Search

MLRI carries out strategic advocacy that promotes economic, racial, and social justice in Massachusetts. As a law reform center, MLRI’s focus is on systems change and high impact advocacy that addresses widespread problems and institutional inequities that affect low income people and communities.

The tools that MLRI’s advocates use to achieve impact include:

  • Impact Litigation: We initiate class action and other impact litigation that will significantly benefit low income people
  • Legislative and Budget Advocacy: We engage in legislative and budget advocacy focused on: a) protecting and increasing funding for identified items of importance to low income people; and b) defeating legislative and budget proposals that harm low income and vulnerable people
  • Administrative Advocacy: We engage in advocacy with state and federal agencies to: a) improve policies that affect low income and vulnerable people; and b) defend against policies that are unfair, illegal, discriminatory, and/or otherwise potentially harmful to low income and vulnerable people.
  • Coalition Building: We collaborate with legal aid organizations, community organizations, service providers, and other allies to achieve common goals and outcomes.
  • Community Lawyering: We work with local legal services programs and community based organizations to develop strategies, train advocates and community members to address needs identified by the community
  • Information & Outreach: Engage in activities to inform policymakers, the general public, and key stakeholders about issues affecting low income people