We live in the heart of hotly contested territory. Whether we’re talking about our neighbors without homes, reproductive rights, or the ballot measure for the new jail, our Spokane region is in struggle over who belongs, who’s seen as worthy, who’s seen as dangerous, and who’s seen to deserve safety and personhood. And it’s not just local: The United States has been rocked by threats to democracy itself, and white nationalism, neo-fascism, and antidemocratic movements are on the rise around the world. The challenges we face in our region are a microcosm of the challenges we face as a country and world community. Under the surface, most of these conflicts are rooted in racism and economic injustice. The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane has been organizing for racial and economic justice in many forms for almost 50 years. PJALS Executive Director Liz Moore will share reflections, key learnings, and strategies, both personal and organizational, as well as invitations and ideas for moving forward together for racial and economic justice.

Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane’s Executive Director Liz Moore (she/her) began her activism in PJALS’ youth group as a Deer Park high school student after looking up “peace” in the phone book. She worked as an organizer and educator in unions and community groups on issues including marriage equality, racial justice, and worker rights before returning to the organization that helped shape and define her work as a young activist. She is passionate about grassroots leadership development and supporting youth as leaders. In all that she does, Liz holds fast to the belief that everyday people have the power to build a just and nonviolent world.