EPEC’s Position on Social Justice

The Environmental and Peace Education Center (EPEC) believes a variety of social justice issues are critical to our mission in Southwest Florida. Equal opportunity, labor rights, immigration, gender equity, and acceptance of all walks of life are a few of the topics EPEC endeavors to address. We believe everyone born must be given a fair and equal chance for education, employment, and acceptance into society regardless of race, heritage, religion, sexual orientation, or any other differentiation. Our commitment to conflict resolution is geared toward promoting understanding amongst all peoples, and ending ignorance, fear and hate. EPEC recognizes the local area’s segregationist past and wants to help lift and empower disenfranchised communities within Southwest Florida. EPEC keeps a close eye on the issues involving nearby farm workers, many of whom have been the victims of slavery, indentured servitude, and a host of other atrocities. EPEC advocates a workable solution to problems regarding immigration that acknowledges and fulfills the human rights of all in the community, and condemns the exploitation of migrant and displaced workers for cheap labor. EPEC is concerned by the erosion of workers’ rights and living wages in virtually every industry, and supports the development of green jobs as sustainable economic infrastructure. The goal of EPEC is to make our home a better place for all, and we invite everyone to be a part of that effort.