Chattanooga, Tenn. September 27, 2012 –Grove Street Settlement House (GSSH) in partnership with the Human Services Specialist program at Chattanooga State Community College is hosting the 7th annual Social Justice Retreat on Friday, October 5, 2012 beginning at 10:00am at Grace Episcopal Church.
 
Women’s voices in the struggle for justice have not always been heard or recognized. Through this interactive experience, participants will learn the stories and strategies women have used in their struggle for justice at local, state, and global levels. Issues of race, class and especially sexual identity, all impact women’s experiences; the media also influences how women’s work and contributions are perceived and valued. During lunch, from 11:30 to 1:00p, a panel of local women will discuss the meaning of justice for themselves and the many ways they have found to work for change in their communities and in the wider world. The panel discussion will be moderated by Councilwoman Carol Berz, Distict 6, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC, a mediation services and training organization headquartered in downtown Chattanooga.

The retreat activities begin at 10:00am, check-in and coffee are at 9:30.  Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, Organizer with United Campus Workers and Board Member, Chattanooga Organized for Action (COA) will give the opening remarks.  Small group activities in the morning and afternoon will provide participants the opportunity to engage in discussions and experiential learning through small group activities.  The retreat concludes at 3pm.  The cost to attend is $10 for students, $20 for professionals, and $5 for community residents; cost includes lunch and a t-shirt.  Registration is required by going to:  http://grovestreetsettlementhouse.com/ or calling (423) 503-2318.

Grove Street Settlement House is the first settlement house established in Tennessee in the last 75 years and utilizes innovative social change strategies and personal involvement with individuals, families, and groups so residents regain the power to make choices about the direction of their lives and the affairs of their neighborhoods and communities in Chattanooga, TN.  For more information contact Valerie Radu at valerie.radu@gmail.com.