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i~ <br />e) What, in the name of social justice, can this local governmental body do <br />to provide redress and close inequality gaps? <br />Research into the field of social justice shows that it is not an endeavor most <br />local governments enter into frequently. According to Jackie Byers, Research Director <br />for the National Association of Counties, there are only three (3) local governments in <br />the United States who address the issue of social justice in their work; Marin, Santa <br />Barbara and Santa Cruz Counties in California. None of those Counties has established <br />a "Social Justice Goal." Social Justice is an issue that, until recently, has been <br />addressed by nongovernmental grassroots organizations: faith communities, political <br />parties and advocacy organizations. Orange County is one of the first to attempt to <br />achieve social justice at a local government level. <br />The Human Relations Commission has defined social justice in Orange County as <br />a community that actively seeks to eliminate oppression and create equal opportunity; <br />where individuals may. sufficiently provide for their physical and mental needs and the <br />needs of their dependents; where individuals live in physically and mentally safe <br />communities; where the environment and economy are sustainable and where all are <br />able to participate civically. <br />...... ........ ....... .... . . <br />..................... ......... ......................... ... ....... ..... ..... ..... ...... <br />.... <br />ORANGE COUNTYSOCIAL JUSTICE GOAL REPORT _ Page: 7 of 59 <br />