an all volunteer think tank that is headquartered in Arlington Virginia. The center is currently lead by president Dr. Kurland. Dr. Kurland is a lawyer-economist and pioneer of employee stock ownership plans (ESOP's). He is the leading global advocate for "the Just Third Way". This new economic system transcends both capitalism and socialism by combining free markets with the democratization of economic power and capital ownership. He discovered a method of merging these individual systems in a way that complement each other in surprising mutually beneficial and inseparable way. Technology has changed the economic landscape. This makes the need for a system that allows for the democratization of ownership. This is why we are eager to cultivate our own system. One that would effectively intersect the expertise and respective interests of all involved. We believe that we can create a system that supports a win for one is a win for all. Our economy will thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship. What sets us apart is our passion and devotion to energize those around us to create a holistic solution to current economic disparity.
Get in touch
We at the Greater Hartford Center of Economic and Social Justice know that forging a new economic system that represents and benefits all is an idea who's time has come. Being a part of a revolutionary system is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer you the opportunity to come to meeting or event to walk you through your questions and concerns. The scope of our goals may appear to be enormous but together we can accomplish great things.
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Officers
Chairperson
Janet Andrews
Has been a leader and active member of many social justice organizations. She has been an active member and officer of her local union for the last decade. Her work at the State of Connecticut has garnered her acknowledgments and awards for productivity and efficiency. Janet has extensive experience in both small and large businesses as well as working for private and government institutions. She is currently serving her community as a member of the Greater Hartford Labor Council and active participant of several volunteer organizations.
Education
University of Connecticut
MBA, Finance, 2002
University of Connecticut
B.A., Sociology, 1997
Activities & Affiliations
• A&R State Employees Union, Second Vice President
• Greater Hartford Labor Council, Member-at-Large
• Civil Rights Activist
Certifications
• AFT Member Organizer, 2017
President
David MacDonald
David MacDonald serves as Executive Director of the Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association, the NRZ for Asylum Hill. He’s previously served as the Director of Quality and Contract Compliance at the anti-poverty agency New Opportunities, Inc. Prior to that he served as Director of Communications, Training and Support for the Connecticut Association For Community Action (CAFCA), the state association of Connecticut’s twelve Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Mr. MacDonald spearheaded the implementation of Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) systems in Connecticut CAAs. As a community leader Mr. MacDonald served 6 years on the Hartford Board of Education, including one year as its Chairperson, and served one 4-year term on the Hartford Court of Common Council. Prior to working for CAFCA, Mr. MacDonald was Co-Director of the Hartford Parent Network, the Director of the Hartford Children First Initiative, an early childhood and parent involvement effort, and a founding member of the Hartford Parent Network. Previously, he was self-employed as the owner in NovoMac Enterprises, a small-business computer consulting and desktop publishing firm.
Education
Trinity College
M.A., Public Policy Analysis, 2007
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
B.A., Political Science, 1984
Activities & Affiliations
• Outdoor Hartford, founder and President
Treasurer
Kristen Anderson
Born and raised in the Hartford area, Kristen has been an active member of multiple social justice and community outreach programs. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Kristen has volunteered her time to various food banks and shelters to help decrease food shortage and poverty related issues in Central and Eastern Connecticut. In addition to addressing basic human needs; Kristen has been named Commissioner of the state of Connecticut Martin Luther King Day Commission all while becoming appointed treasurer to the Greater Hartford Center for Economic and Social Justice, where she manages the charities budgets and implements accountability measures. As a mother and small business owner, Kristen is passionate about educating youth in urban communities and helping create entrepreneurial economic initiatives. Her dedication and compassion to promote positive change within her community has inspired, motivated and encouraged all who know her.
Education
Goodwin College
AS in Homeland Security
Secretary
Melinda Longtin
Melinda Longtin has several years of experience providing multi-disciplinary education and social work support to K-12 students in the foster care system as well as those with special needs. As an advocate for equal educational and economic opportunities for both children and adults, she volunteers for a variety of relevant organizations and also started Organizing Nonprofits for Effectiveness LLC (ONE). ONE is dedicated to eliminating barriers to development by providing affordable, comprehensive education, grant writing advisement, and community networking opportunities to nonprofit founders. In her spare time, Mrs. Longtin posts on inspirwing, her blog about the right to pursuit of happiness. In addition to inspirwing, Mrs. Longtin uses poetry to provide a voice for domestic violence survivors. Her previous publications include poems in literary magazines around the world as well as her collection, Metaphoria, which focuses on her own journey of surviving domestic violence.
Education
University of Southern California
Master of Social Work, 2021
Winthrop University
B.A., Theatre, 2015
Activities & Affiliations
inspirwing, Founder
Metaphoria, Author
National Association of Social Workers, Member
The Op-Ed Project, Member