February 20, 2022 by Clarissa Ayala
February 20th is World Day of Social Justice 2022 – Achieving Social Justice Through Formal Employment
World Day of Social Justice is an international day that recognizes the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, environmental justice, and social protections.
The 2022 theme is Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment. The focus is on the formalization of employment to reduce poverty and inequality.
More than 60 percent of the world’s employed population, 2 billion women, men, and youth, earn their livelihoods in the informal economy. What is the informal economy? Some call it the gig economy. It can include doing odd jobs or providing services for which you are paid in cash. Examples include home renovations, car repairs, baking, and more.
The COVID-19 Pandemic put a spotlight on the vulnerability of gig workers. They often lack social protections and employment benefits, and are twice as likely to be poor compared to formally paid workers.
Most people enter the informal economy not by choice, but due to lack of opportunities in the formal economy.
We work to tackle poverty by helping low-income Texans find the right incentive programs and eliminate obstacles to holistically improve their lives. Our Civil Matters in Criminal Justice Project can help clear or seal criminal conviction records for those eligible under Texas Law.
“You get used to hearing no, or don’t even try to apply there, because they’re not going to hire you,” recalled Susan Freeman, a former client of ours. Susan was able to get a dismissed case cleared from her record, and subsequently, a much better job.
Catch the February 11, 2022 episode of Friday Law Talk with Mariah Gorom and Fallon Hamilton of our Civil Matters in Criminal Justice Project below. They were joined by Sarah Mae Jennings of Texas Fair Defense Project to discuss record clearing options in Texas, including expunction and non-disclosures, and the types of situations that Texans face that may make them eligible for such options. This presentation is intended to serve as legal information and does not replace legal advice.
If you or someone you know needs legal help, you can apply by visiting https://www.lonestarlegal.org or calling 1-800-733-8394.
Lone Star Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations. Lone Star Legal Aid serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines that reside in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties of Southwest Arkansas. Lone Star Legal Aid focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety and stability, health and well‐being; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, or who are elderly, homeless, or have limited English language skills. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at https://www.lonestarlegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
