Social Justice Seminars

The Washington Seminar Center (WSC) is constantly expanding its seminar program to include a wide variety of social problems we face. Visitors should select two topics they are interested in. After your reservations have been made, the Director will work with you to schedule a seminar that meets your needs.

1. Social Inequality in Latin America - Fee: None

Latin America has largely benefited from globalization and today enjoys some of the highest living standards in the developing world. But not all people have profited from these changes; thousands of peasant farmers are without arable land and many urban dwellers can't support their families. Explore the social relationships.

Guest Speaker To Be Announced

2. Illegal Immigration and Associated Problems - Fee: $250

Many people enter the United States legally, but others risk brutal conditions to enter illegally by boat or through the desert. This seminar looks at the economic and social impacts of illegal immigration.

John Keely, Center for Immigration Studies

3. Fair Trade - Fee: None

What does "Fair Trade" actually mean? Many current economic policies favor rich countries over poor. This seminar considers the implications of Free and Fair Trade policies, with a focus on the western hemisphere and NAFTA.

Laura Rusu, Media Relations, Oxfam America

4. Native American Advocacy - Fee: $250

How are the rights of Native Americans advocated on Capitol Hill? Congressional representatives naturally respond to the demands of their constituents. As a small group of people, it is difficult for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians to enlist lawmakers to prioritize any of their issues, no matter how urgent. Therefore, FCNL works with church groups to show that justice for native peoples is important to many Americans. How can you become involved?

A Representative, Friends Committee on National Legislation

5. Face Hunger - Fee: $200

Face Hunger is a role-play and discussion workshop that increases awareness and understanding about hunger, its causes and effects. Your donation will be used to support the Capital Area Food Bank Children and Nutrition Programs.

Reuben Gist, Director of Advocacy and Community Outreach, Capital Area Food Bank

6. Rescuing Russia's Street Kids: Remedies or Rhetoric? - Fee: $200

Child homelessness in the Russian Federation has increased dramatically since the collapse of the Soviet Union, privatization of housing, and the financial crisis of 1998. This seminar describes the problem of child homelessness in Russia; how it differs from homelessness in the USA; and explores what is being done to confront the problem at local and federal levels.

Sally Stoecker, consultant to the Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC), American University

Fees

Many seminars involve no fee while some may cost $250-500 (this translates into $10-25 per participant, depending on group size). If there is a fee involved it is directly payable to the individual or organization presenting the seminar.

Groups that are not staying overnight and would like us to arrange one of these seminars as a daytime event in the local community are charged an extra $200 for space use, payable to the Washington Seminar Center.

Please send an email to or contact the director at (202) 547-8118 to discuss your options and potential fees.