This conference was not intended to be a workshop on social justice, but rather an experience that would move those who are unaware to awareness, those who are aware to engagement, and those who are engaged to action.
The objectives of the Conference were:
Community: Gain wisdom from colleagues
Clarity: Develop clarity about social justice and the impact one person can have
Vision: Create a sense of "what could be" if all members of a society, regardless of background, had basic human rights and equal access to public resources
Voice: Commit to personal leadership
Celebration: Recognize and celebrate the achievements that have been made
The presenters (Sages and Speakers) spoke to four themes of the conference, also used for audience discussion::
- The many dimensions and expressions of social justice
- The voice of the individual
- The collective power of the group
- The ability to recognize - and seize - moments that are ripe for change
The questions for participant reflection were: How have world-renowned leaders and "those who walk among us" tackled social justice issues? What can I do to advance social justice in my own environment, capitalizing on my own gifts and networks?
Written feedback from attendees expressed the strong sentiment that the goals of the conference had been accomplished.