Social Justice Summit April 16

What:
Social issues ranging from human rights to social justice will be among the topics of discussion April 16 during Cal State Fullerton’s seventh annual Social Justice Summit. “If Not Me, Then Who?” is the theme of this year’s free, public event.

Who:
Among the speakers are Paul Watson, founder of the marine nonprofit organization Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and featured on Discovery Channel’s “Whale Wars,” who will speak at 9 a.m., and comedian Jamie Kilstein, a political and free-speech activist, animal rights advocate and co-host of “Citizen Radio,” who will speak at 4 p.m. 

When:
Saturday, April 16 
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 

Where:
Portola Pavilion, Titan Student Union Cal State Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831

Additional:
More than 25 educational workshops will be held on such topics as the health implications of nuclear weapons use and a first-person account of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan from Sgt. Brendan O’Byrne of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Restrepo.” A free vegan lunch and a resource fair featuring regional and international organizations also are available. For a complete list of workshops, visit www.fullerton.edu/socialjusticesummit. 

Why:
The Social Justice Summit is about being proactive, educating oneself, getting involved and taking a stand, said Amy Mattern, coordinator of Cal State Fullerton’s Volunteer & Service Center, which hosts the event. “The summit is for those who don’t even know what is meant by the term ‘social justice,’ as well as those who have actively been engaging in this type of work already,” Mattern said. “It’s important for the university to present an event such as the Social Justice Summit to provide an avenue for the community to come together and talk about issues affecting our communities, our country and our world — and, most important, to take action.”

Background:
The Volunteer & Service Center’s Students ACT (Advocating Civic Transformation) organize the Social Justice Summit with the support of community organizations and vendors. Members of Students ACT promote social and political change and volunteerism through education, empowerment and action. The event is also billed at a “green summit” to encourage attendees to make everyday choices based on environmentally and socially conscious decisions.

Student Quote:
“Captain Paul Watson is one of the most outstanding active leaders in oceanic conservation,” said Janelle Truong, Students ACT project director. “Captain Watson is passionately radical, which is a very admirable trait because it’s all I strive to be — to take any measure necessary to fight for what I believe in. In relation to the Social Justice Summit and our goals as student leaders, he’s not about passive contributions, but standing up for justice and actively taking part in creating the change we believe in.” Truong, of Anaheim, is a child and adolescent studies major who plans to complete her undergraduate education in May, then pursue a career as a special education teacher.

Register:
While there is no charge to attend the event, registration is requested, due to limited seating and can be completed online.

Info:
Call 657-278-7623 or email volunteer@fullerton.edu. 

Media Contacts:


Amy Mattern, Volunteer & Service Center, 657-278-3504 or amattern@fullerton.edu
 
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027; 657-278-2414 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu