Social justice is the pre-eminent condition the "good life"--for just and good communities. But just what is the just and good community, and, as CYD practitioners, what is our responsibility in achieving this goal? It is time for serious discussion. It is inconceivable to think of working alongside youth without a vision of social justice. A CYD notion must stretch us to reach beyond prevention and programs toward building just and good communities worldwide. But how do we do that?

Aristotle, in The Nicomachean Ethics wrote, "We become just by doing just
acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts." As CYD professionals what acts can advance social justice in our communities, in our homes, in our schools, in the workforce, and in our places of worship? Several questions arise:

• What is the relationship between advancing social justice and the economy?
• How are social justice and the environment connected and why?
• How can the underlying issues of racism, homophobia, poverty, homelessness, and gender bias be eliminated?
• What role can young people play in building just communities?
• What are your personal stories of accomplishment and struggle in the advancement of social justice?

In this issue we are looking for articles (theory, practice, research, opinion) that advocate or demonstrate the importance and/or efficacy of social justice in the field of Community Youth Development.

Article deadline: July 1, 2001
Publication date: Fall, 2001

Send us your submissions!
submissions@cydjournal.org
617-522-3435