Loretta Ross| Photo via her website
The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is starting the new year by bringing community members together for thoughtful discussion through its Social Justice Book Club. This monthly gathering invites readers to explore important social issues through literature while creating space for shared learning.
The book club, which is a joint effort between The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and Tombolo Books, hosts its first meeting on January 12 from 6-7:30 pm at The Foundations Center for Health Equity (2333 34th Street South). The January meeting centers on the book Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel by activist and author Loretta J Ross. Registration is free and available here.
Loretta J Ross is a nationally recognized activist, author, and educator whose work spans decades of organizing around social justice gender equity and human rights. She has held leadership roles in major advocacy organizations and has been deeply involved in movements addressing racial justice, reproductive justice, and violence prevention. Through her writing, Ross has helped shape conversations about how communities can address harm while still working toward understanding and accountability.
Her approach is rooted in both personal experience and long-term movement work. Ross is widely known for promoting dialogue as a tool for change, especially in moments of conflict. Rather than focusing on public shaming or exclusion, her work encourages responsibility grounded in shared values. This philosophy has influenced activists, educators, and organizations seeking more effective and humane ways to create lasting social change.
She brings decades of organizing experience to this powerful book, which encourages a different approach to conflict and accountability. Rather than focusing on public criticism or punishment, Ross emphasizes the value of inviting people into honest conversations grounded in shared values and responsibility.
Drawing from her personal journey and long career in social justice work, the author illustrates how compassion paired with accountability can lead to real change. The book offers practical insight for navigating disagreements in everyday settings, including workplaces, classrooms, and personal relationships. Readers are encouraged to think critically about how dialogue can replace division and how understanding can be built even in difficult conversations.
Continuing to Support the Foundation + partnerships
The Social Justice Book Club is a collaborative effort between the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and Tombolo Books. Together, they have created a consistent space for readers to engage with meaningful texts while connecting with others who are invested in equity and community wellness. Each month, the club highlights a new book that sparks conversation and encourages collective growth.
This January book club meeting is just one of many programs and gatherings the Foundation has planned for the coming year. Through events like this, the organization continues its mission of advancing health equity and strengthening community connections throughout St Petersburg.
Community members are encouraged to stay engaged, attend upcoming events and continue supporting the Foundation as it moves into an active and impactful new year. Registration for the Social Justice Book Club is free and open to all who are interested in joining the conversation.
January Book Club Gathering Details
When
January 12th 2026
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Where
The Foundations Center for Health Equity
2333 34th Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33711
Details
Monthly Social Justice Book Club gathering
Light food and beverages provided
Open and welcoming space for new and returning attendees
