Since 1963, the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) has worked to transform communities and end discrimination, oppression and injustice. CCEJ’s programs raise awareness, heal conflicts and bridge differences. CCEJ creates change both at the interpersonal level, by working with youth and adults to change hearts and minds, and at the systemic level, by advocating for policy shifts and structural change. CCEJ works in many contexts where differences and conflict exist and can be resolved—in schools, businesses and neighborhoods. By embracing differences and striving for understanding, CCEJ seeks to build a unified, peaceful and inclusive Southern California, with justice for all.

CCEJ was originally founded in 1927 as the National Conference for Christians and Jews (NCCJ) in New York. NCCJ’s national office expanded throughout the country, and in 1963 established an office in Long Beach. Grounded in interfaith dialogue, NCCJ’s work expanded to include dialogue between people from various cultural groups and identities, and the organization adopted the name the National Conference for Community and Justice in 1990.  In 2005, the NCCJ’s national office closed, and the Southern California regions established their own 501(c)3 organization—the California Conference for Equality and Justice—absorbing the Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego offices. Today, our human relations organization remains dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry, and racism through education, conflict resolution and advocacy. Our decades of experience give us a unique strength in activating change and helping to solve profound systemic problems.