All are encouraged to join the conversation on social justice advocacy during Stanislaus State’s Social Justice in the Central Valley Conference, Oct. 23 through 25. The three-day event includes workshops, panel discussions and keynote presentations that focus on critical local and global social justice issues. This year’s theme highlights the intersections of climate change, migration, restorative justice and the role of education in fostering equity and inclusion. All events are free and open to the public.

Keynote sessions, to be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre on the Stan State campus in Turlock, will also be live-streamed.

Wednesday, Oct. 23: Sarah O’Quinn, senior government relations officer at the International Labour Organization (ILO), will address the impact of climate change on distressed migration. She will focus on how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected and how extending social protections can help them adapt to economic and environmental shocks.

Thursday, Oct. 24: Teiahsha Bankhead, executive director of Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth, will discuss the Indigenous roots of restorative justice and how the practices can dismantle the school-to-prison pathway. Bankhead’s social welfare and racial justice background frames her dialogue on racial healing and community empowerment.

Friday, Oct. 25: Calvin Terrell, founder of the Social Centric Institute, will close the conference with an exploration of how communities can heal from historical trauma and build sustainable futures through equity and action.

Stan State President Britt Rios-Ellis will deliver welcome remarks on day two of the conference. The full conference schedule and details on how to participate are available on the Social Justice in the Valley Conference website.