CENTER FOR SERVICE LEARNING AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Our view of how social justice can best be served:

We believe in the importance of intentionally developing community among youth and adults concerned about social justice, by helping them connect with:

others who share their concerns
resources that support their ability to learn about and respond to their concerns

Our view of youth, adults, and social justice:

We view youth as well as adults as essential and dynamic resources to their communities.

We believe that core capacities that youth and adults bring to active citizenship are abilities to:

envision a world that is more just, not merely to accept the world they live in,
recognize and confront injustice in strategically effective ways
contribute to creating a more just society.

Our view of how to work with youth and adults to empower them to change their lives:

We believe our methods of engagement are peaceful, non-judgmental and thought-provoking

We offer youth and adults a safe space within which to meet their basic development needs (Konopka, 1973) through programs that

engage in sustained efforts over time,
actively engage participants in their own learning and development
emerge from the goals and objectives of the participants themselves.

Our view of the ethos of the Center:

We believe in working for systemic change, while also recognizing the importance of charitable volunteerism in helping others learn about injustice.

We believe that systemic change is a process that takes time.

We pursue strategies that build bridges, and find common ground; and we seek to sculpt common ground where none yet exists.

We believe that spirituality can be a source of energy and guidance in the work of social justice.

We believe the work of the Center should be life-giving and joyful.