Extreme Wealth Inequality
Our Most Recent Series: Recordings Now Available
The wealth gap between the "have nots" and the "haves too much" has been widening at an alarming pace over recent decades. The domination of concentrated wealth overpowers and distorts our political and economic systems. Because too many experience low wages, lack of affordable housing, lack of access to healthcare, and barriers to political representation, our current reality is unbearable, unsustainable, and in urgent need of correction. Our recent three session series sought to learn more about how and why this reality exists and what can be done about it.
Session One: A Moral and Ethical Problem
"Plutocracy plus Patrimonialism:
A Dangerous Combination for Social Justice and Democracy ​"
Dr. Jim Bohland
Retired Emeritus Professor, School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech ​
Session Two: Taxation as a Tool for Justice
Our national and state tax systems favor the ultra-wealthy, leaving working people and families struggling to afford basic needs like health care, education, and housing. But it doesn't have to be this way. Learn about tangible ways for making Virginia's tax code more equitable.
Emily Moore
Senior Policy Analyst, Voices for Virginia's Children
Megan Davis
Senior Policy Analyst Tax and Budget, the Commonwealth Institute
​Session Three: Democracy for Sale
While working families struggle with rising costs and stagnant wages, billionaires funnel dark money into elections, weaken regulations, and carve out tax loopholes that allow them to accumulate even more wealth. This isn't just an economic issue – it's a crisis of democracy. How did we get here and what can we do to fight back?
Nancy Morgan
Coordinator, BigMoneyOutVA
Professional economist with a background in campaign finance reform
"Lament, Reflect, Act: An Interfaith Election Response"
A JA event from Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024
What now? No seriously, what now?
We just lived through an election that left some celebrating and others devastated.
How do those of us that are suffering recover?
How do we deal with our fear and uncertainty?
How do we interact with those folks with whom we disagree?
What do we do now?
Dr. David Jones, Williams Memorial Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA
Rabbi Kathy Cohen, Temple Emmanuel, Roanoke, VA
The Honorable Sam Rasoul, Delegate 38th District
Jim Borling, Heart of the Blue Ridge Sangha, Buddhist
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Moderator: Rev. Jon Greene, Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern VA
Quick Links
Recordings of all JA events (when available) can be accessed through the Advocates in Action tab for each year
(located on the header bar above) .
We welcomed Rev. Noel Andersen from Church World Service, Rabbi Kathy Cohen of Temple Emanuel, and Elizabeth Schmelzel (immigration attorney) from the Legal Aid Justice Center. Conversation focused on the how to respond compassionately to current mass deportation efforts. The recording includes a significant question and answer period with guidance and insight proved by attorney Schmelzel. Click on the image for a link to the recording.
Statement Opposing Christian Nationalism
Resources for Further Study
Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism's Unholy War on Democracy (2024) is an excellent resource for understanding the historical and political background of this movement that will survive any election cycle. Information and the film's trailer can be found here. For a viewer's guide to this documentary, click here. A resource listing can be found here. The film can be viewed on multiple screening platforms.
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Mission Statement
To change lives by:
-Listening to, and hearing, the concerns of the marginalized;
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-Raising community awareness for inclusion and equity in our institutions;
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-Creating opportunities to engage in advocacy for change;
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-Offering ourselves and our resources in the cause of justice.
