BANGOR – The Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine has been awarded $2,300 by RESIST, Inc. for its work supporting individuals and groups concerned with peace, social justice and environmental issues in the area.

According steering committee member Kevin Holmes, the grant comes at an important time.

“Since Sept. 11, our limited resources have been stretched in order to make sure voices for peaceful justice continue to be heard in our community,” Holmes said.

“We have helped to coordinate gathering signatures on petitions, discussions, teach-ins, rallies and weekly peace vigils. The grant from RESIST will help us to continue the education and outreach as well as to support the regular programs and resources of the Center,” he added.

The Center is continuing weekly vigils from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Federal Building in Bangor, and is co-sponsoring a forum on “Real Security” with the Maine Peace Action Committee 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Neville Hall at the University of Maine in Orono.

RESIST began in l967 with a “call to resist illegitimate authority” in support of draft resistance and in opposition to the Vietnam war.

RESIST has continued to fund movements for social justice. Over the years, RESIST has evolved into a national foundation providing small funding for grassroots peace and social justice groups. RESIST gives grants and loans of up to $3,000.

In fiscal year 2000, RESIST gave nearly $250,000 to 135 organizations across the country. For more information about RESIST’s grant-making guidelines, contact Robin Carton, Grants Manager, RESIST, Inc., 259 Elm Street, Somerville, Mass. 02144, or call (617) 623-5110.

“Each year, RESIST funds groups like the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine because our mission is to support people who take a stand about the issues that matter today – whether it’s to resist corporate globalization, promote a woman’s right to choose, or develop activist leaders,” said board chairman Jorge Rogachevsky.