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Social JusticeThe Social Justice Program seeks to create a better understanding among community groups, volunteers, donors, and staff about the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Through our work, we hope to stimulate a more humane response to these issues. On-Site ReflectionsTo help volunteers at SOME process their experiences, we encourage them to participate in an interactive discussion or exercise that is facilitated by our Social Justice Associate or by trained volunteers. We call this discussion or exercise a "Social Justice Reflection." During this time, volunteers typically reflect on their service experience, discuss relevant issues, participate in an interactive activity augmenting the discussion, and explore SOME's response to these issues. Reflections are usually scheduled immediately after a group has served a meal in the dining rooms and generally last 45 minutes to an hour. However, Reflections may also be scheduled prior to a group serving in the dining room or at another SOME site. We are happy to tailor Reflections to fit the age range, experience, and interests of groups. Reflection topics include (but are not limited to): poverty & homelessness, lack of affordable housing, employment & wages, health & health care for the underserved, and empowerment, inclusion, & advocacy. To schedule a Volunteer/Social Justice experience, please contact our Social Justice Associate at 202.797.0701 extension 108 or socialjustice@some.org. OutreachAs part of SOME's effort to support the poor and homeless of Washington, DC, the Social Justice & Advocacy department embarked on an ambitious initiative in 2005 to seek out "agents of change" in our community. We achieve this primarily by conducting Reflections, talks, and workshops with community groups in the metropolitan region on any of the topics noted above. Our hope is that participants equipped with a better grasp of the issues, will serve as catalysts for increased understanding throughout the community, participate in community and advocacy efforts related to these issues, and consider additional involvement with SOME in some capacity, either through volunteering in the Dining Room or in other SOME programs, becoming a Provide A Meal (PAM) group, donating materials, signing up for the SOME newsletter or the Advocacy Network, or making financial contributions to SOME. If you have been involved with SOME outside of volunteering in the dining room or have an interest in increasing awareness about poverty and homelessness within your group, you may schedule a Reflection with the Social Justice Associate at 202.797.0701 extension 108 or socialjustice@some.org. EducationThe Social Justice Department created, and continues to expand on, a comprehensive Curriculum that includes important information regarding each segment of our work as well as a number of interactive activities to be used during Reflections. Furthermore, our Curriculum can be integrated into an academic Curriculum or educational components of community service programs or other academic settings. We also offer updated Fact Sheets with information pertaining to Washington, DC and the United States on the following issues:
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