Making a difference as an Olson Scholar
While the Olson Scholars Program encourages making a difference in the community through social activism, it’s not about adopting Joel Olson’s philosophy or social issues – it’s about the passion you have for your own causes and agenda. Read more about social activism and social justice, and determine if leaving a positive impact is a calling for you.
Social activism is an intentional action with the goal of
bringing about social change. If you feel strongly about a cause and are
working towards a change, you are an activist. An activist can be:
- a student attending a rally against tuition
- a politician fighting against international
human rights abuses
- a mother of a child killed by a drunk driver
talking to students about the dangers of drinking and driving
If we define social justice as the belief in an equitable, compassionate world where difference is understood, valued, and respected, then we can see that social activism and social justice are two sides of the same coin. Social activists consider the larger picture – how they can find ways to end injustice and to create strong communities which encourage economic, social, and psychological health. This work is a way to attain social justice.
Social activism, social justice, and the Olson Scholars
The Olson Scholars Learning Community will adopt one or more social issues for the 2014-2015 academic year. What is your passion? Come be a leader among leaders and direct your passion to a social justice cause through your active service.