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Sunday July 19, 2015 at 2:30 PM PDT
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Thursday July 23, 2015 at 10:00 PM PDT
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REGISTRATION FEES

$495 Full Registration includes tuition, meals, and lodging.  

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE (See FAQ below.)

Discount for Roundtable Members (see below)

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Members-Only Discount Code:

The Roundtable Association is a national membership organization for Social Action Directors. Diocesan Social Action Directors (or Diocesan Catholic Charities offices) who have renewed or intend to renew their 2015 membership should email the Roundtable Coordinator at coordinator@catholicroundtable.org for the members-only discount code before registering for SASI.

Please note that credit card payments are run through Paypal, which will email you a confirmation of successful payment. Having trouble making a Paypal Payment? Click here for more information.

FAQs

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

1. What is the Social Action Summer Institute (SASI)?  The Social Action Summer Institute is organized annually by the Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocese Social Action Directors in collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Offices of Justice, Peace, and Human Development and International Justice and Peace, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, JustFaith Ministries and the local host diocese or archdiocese. SASI offers education, professional development and advocacy training for diocesan and parish social action ministers. Rooted in the principles of Catholic social teaching, SASI provides a forum for people to explore social issues in the light of scripture, Church teaching and theology.

2. What is the focus of SASI 2015?  The conference this summer focuses on human and natural ecology. Participants from dioceses throughout the country and parishes in the Pacific Northwest will delve into Pope Francis’ upcoming papal encyclical on ecology, immerse themselves in environmental justice issues, experience the Columbia River Gorge, and visit local agencies to witness social justice in action. They will also participate in diocesan and parish ministry workshops aimed at sharing best practices in social action ministry.  

3. Who should attend SASI?  Catholic social ministry leaders, those interested in social justice issues, especially ecology; members of social justice committees; parishioners who want to learn more about Catholic social teaching, apply it to the “signs of the times” and learn skills to be more effective in the public arena – all within the context of prayer, liturgy, and a Catholic spirituality of social justice.  SASI is also open to those of other faiths interested in social justice.

4. Where is SASI held?  This year SASI will be at the University of Portland in Oregon, July 19-23.  Learn more about the University at http://www.up.edu/. 

 REGISTRATION INFORMATION

1. When is registration open? On-line registration continues through July 10, 2015. 

 2. What are the registration fees for SASI?  
Registration fees for the entire Gathering are $495.  This includes the costs of lodging in the university dorms, most meals (there are two evenings when participants will have the opportunity to choose meals on their own), and all conference registration.  Rates for single-day(s) registration are also available.   

3. How should I register for SASI?   Participants can choose either registration for the entire SASI (Sunday – Thursday) or registration for individual days of SASI. Participants are strongly encouraged to register for the entire SASI. Payment is possible by credit card or check (though checks must also be mailed and postmarked no later than July 17, 2015).

4. What is daily SASI registration?
Daily Registration allows attendees to register for activities by particular day(s) of SASI. Daily Registration fees range from $35.00 to $50.00 per day depending on which day of SASI is selected.  Nightly lodging is also available for $60.00 per night.

5. Is financial aid available?  Yes, with a priority for diocesan leaders, particularly first-time attendees. Scholarships are typically partial and never cover travel expenses. Decisions on scholarships are made on a rolling basis. To explore additional sources of financial aid, contact your diocesan social action director or pastor.  To apply for a financial aid, contact Tony Bosnick at coordinator@catholicroundtable.org

 ACCOMODATIONS

1. Where do we stay?  Accommodations are provided in the dorms at the University of Portland (UP).  Bed linens and towels are provided.  Participants need to bring their own hair dryers, irons, soap and other toiletries.  We also recommend bringing a small lamp and alarm clock and a reusable water bottle (UP banned the use and sales of plastic water bottles).

2. What is the cost of the room?  The costs of the room are included in the registration fee for participants registering for the full conference.  Registrants who need accommodations the night before the conference begins or for just one or two nights may sign up for a room at a cost of $60 per night.

 3. Will I have a private bedroom/bathroom?   SASI is a community experience. Dorm rooms are double occupancy and you will be paired with a roommate or may indicate a roommate preference in the registration process. Most rooms are double rooms with a common bathroom for all.  Each floor also has 3-4 suites. Each is a double and shares a bathroom with an adjoining suite.  

4.  Are the rooms accessible for special needs?  ADA compliant rooms are available.  These are also shared rooms. 

5.  Are there hotels nearby?   There are several hotels within a short drive of the University.  For a list of the hotels and other information, visit the UP website at http://www.up.edu/activities/default.aspx?cid=6720&pid=1022

6.  Is there a gym, pool, or other facilities we may use?  Unfortunately, access to the Howard Hall Gym will be very limited.  The University is building a new recreation center this summer, so few amenities will be available.

7.  Where can I eat if I come in on Saturday?  Stop at the food carts in the Portland Airport, seriously.  PDX was voted the best airport in 2013 and 2014 and hosts some of the cities favorite restaurants and its famous food carts.  You can get a taste of Portland before leaving the airport.  For a list of restaurants at the airport, visit https://www.portofportland.com/Rstnts_Home.aspx.  

TRANSPORTATION

1. What airports are most convenient for attending SASI 2015?  Portland International is 26 minutes from the University of Portland.

2. How will I get to SASI from the airport? Shuttle service is offered through Bluestar http://www.bluestarbus.com/airport-shuttle-tickets.php. Book online.  Taxi service is available and will cost about $46. Public transportation is also available by bus for $2.50. Visit http://trimet.org/ to plan your bus trip.

3.  Is parking available for those driving in? Parking is available and free.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

1. Will I be able to cancel my meeting registration?Any request for cancellation of SASI 2015 registration must be received by Monday, June 29, 2015 to be eligible for a refund.  Refund requests or questions should be directed to coordinator@catholicroundtable.org

2. Is there a processing fee for canceling my registration?  The 6% bank credit card/check processing fee will not be refunded. 

3. If I paid with a credit card, will the refund be issued to my credit card?  Yes, refunds will be made to any credit card by which payment was made, minus the 6% bank credit card/check processing fee.

HELP!

I am totally lost—now what?  Call our hotline for assistance:  503-860-3515