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“What are we doing now to be able to create a more just, caring, and compassionate society on my block, in my neighborhood, and in my city? And that should always be the discussion in policy, research, and every community intervention that we create.”

Dr. Juan Rios

How does a community define safety, caring, and justice? How do we use those definitions as a focal point for interventions that aim to build community?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Juan Rios – a scholar practitioner who is striving to bridge the academic/real world divide. His work is focused on his community of Newark, NJ and its surrounding communities working collaboratively with citizens, professionals, church leaders, and youth to reimagine traditional approaches to intractable challenges. All his work is informed by the guiding principle of “caring justice” in social change efforts, integrating mindfulness with interpersonal healing, and deconstructing oppressive social systems. He will also reference jazz titan John Coltrane for good measure. Regardless of your practice orientation, you will hear practical guidance, critical thinking, and infectious energy to move your social change efforts forward.

Dr. Juan Rios

Juan A. Rios, DSW, LCSW is a practitioner scholar and assistant professor at Seton Hall University. His experience in non-profit, government entities, and clinical settings informs his academic mission of providing opportunities to students that connect scholastic thought with applied learning. His research interests include: clinical phenomenological field narratives and self-reflexivity, Chinese philosophy in modern philanthropy, mindfulness intervention with immigrant and first-generation children, health equity, and emerging technology as tools for design justice.

Show Notes

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  • Promoting Social justice in the inner cities of our country.
    Having credible messengers within the community
    -leader
    -mothers and fathers
    -gang members
    Social Justice is a collaborative effort of the whole community
    The goal is immediate programs that create change in the community

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