The challenges of the world are significant and individuals with the skills and mindsets to lead in this environment are needed more than ever. Fortunately, there are many individuals who hear the call to lead in their communities, for social issues, such as race, gender, and immigration, and for the environment. Union is focused on understanding the skills and mindsets required to be successful in realizing the change they desire in the world, providing a ‘place’ where convening and discussion can thrive, and offering educational programs and practical experiences to develop social impact leaders.
The Center for Community Engagement and Social Justice will have three focus areas:
Academic Programs
A Union education develops practices of mind and body that foster intellectual and academic excellence, social justice, and compassionate wisdom. Union forms courageous faith leaders who make a difference wherever they serve.
In line with Union’s mission to prepare our community for committed lives of service to the church, academy, and society, the Center is creating academic programs to develop social impact mindsets and skills, as well as, provide experiential learning opportunities. Program development is underway for a variety of degree and non-degree programs that will provide individuals who desire the opportunity to develop social impact skills and mindsets to do so in-person, online, and/or in a community or social justice context.
Engagement + Support
Union is dedicated to not only developing community and social leaders but also providing a ‘place’ where convening and discussion can support individuals working in this challenging area.
Additionally, the Center will provide limited funding for student placement with partner organizations in NYC. During the academic year and summer, multiple opportunities will be available for students to directly impact the important efforts of the following organizations:
- Pa’lante: tenant community organizing in the Morningside Heights community
- Habitat for Humanity: legislative advocacy for community land trusts
- Unity Project with First Corinthians Baptist Church: community programming addressing issues of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness
- Coalition for the Homeless: NYC shelter oversight and street homelessness engagement
- Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies: development of anti-poverty and workforce development initiatives in congregations serving homeless populations
Research + Collaboration
To better understand the mindsets and skills needed to bridge the gap between the world’s need and those who desire to drive impact, Union is collaborating with religious, social, community, and environmental leaders from around the globe to conduct robust research.
We are looking for individuals to take this brief survey to help inform us of the best ways to develop the next generation of social impact leaders.
Upcoming Events + Programs
Homelessness Impact Fellowship Program
Union is committed to addressing homelessness and is dedicated to partnering with key organizations to help enable the next wave of leaders to address this important issue.
Learn More