We know that the communities springing up from the Occupy movement are struggling with race and class in a way that reflects the broader divisions created by racism and class inequality in our country. At the same time, the response to Occupy by local governments and America's most powerful corporate interests is shaped by racism and the drive to maintain class inequality as the status quo. Let's talk about how to keep our vision for racial and economic justice front and center in the Occupy movement, as well as in all the social justice movements we're a part of.

Our justice socials are evening get-togethers to bring people together for socializing and political discussion. We often have a featured speaker and topic, with ample time for meeting new people, catching up with folks you know, and stimulating conversation.

For this topic, we'll start the conversations by hearing from several local social justice advocates:

• Shizuko Hashimoto, Occupy Portland participant and MRG Board Member
• Israel Bayer, Street Roots Executive Director
• Kate Lore, Social Justice Minister, First Unitarian Church of Portland
• Sharon Gary-Smith, MRG's Executive Director

Light snacks will be provided. Wheelchair accessible.

For more info or to RSVP, contact Sheryl Sackman at sheryl [at] mrgfoundation [dot] org

This Justice Social is co-hosted by the McKenzie River Gathering Foundation and the First Unitarian Church of Portland

Image by Keith Guyll via Flickr