This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Pervasive injustice has society at a turning point. Every individual has a choice to make - you can either stand with me and fight for social justice, or you can stay on the sidelines silently supporting the systems that perpetuate the inequality, violence, and poverty that plague our world. This talk highlights some of the most critical social justice issues of our time and calls on everyone to stand up and play a part in changing the world.

Charles L. Robbins is the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Undergraduate Colleges at Stony Brook University. His faculty appointment is in the School of Social Welfare where he was most recently Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He is an affiliated faculty member in the Program in Public Health. Dr. Robbins is the co-founder and co-director of the Stony Brook University Freedom School, operated in conjunction with The Children’s Defense Fund. He is on the Board of Directors of MCW, Global where he is responsible for global youth development and represents MCW as a NGO Delegate to the United Nations. Dr. Robbins supports the work of the Long Island GLBT Services Network, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, The Children’s Defense Fund and Young Men 4 Gender Equality. Dr. Robbins is passionate about his research and work that focuses on issues of social justice, higher education and student success, gender equality, men and masculinity and violence as a public health issue. Dr. Robbins understands the importance of being a mentor to students and colleagues. He has been married for forty years and is a proud father and grandfather. Dr. Robbins is thrilled to be a part of TEDxSBU.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)