Justice

As the end of 2010 rolls around taking the time to reflect on the year, your beliefs and values, can perhaps, help the move forward in 2011. It is important that the behaviors we manifest represent the beliefs and values that we have. C4K values justice. Consult 4 Kids is committed to the intent of social justice. Social justice generally refers to the paradigm of an egalitarian society that is based on the principles of equality for all human beings and recognizes and respects the dignity of every human being. For some this may seem impossible, but over time, with intentionality, this can become a reality. Twenty-five years ago “Go Green” would have been simply a football cheer, and now, because of intentionality and education, recycling is being supported in most U.S. classrooms and cities. Not only is recycling top of mind, but there is an increase in the intention being focused on NOT using things that need to be recycled at all—even if it is as straight forward as the bags you carry your groceries home in. Recycling efforts have reached a critical mass, more and more people are getting on board, and the result has been viral.

The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s certainly focused on the “fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated equally and without prejudice.” Progress was made and “justice for all” continues to be forwarded. Former U.S. Secretary of Education Ron Paige has stated that closing the achievement gap is the civil rights issue of this generation. After-school and other out-of-school time programs are an integral part of the solution. Students who attend programs consistently and stay for the full program can, in reality, get about 90 additional days of practice to master the skills and learn the material needed to successfully complete a year’s course of study. Couple this extra time with the relationships youth build with caring adults, and you have a recipe for success. After-school is an opportunity to move the needle toward justice.

Saint Thomas Aquinas stated, "Justice is a certain rectitude of mind whereby a man does what he ought to do in the circumstance confronting him." Let’s get on board to do what we, as Americans, ought to do and find social justice. Other quotes about justice include:

"Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just." Blaise Pascal

"Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere." Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Conscience is the chamber of justice." Anonymous