Join us at the 2025 Annual Members Meeting to launch a new Strategic Plan that will shape the trajectory of Metro Justice for the next several years. We’ll form what will become ongoing working groups for each aspect of the Strategic Plan, begin debating key questions, hear reports from our campaigns, approve a 2025 budget, and elect a new Metro Justice Council. 

Over the past 60 years, Metro Justice has been an integral part of the struggle for racial justice in Rochester and Monroe County. Locally, amidst the race rebellion of the 1960’s, we stood with FIGHT in the struggle for Kodak to hire black workers into good paying jobs. Metro Justice also never ignored global issues of dignity and self determination. We demonstrated in solidarity with anti war efforts against the Gulf War, as well as the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, from white supremacy, to wealth inequality, to corporate greed; the forces of oppression remain the same. As the tactics of the powerful evolve, so must our methods and strategy.

That’s why at our 2025 Annual Meeting, we will launch the process to create a new strategic plan. Rochester for Energy Democracy will advance how we approach the power structures that exacerbate energy costs and climate change. The Elder Justice Committee will level up how we fight for quality care for our elders. Passing the New York Health Act will recognize healthcare as a human right. This will mean looking inward at our own processes while examining the current political moment around us. 

This is about you, the Metro Justice member reading this right now! You could be the next movement leader. How can we equip you with the institutional knowledge that is alive in this movement? What political knowledge can we give to newly engaged members on combating the rich and under taxed? The strategic plan will answer these questions.

Furthermore, our membership is great, but it is not our only strength as an organization. Metro Justice has deep roots in this community. The strategic plan will direct how we connect with local allies and coalition partners and ask, “are there statewide or national initiatives we can align our efforts with?” Many hands make light work and many voices can amplify our message.

And of course we cannot forget the infrastructure that connects all of these pieces. Fundraising is how we keep the lights on in the office and our hard working staff and organizers under the roof. What role can the membership play in maintaining funds without losing our independence? Growing the membership and applying for grants has sustained us for decades. A New Strategic Plan will help us bring the fight to the wealthy for years to come.

2024 is almost over but the fight continues. Even following the victory of Fight for $15, in which Metro Justice played a large part, raising pay to a livable wage in New York State is an ongoing struggle. We feel comfortable speaking on behalf of the Council that there is no group of people we would rather be in this fight with. We look forward to breaking bread again at our upcoming annual meeting. Coffee and lunch will be provided.

As a reminder: only members of Metro Justice in good standing can vote at this meeting. You can join or renew your membership online today, or bring your dues to renew at the door. Membership begins at either $5/month or $60/year. Please contact Cassie Wisniewski at 585-397-3535 or [email protected] with any problems or questions.

WHEN: January 25th, 2025. 11 AM - 4 PM. Doors open at 11 AM for coffee and a light lunch. Agenda begins at 12 PM.

WHERE: Workers United Union Hall, 750 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607.

RSVP below!