By Michele Jurich
Staff writer

“People of Hope, Agents of Change” is the theme for the second annual Bay Area Social Justice Forum, to be held Feb. 11 at Holy Names University in Oakland.

Bay Area Social Justice Forum When: Feb. 11, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Valley Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland Register online: www.hnu.edu/socialjustice Cost: General, $25 if registered by Jan. 31; $35 on or after Feb. 1; $40 at the door Student, $10 with student ID by Jan. 31; $20 on or after Feb. 1; $25 at the door More information: www.hnu.edu/socialjustice

About 200 people were registered at last year’s inaugural event. This year’s event, with a focus on immigration, should also be energizing, said its director, Sister Susan Wells, SNJM. “It’s an opportunity for people involved in the social justice activism to recharge themselves and learn about issues,” she said, “and for those not as involved to learn about the issues.”

The Social Justice Forum of Holy Names University, along with the Global Solidarity Team of the Diocese of Oakland, JustFaith Ministries, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Sisters of the Holy Family, St. Anne Church of Byron, the Stop Slavery Northern California Coalition of Catholic Sisters, and the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, are the event’s sponsors.

Keynote speakers are the Rev. Daniel G. Groody of the University of Notre Dame, and Jack Weinstein, regional director of Facing History and Ourselves.

Father Groody, a Holy Cross priest, teacher and an award-winning author and film producer, will speak on “Dying to Live: A Theology of Migration.” He is an associate professor of theology and the director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame. His books include “Border of Death, Valley of Life: An Immigrant Journey of Heart and Spirit,” and “Globalization, Spirituality, and Justice: Navigating the Path to Peace.”

“We wanted someone with a strong background on why people are migrating from their home countries,” said Sister Susan, who directs the Center for Social Justice & Civic Engagement at Holy Names University.

Weinstein, who works with Bay Area educators to combat racism, anti-Semitism and prejudice, will speak on “Educating for Civic Participation.”

Sister Susan said that Weinstein’s work in the root causes of racism and bigotry “is an area we can all learn more about.”

The forum, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will also include workshops on issues such as immigration, human trafficking, restorative justice, Muslim-Christian dialog, water as a human right, the death penalty in California, community organizing and capacity building, education justice, affordable housing, engaging in global solidarity, educating against racism and bigotry and engaging youth in social justice.

Registration is available online and cost varies by date of registration. A portion of the day’s proceeds will benefit the aid group, Oakland Catholic Worker. “Holy Names University has a long tradition of collaboration with Oakland Catholic Worker,” she said, including students who work at the Hospitality House.

College and high school students are particularly welcome at the event, said Sister Susan. “We really want them to come,” she said, noting the lower admission fees for students.

At the end of the day, she said, she hopes all participants will be moved to action.
“They can go out and influence positive change in the world.”

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