Get Connected in 2012 with Socializing for Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Get Connected in 2012 with Socializing for Justice
Grassroots group building a cross-issue progressive network since 2006

On January 19th from 6-9PM, Socializing for Justice will be hosting it's largest event of the year, Connecting for Justice, at Lir on Boylston.  This open house event draws 120+ progressives of all stripes and is a great way to get connected to SoJust's cross-issue progressive community.  This is a welcoming space where all attendees, diverse by age, race, gender, sexual orientation, newness to Boston, and experience with activism, come together to “put the SOCIAL back in social justice!”  Newcomers and long-time members will celebrate the remarkable success of this member-driven, volunteer-run grassroots group.  Since 2006, SoJust has grown to over 1800 members and hosted nearly 110 events.

Socializing for Justice is the brainchild of local activist, community organizer, and event planner, Robbie Samuels. For the past decade, Robbie has been a leader within Boston’s progressive community. He has been recognized for his efforts - in 2011, his birthday, September 16, was declared "Robbie Samuels Day" by the Boston City Council. In creating SoJust, Robbie has combined fun, socializing and cross-issue mobilization as never before.

The vision for SoJust comes from Robbie’s firsthand experience. He wanted to address what he was repeatedly finding in his work – that individuals, organizations, and campaigns stunted their effectiveness by focusing solely on single-issue work.  He shares, “I believed we could get people representing multiple progressive issues into a room, connect based on our overlapping values and more effectively fight for social justice. We need to be building a cross-issue progressive movement."

At Connecting for Justice, participants can experience the connecting power of Socializing for Justice for themselves. There will be Action Stations to link attendees with local organizations, “I’m Looking For” and “Ask Me About” tags, a Jobs Board filled with openings from other social change groups and a free Literature Table. These features mirror options on SoJust’s website, www.sojust.org, an online hub where social justice events, job and volunteer opportunities from other social change organizations are cross-posted on the Calendar and Message Board.

Get involved with Boston’s fastest-growing cross-issue progressive community. Network with like-minded progressives and find the opportunities you’ve been searching for. In the words of Robbie, ““If you think this group MIGHT be for you – it is.”  Learn more and RSVP for Connecting for Justice at www.sojust.org.

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Why We Are Voting For Felix G. Arroyo and Ayanna Pressley for Boston City Council At-Large

By Robbie Samuels and Gunner Scott

Ayanna Pressley and Felix Arroyo

Felix G. Arroyo has been a long-time LGBTQ ally. In 2002, he was an early supporter of the successful bill adding gender identity and expression to Boston's non-discrimination law. As a first-term Boston City Councilor At-Large he used his position to highlight discrimination by the organizers' of South Boston's St. Patrick Day Parade, saying, "As an At-Large City Councilor, I represent all of Boston and all of Boston’s residents. I take that responsibility very seriously. An entire community that I represent is excluded from marching in the parade. While the Supreme Court said it is legally permissible to exclude LGBTQ groups, I cannot in good conscience march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade until everyone else can." To clearly show his support, Felix hosts an LGBT event when the parade is taking place.

"Robbie Samuels Day" September 16, 2011 in Boston

My expression when Felix
announced Robbie Samuels Day!

Thank you. Tonight was a very special night. At Socializing for Justice’s 5th birthday party, over 120 like-minded progressives gathered together to celebrate what we’ve created together! As the co-founder of Socializing for Justice, I'm was so excited to be there celebrating 5 years, 104 events, 1808 members and countless connections made since we founded this group in 2006.

I was surprised with special gifts 3 times at tonight’s party.

SoJust is 5! Celebrate on September 14th

WITHOUT FUNDING GRASSROOTS GROUP BUILDS A MOVEMENT

Marking Five Years of Building a Cross-Issue Progressive Network in Boston

1800 Members, 100+ Events, and Countless Connections Made Since 2006

Boston-based network Socializing for Justice will commemorate its fifth anniversary with an Open House event called “SoJust is 5! Connecting for Justice” on September 14th from 6-9PM at Lir Irish Pub at 903 Boylston Street in Boston. Newcomers and long-time members will come together to celebrate the remarkable success of this member-driven, volunteer-run grassroots group.

Your Passport to Progressive Boston

Your Passport to Progressive Boston
SoJust connects like-minded progressives & social justice organizations

Boston, MA - On May 19th, from 6-9 PM, Socializing for Justice will celebrate over 4½ years of cross-issue progressive movement building with an open house event, Connecting for Justice, at Lir Irish Pub on Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay. This event is a welcoming space that draws 120+ progressives of all stripes - diverse by age, race, gender, sexual orientation, newness to Boston, experience with activism - and the issues they care about. Socializing for Justice is the place to go for new Bostonians looking to plug into local progressive culture; as member Lizzi W. says, “It's an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals in Boston. Particularly if you're new to the area, it can make Boston feel less stoically puritan and more open and warm.”

Campus2Community: Progressive Faculty & Staff Network

Are you a progressive working on campus? Join Campus2Community!

Campus2Community is an inclusive multi-issue network of progressive faculty and staff in the Greater Boston area. C2Cnet is a project of Socializing for Justice, a grassroots group established in 2006 to build a cross-issue progressive community, network and movement in Boston by putting the SOCIAL back in social justice.

8 Steps for Successful Networking

Forming and cultivating relationships is at the heart of any successful fundraising campaign, volunteer drive, committee effort or community building activity. Foster and grow new networks with these practical tips and best practices to engage someone in a conversation, keep it rolling, exchange information and wrap up. Attend my Art of the Schmooze training for an interactive fast-paced and fun tutorial.