About

Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler, Director and Chief Visionary, Faith Strategies, LLC

ABOUT US

Our Beginnings

Reverend Graylan Scott Hagler initiated Faith Strategies in 2005 to organize, politicize and articulate to the Washington, DC and the larger communities of the United States issues that are of paramount importance to racial and economic justice. He has been engaged in political ministry and organizing for more than 40 years, building an extensive network of associates and advocates to effectively address the many and various issues we face in our society. Rev. Hagler was educated in Baltimore Public Schools, Hampton Institute (University), Oberlin College, and the Chicago Theological Seminary. Rev. Hagler brings this tremendous experience and insight to the political work and the organizing.

Our Editorial Blog

CAMPAIGNS

Our Campaigns

One of the most fierce struggles was to rid Washington, DC of payday lenders, short term lenders that preyed upon the poorest and most vulnerable in the community. Another noteworthy legislative endeavor championed by Faith Strategies was the Large Retailer Accountability Act. This initiative aimed to hold large corporations accountable by ensuring they shared their profits with workers through increased wages. While the measure passed the DC Council, it ultimately lacked the votes needed to withstand a mayoral veto. However, its failure prompted DC officials to raise the minimum wage as a form of political compensation.

Additionally, initiatives like Initiative 77 sought to address national issues such as the implementation of One Fair Wage. This initiative targeted the disparity in minimum wage rates for restaurant employees compared to other industries, which was perceived as discriminatory and prone to exploitation. Advocates for One Fair Wage argued that implementing a unified wage system would reduce opportunities for abuse and discrimination while providing greater stability for industry workers.

Despite being approved by voters, Initiative 77 faced opposition from the DC Council, leading to a political showdown over the council’s decision to override the initiative. Save Our Vote spearheaded a massive campaign to gather 25,000 signatures from registered voters in under 30 days to force a referendum on the ballot. Although enough signatures were obtained, legal challenges from the powerful restaurant industry thwarted the referendum, undermining the voice of the electorate and preventing it from being included on the ballot.

unnamed (1) (1) — Rev. Hagler with Danny Glover, Actor, drawing attention to the low wages for airport workers.

unnamed — Clergy Preparing for Interfaith Rally for Social/Racial Justice

These issues and the many others illustrate the continual struggle between the powerful and the worker, the rich and the poor, the well-connected and workers. It points out the need for a collective like Faith Strategies that is attuned and rooted in the faith communities and able to articulate and position issues theologically and ethically that make sense to people of faith. Our work around public education, healthcare, a living wage, and working with people trying to form collective bargaining units all point to this colossal struggle between rich and poor and Faith Strategies stands with the most vulnerable of the society trying to advance the cause of equality and dignity.

Our Current Campaigns

PURPOSE

Our Organization

Faith Strategies, LLC is equipped to advance justice issues, influence the larger community, and position decisionmakers to embrace the causes and issues that will ameliorate the lives and working conditions of the working poor, the poor and the most vulnerable in our society. Towards this end Faith Strategies, LLC is structured to include clergy from various movements and faith traditions with skills applicable for the task. Faith Strategies, LLC consists of Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others of varied faith traditions. This collective of clergy have deep experiences in swaying public opinion, community organizing, communications, and the utilization of connections to engage and educate the larger faith community and the community as a whole.