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About the Center

Rooted in Saint Louis University’s Jesuit-inspired mission of seeking truth “for the service of humanity,” the Center for Social Action promotes experiential learning opportunities that draw together people from diverse backgrounds and into contact with the world’s injustices.

Our work at SLU, like the other institutions in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, follows the call of former Jesuit Superior General Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J.: “When the heart is touched by direct experience, the mind may be challenged to change.”

Framework

A circular chart is framed by arrows rotating in a clockwise direction. The center of the chart reads “For Equity” and is surrounded by three pillars that read: “Educating: Social Action Trips and 1818 Grants”; “Building Communities: Faculty Engagement and Policy Pods”; and “Designing: Voter Engagement and Partnership & Database.” The circle is surrounded by a larger box made up of four pillars: “Evaluation,” “Experience,” “Reflection,” and “Action.” Each of the pillars is connected by an arrow, indicating their cyclical relationship.
 

SLU's Center for Social Action, as part of the Division of Mission and Identity, seeks to design programs, educate our campus and build communities for equity and social justice.

Universal Apostolic Preferences

The Center for Social Action works to apply the Universal Apostolic Preferences developed by the Society of Jesus and Pope Francis to unite Jesuit institutions for a common purpose through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.  

More About SLU and the Universal Apostolic Preferences

Spiritual Discernment

We promote interfaith exchanges and sharing of various worldviews that lead to richer meanings and a sense of purpose and well-being.

Walking with the Excluded

We support our communities in St. Louis and beyond who are poor, vulnerable and oppressed, not by doing for but walking with.

Creating a Hope-filled Future

We help young people imagine a better future and provide tools to become leaders for social change in their communities.

Care for Our Common Home

We educate individuals to see the interconnectedness of our lives and to value sustainable relationships with each other and the natural world.