Social Justice Symposium explores opportunities for action

Students from the UGA School of Social Work at the 2019 Athens Social Justice Symposium. Photo: Alonte Lee, University of Georgia

Students from the UGA School of Social Work at the 2019 Athens Social Justice Symposium. Photo: Alonte Lee, University of Georgia

Representatives of seventeen organizations will discuss ways to improve the quality of life for vulnerable residents of Athens-Clarke County at the Athens Social Justice Symposium on Jan. 25. The annual event, which brings members of the community together, is organized by graduate students of the University of Georgia School of Social Work.

“The Athens Social Justice Symposium is critical to the Athens-Clarke County community because it creates a space for people to expand their definition of social justice,” said Daniel McCrary, a social work graduate student who helped to coordinate the event. “This is especially important in a city where so many needs and strengths are present. Moving from thought to action, the Symposium joins with community advocates to equip attendees with information to effect positive change.”

This year’s topics include money management, disability empowerment, community displacement, mental health and immigration law, among others. LaKeisha Gantt, president of the Clarke County Board of Education, will give the keynote address. The event will also feature presentation of the June Gary Hopps Bridge Award, which recognizes the efforts of a local individual or group in support of human rights.

The symposium, which is open to the public, takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, 780 Timothy Road. Attendance is free, thanks to sponsorship by the University of Georgia’s Center for Social Justice, Human and Civil Rights, the School of Social Work, Office of Sustainability, Office of Multicultural Services and Programs, and the Georgia United Credit Union.

For more information or to register to attend, visit https://www.sjsathens.org/.


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