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As such, it is important to recognize the view of many who see the local government's ability to control its community character as the fundamental responsibility of self - government. As Gerald Frug points out, for these people, "local self - governance means the ability of citizens to create for themselves the kind of city [or county] they want to live in." As we think of Orange County, social justice should be part of that determination of community character. It must transcend local boundaries that mark the county's cities and act in a way that advances an inclusive regional notion of the public interest. What, then, is the county's vision of social justice and how can that vision translate into polices and programs that are within the power of local government to realize? This is the orienting question for discussion. In response to an email request from Milan Pham, Jacqueline Byers, Director of Research, National Association of Counties, indicated that no counties have explicitly adopted a social justice goal (although as indicated infra Santa Cruz County in California appears to have various programs). Byers referred Phain to three counties in California that have focused on advancing social justice— Marin, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz Counties. Because these entities are local governments they are probably the best comparison sites to assess current manifestations of social justice. See, respectively, htW:// www .globalstewards.org/marin.htm ( Marin County's focus is primarily on environmental and social justice resources that are apparently coordinated by the county); htt2:// www. cooiyofsb .org /cao/hrc /workplan.asl2 (discussing aspects of the Santa Barbara Human Relations Commission Strategic Plan for 2002 - 2003); and ho:// www. freedom2lsantacruz .net/A21SC /justice.html (discussing the Santa Cruz initiatives). Santa Cruz is the most instructive case, because it appears to be a leader in social justice goal oriented activity. It claims, "Santa Cruz County has more programs concerned with Social Justice than many other areas in the US." As a local government, the county observes, "Social justice, including environmental justice, are necessary components of any plan for a healthy, sustainable future. Historically, low - income communities and communities of color suffer disproportionately. Recent coalition building strategies and campaigns are beginning to make a dent is this problem." Its primary focus is on developing a sustainable community and provides 12 principles of agreement. I refer you to them to reiterate that a social justice agenda must entail both a goal and process. See the Santa Cruz web site above. Beyond local governments, a more ambitious social justice vision and program is illustrated by the Green Party platform of social justice and livable communities. See hMI/ cagreens .orgiplatform/socjus.htm. It addresses 25 topics, including the social safety net that is the initial focus of the County Commissioners. I think this is an excellent start at addressing what social justice goals could be. The challenge is to step back from the macro to the micro perspective that is more within the capacity of local government. Still, as aspirations go, the Green Party goals are instructive. IV. Conclusion In closing, let me offer a humble opinion. I have been engaged in social justice work for the last 35 years, as a legal services lawyer in Roxbury and Watts, as a program officer within the rights and social justice program of the Ford Foundation, as social justice professor and scholar, as a board member of the New World Foundation and Oxfam America. I believe that at the end of the day, the ultimate goal of social justice is to engender hope — "audacious hope" as Barak Obama phrased it. Three years ago, at a celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday, Cornea West came to Chapel Hill and spoke of how King was able to stay the course, maintain his high aspirations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... ............................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . ................................................. ORANGE COUNTYSOCIAL JUSTICE GOAL REPORT Page 26 of 59