Justice and social change work is lifelong and relies on the collective will and activity of multiple stakeholders. As a hub, umbrella, and catalyst for the work, the Integrated Justice and Social Change Collaborative (IJSC Collaborative) connects and bridges individuals, groups, and organizations to dismantle racist and oppressive structures of all kinds. The IJSC Collaborative focuses on the following three areas: education, research and partnerships.
Education
Change requires learning. The IJSC Collaborative stimulates formal and informal learning by drawing upon the combined contributions of Southern’s programs, courses, faculty, and staff and the IJSC Collaborative’s many individual, community, organizational, and institutional partners.
Research
Change requires thinking and doing in new ways. The IJSC Collaborative facilitates new opportunities for interdisciplinary, inter-organizational, and inter-institutional research focused on innovations that will make the world healthier and more equitable.
Partnerships
Change requires engaged action through collaboration. The IJSC Collaborative catalyzes individual and social change in all that it does. Education, research, policy advocacy, healing circles, self-care, peace work, restorative practice, and socially-conscious evaluation are just a few areas where community engagement is central whether local, national, or international.
Here are some of the ways the IJSC Collaborative strategically undertakes work in these three areas to ensure action and target results.
Hosting professional development, convenings, conferences, performances, installations, and other events
The IJSC Collaborative extends Southern’s capacity as a Social Justice University. It provides a wide range of formal and informal educational opportunities for personal and professional development and institutional growth. The IJSC Collaborative coordinates events, programs, trainings, convenings, and spaces to advance work within the areas of social justice, equity, culturally responsive education, pedagogy, and frameworks for social change. These are just some of the ways the IJSC Collaborative provides opportunities to increase the equity-focused knowledge, skills, and competencies of university and community partners.
Documenting and amplifying equity and social change work
The IJSC Collaborative serves as a resource clearinghouse by coordinating on- and off-campus information, activities, accomplishments, and contributions focused on equity, and social justice. Research, curricula, workshops, panels, performances, podcast, and the Journal of Collaboration for Equitable Change are just some of the materials systematically collected, catalogued, and disseminated for people and organizations locally and worldwide.
Facilitating partnerships and collaborations through networking and bridge-building
The IJSC Collaborative serves as a connector of individuals, organizations, and institutions that both have, and seek, expertise in areas that support equity for social change.
Identifying and leveraging partnerships for funding and other types of support
The IJSC Collaborative serves as a connection point for individuals, companies, and organizations to invest their time, talent, and treasure in ways that are meaningful and align with their values and desires for action. This includes identifying and seeking funding and non-monetary support as part of on- and off-campus capacity-building and partnership efforts.