Centre for Social Justice retreat Aug 21-24

The Centre for Social Justice in Toronto is holding a summer retreat for advocates and activists. I will be there. I hope to see you there.

The 2008 Social Justice Summer Retreat will be organized in partnership with the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice. It will be held from August 21-24 at Camp Arowhon in beautiful Algonquin Park - join us as we celebrate our 11th year!
The theme of this year's Retreat is 'From Poverty to Power'

11th Annual Social Justice Summer Retreat: From Poverty to Power
The theme for the 2008 Retreat is designed to capitalize on the Ontario Government’s commitment to develop a poverty reduction plan. A recent study by Statistics Canada confirms a widening gap between rich and poor over the last 25 years. The loss of good manufacturing jobs will make the situation worse. Millions of Canadians are working poor and insecure, and working longer for less. We want to encourage the whole social justice community to participate in the consultative process – so the voices of labour, students, aboriginal people, anti-poverty groups and those confronting poverty are heard loud and clear. We also need to develop strategies to engage the wider public in the process – so we can move the issue from the margins to the mainstream, and show that it will not fade away. This year’s programming will cover how we can build a movement that will hold this government accountable to deliver a significant reduction in poverty over the next 10 years, or elect a government that will deliver on that target. We will examine what a progressive poverty reduction plan would require so as to reflect the interests of working people and those who cannot find work – recognizing that everyone in Ontario has the right to live with dignity and respect. And we'll explore what other countries are doing -- noting that the countries with the lowest poverty rates offer free university education, strong trade unions, affordable housing, generous income supports and the most successful economies in the world. At the same time, we'll review the growing problem of poverty and hunger in the Southern hemisphere, and the global efforts to "make poverty history".

http://www.socialjustice.org/index.php?page=summer-retreat


What is the Social Justice Summer Retreat?
This annual event brings together people from a variety of social movements – activists from all walks of life. You, friends and family are invited to join us for a wonderful time of relaxation and renewal.

Who will be there?
Those that protest for global justice and against poverty or those fighting for safe drinking water, decent jobs, and human rights – everyone trying to make a difference, be they from inside organizations, inside politics, inside or outside the system. We welcome activists from all walks of life: everyone from the First Nations, labour, the faith community, environmentalists, low income groups, equity seeking groups or youth.

If you self-identify as someone trying to make our world a better place, please join us.
For those with children, childcare is provided for children aged 3+ during hours when there is retreat programming. Activities are also arranged for young teenagers.

What is the cost?
Registration includes accommodations in cabins, all your meals, and full access to camp facilities.
Early Bird Registration (Before July 20) - $200Regular Registration - $220Children 5-12 years - $95Children 2-4 years - $65Children 0-2 years - Free
Transportation from downtown Toronto (round trip via coach bus) - $46/passenger RECOMMEND this Post on Progressive Bloggers CLICK HERE!