The need for better leaders!
Dr. Martin Luther King once said “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
Many Chicago School community members are passionate about the University’s mission. It is to provide a high quality education by integrating theory, professional practice, and innovation. So, The Social Justice Leadership Academy (SJLA) was started with this very principle in mind. SJLA is an opportunity for TCSPP students to learn and develop social justice. They develop leadership skills while augmenting what they learn in classrooms.
SJLA is the product of a collaborative effort between Chicago Campus department Community Partnerships, Student Support Services, and what is now the Diversity Center. Jill Glen, Executive Director of Community Partnerships, spearheads the initiative. Emily Hilleren, Assistant Director of Student and Academic Support Services, who co-facilitates. This year SJLA has been introduced to the SoCal Campuses. Dr. Nadia Jones, Associate Director of Community Partnerships, SoCal Campus says, “We find that students have so much passion for serving and for engaging in social justice issues”. “So this is the perfect way to honor them and recognize them for doing so.” she adds.
What is SJLA?
SJLA is a 12 credit co-curricular program. The students can earn credits by participating in a variety of activities both on the campus as well as in the community.
“These activities could be as simple. Such as watching a movie, volunteering or just voting.” explains Jill. “The idea is to allow students to go outside of their academic settings. So exposure promotes an awareness about the society. And a desire to change it for the better. Students are not left on their own in this endeavor. They can collaborate with an expert mentor to gain direction and guidance.”
Emily feels, “Mentoring for SJLA is such a rewarding way to connect with students. Therefore, we get a closer view of the difference they make in the world.”
Student Mohammed Akhtar, feels the same. “I got the opportunity to work and learn from Jill Glenn, Dr. Margie Martyn, Dr. Gregory Benson-Florez and other professionals from different walks of life. So this is by far the most rewarding part about this experience.”
Why SJLA?
SJLA is aimed at creating leaders who are well rounded in professional practice and diversity. Students are able to enhance their leadership skills. So they challenge their understanding of the social construct behavioral and ethical practices. They learn to develop anti-oppressive alternatives to traditional methods. Through the SJLA initiative, Mohammed was able to work with the Chicago Campus Dean, Dr. Margie Martyn. He worked on the launch of the campus’s first-ever Bachelor’s Degree Program. There he specifically advocating for students in need.
“These SJLA experiences confirmed my purpose and why I joined the field of psychology.”