Join Our Team
Membership Policy
Woodbury for Justice and Equality relies on the participation of our community members, including youth, to carry out our mission to learn about systemic inequalities and racial injustices in our community in order to seek solutions to change the status quo. Our Vision is to have a Woodbury where everyone has an equal opportunity and feels welcomed. We welcome anyone committed to this cause.
Our Policy:
We operate with integrity and with the safety of all members in mind. Membership to the group is free-will and we do not collect any membership dues.
Our meetings are usually monthly and are held in public places such as the community rooms at Jerry's Food, the RH Stafford Library in Central Park, or at a park in Stonemill Farms. They generally run 1-2 hours in length.
All members under the age of 18 must have completed a Permission Form for Minors on file to ensure all parents and guardians understand our mission and expectations and support their student’s participation. There will always be at least two adults meeting with anyone under the age of 18 and we will meet only in public spaces. All minors must find their own transportation to and from meetings and events. No adult group members will transport minors. When meetings conclude, everyone leaves and no group member will be responsible for waiting with those who have yet to be picked up, so please make arrangements accordingly.
We welcome member participation for as long as members can offer. Anyone can leave or rejoin at any time. We are grateful for all those who volunteer in any capacity.
Group Officers
Founder and President: Walter Dobgima
In May of 2020, as marches and protests erupted around the Twin Cities in response to the killing of George Floyd, Woodbury resident, Walter Dobgima, turned to his neighbors for support. “As a Black man, I felt like if there was ever a time to speak up and create awareness on racism, [it was] now.” His work began with a post on the NextDoor social networking site, asking members to stand in solidarity with their Black and Brown neighbors. After the initial Memorial March for George Floyd in June, a few organizers decided to establish a more permanent presence in the community as a nonprofit organization under the name Woodbury for Justice and Equality (“W4J&E”). Walter was chosen as President.
Treasurer: Patricia Joyce
Pat was one of the organizing volunteers at the march and immediately signed on as an officer for the newly formed organization. She was chosen as Treasurer and was instrumental in finding funding through the Woodbury Foundation Grant.
Secretary: EB Johnson
EB has volunteered to join the core team and help with keeping minutes at our monthly meetings. EB has been on the Education Committee since Fall 2021 and currently works in ISD 833. Her thoughtful perspective and professional experiences have already been shaping our work.
Educational Resource Coordinators: Ivy Miller
Ivy's dedication to education and connections with ISD 833 have been helpful in pursuing our group's educational goals. She currently works for the VA.
Social Media Coordinator: TBD
We are looking for a dedicated Social Media Coordinator who would be willing to regularly update our Nextdoor group, Instagram and Facebook page.
Community Outreach Coordinators: Dr. Ivo Ditah & Katie Hockert
Dr. Ivo has been a long time friend of Walter's and was one of the first to support his efforts to organize a group in Woodbury. Katie also helped to organize the June 2020 George Floyd Memorial March. She then stayed on to serve in the newly formed W4J&E. Dr. Ivo and Katie work together as co-outreach coordinators. They conducted and analyzed the initial group survey to give this group direction in their work for the first year and continue to offer ways to engage the community in the years since.
Strategic Planning Coordinator: Amar Bains
Amar's drive for social justice and change makes him perfect for big picture strategic planning for our group. He brings great ideas and has already taken the lead on a couple projects.