The 3rd Annual Social Justice Symposium (SJS) is a grassroots, student-organized symposium focusing on social justice and activism in the Athens community. This student-led symposium will focus on social justice and activism in the Athens community. Based on an informal survey conducted with community members and service providers, the following social justice issues were identified as having the most significant impact in the local Athens community:

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1. Systemic Poverty

2. Homelessness

3. Affordable Housing

4. Under/ Unemployment

5. Mental Health

6. Immigration Reform

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As such, the SJS seeks to foster dialogue regarding these and other social justice issues, highlight individuals and organizations who are actively working toward positive change, and educate ourselves - individually and collectively - in ways that can increase awareness, involvement, and effectiveness.

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The day of the event will include morning refreshments, remarks from an invited keynote speaker, a light lunch, and engagement opportunities to participate in various workshops throughout the day highlighting specific issues and/or initiatives occurring in the Athens area. These workshops will also serve as opportunities for further discussion, collaboration, and healing as we work together to understand one another and inspire tangible change as a community.