Have you ever wondered what or who defines social justice and/or what a social justice issue looks like?  Do you ever question the media or wonder what goes on in our world? Do you need an educational opportunity to increase your awareness and prompt you to be a social justice change agent?  Please join us this year for the Social Justice Dinner Dialogue Series (SJDD)! The SJDD series is a collaborative program whose purpose is to provide safe spaces for dialogue about topics regarding the intersections of identity, as well as, local and national social justice issues.

2012-2013 Social Justice Dinner Dialogue Series Events 

Join us for a free dinner and to have a conversation on social justice issues on the following dates: 

• Wednesday September 19, 2012 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lake Shore Campus in Regis Multipurpose Room Julie LeBlanc, Graduate Assistant for Learning Communities & Amy Derringer, Graduate Assistant for the School of Education present: Identity, Stories, and Values: How to Frame Effective Social Justice Education

Participants will develop an understanding of their identities, stories, and values as part of their social justice education journey. They will explore the multiple definitions of social justice, diversity, and leadership for positive change to understand the complex nature of these topics. Presenters will use identities, stories, and values as a foundation to gain knowledge about these topics, move toward a place of allyship, and translate that knowledge into action.

• Wednesday October 17, 2012 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lake Shore Campus in Regis Multipurpose Room Domonic Rollins, Assistant Dean of Students at DePaul University presents: LGBTQ Heritage Month: Do You Want to be my Ally

Students and professionals sometimes forget that artful or cultural experiences can inspire their own development. This session uses spoken word, a rhythmic production of prose that encourages listeners to carefully reflect, to address allyship. “You Want to Be My Ally” breaks boundaries by contending with the difficult work and process of becoming an ally. This original piece paired with written reflection and guided discussion will offer participants perspective and insight on developing ally skills (i.e. advocacy, confrontation, empathy).

• Wednesday November 7, 2012 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lake Shore Campus in Regis Multipurpose Room Janie Sacco, Assistant Resident Director of South Side Kenmore Apartments & Kathryn Accetturo Loyola Undergraduate and Best Buddies Volunteer present:  DisAbility Awareness Week: Seeing the Abilities in DisAbilities

Join us to learn more about the different adversities that Buddy Ambassador Otis Brown from the Illinois Best Buddies office had to face while growing up with a disability on the west side of Chicago.  Come listen to how he has overcome bullying, violence, and difficulties within the schooling system and also how being involved with Best Buddies has changed his life because they focused on his abilities rather than his disability. 

• Wednesday January 23, 2013 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lewis Towers at Water Tower Campus, Regents Hall (16^th floor) Rachel Pitt & Aaron Hosek, graduate students and part of the Loyola Association of School Psychologists present: Supporting Homeless Families and Unaccompanied Youth

The McKinney-Vento Act entitles homeless families and unaccompanied youth to certain rights in order to promote academic stability. However, in addition to procedural barriers, families and youth may be unaware of their rights under McKinney-Vento, thus disempowering an already marginalized population. For school professionals it is important to use the McKinney-Vento act not only to support homeless families and unaccompanied youth, but also to promote self-advocacy and empowerment. Please join us to explore how you too can do this.

• Wednesday February 20, 2013 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lake Shore Campus in Regis Multipurpose Room Loyola Muslim Students' Association presents: “Struggle for Justice: The Syrian Story”

Inspired by the Arab Spring, millions of Syrians have taken the streets since March 2011 demanding an end to the current regime and a transition to democracy. Do you wonder how the uprising against one of the world’s most oppressive governments began? Or how thousands of Syrians died since the conflict started? Do you want to know what we can do about the gross abuse of human rights occurring across the globe? Please join the Muslim student association and explore these questions as well as learn how you can help.

• Wednesday March 20, 2013 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lake Shore Campus in Regis Multipurpose Room Yolanda Barnes, Student Leadership Development presents: Promoting greater equity for Womyn/Mujeres

Join us to discuss the many different ways in which women experience their lives in the world today.  Specific areas of focus may include leadership, careers, relationships, and the perceptions of women in aspects of American culture.  The dialogue facilitators hope to create a space in which people will feel comfortable sharing their stories, exploring issues of importance in the lives of women, and discussing ways in which we can all contribute to the empowerment of Womyn/Mujeres.

• Wednesday April 17, 2013 from 5 pm -7 pm @ Loyola University Chicago’s, Lake Shore Campus in Regis Multipurpose Room Loyola Advocate presents: The Language of Identity and LGBTQ Communities

If you have any questions or need accomodations please contact Laura Bohorquez at lbohorquez@luc.edu