I first heard about the Trina Grillo Retreat at an introductory program for newly admitted students at Santa Clara University School of Law. As one who entered law school with a commitment to social justice work, I knew that I wanted to attend every year and so this is my fourth Grillo Retreat. I came, this time, not as a law student, but as a newly admitted member of the California Bar and as the Teaching Scholar for the Center for Social Justice and Public Service.
I return each year to rediscover the treasure I found at the first retreat—heroes. I was introduced to heroes—Trina Grillo and Ralph Abascal—who I experience through their legacies of amazing achievement. To know them now only through the loving voices of their friends and colleagues highlights the importance for me of learning from and connecting with the social justice pioneers, passionate advocates making a difference now, and those who will emerge from our law schools—the students.
I also return each year because this is my “tribe”—social justice advocates. This retreat included the celebrations, sharing of wisdom, and challenges to new ways of working and thinking that bond me to those who share a passion for social justice. A highlight each year is the keynote speech in honor of Ralph Abascal. Senator Barbara Boxer, this year’s speaker, provided a stirring reminder of the powerful impact Ralph Abascal’s work for social justice had on her life. She urged each of us to follow his example of challenging threats to justice in our nation.
This year I was challenged to renew my commitment to empowering those I serve—clients and students—and myself. I was inspired by Elena Popp’s community empowerment story of the Venice, California, African-American community that worked with housing advocates both locally and nationally to halt regulatory changes that would have allowed the destruction of the only low income housing in that city. Similarly, Ana Maria Loya told of the courageous leadership that emerged from the community of day workers in San Francisco. Chris Daley and Paul Harris reminded me that empowerment requires patience and that we will not always encounter success, but that in the long run the work is worth it.
Some panelists spoke to the need to empower ourselves in order to work for social justice. Olivia Wang talked about the strategies she employs to maintain her passion for her work in the area of prisoners rights so she can stay engaged for the long run despite the frustrations and demands that could lead to burn-out. She emphasized the importance of setting aside time for reflection and of having friends and colleagues who can be a mirror—helping her stay true to her vision. Rowena Gargaliana shared the challenges she encounters in maintaining her voice and identity in a profession that seems to promote a type of identity neutrality. Karen Lash emphasized the need to learn and utilize networking skills as a means to develop and sustain a career in social justice.
The Grillo Retreat is an investment in the future of social justice work that strengthens all who participate. It is also a gathering of a passionate “tribe” of social justice advocates to honor the work of the past, celebrate that of the present, and nurture that of the future. I am grateful for our time together. I feel more empowered and know that I will return.
Written by Patricia Massey
