Social Justice Education

Catholic Charities is on a mission to engage our community and inspire public action to advance the common good.

Opportunity for all

Our social justice education is grounded in the belief that a strong, vibrant, and equitable community supports those most in need while creating more equitable opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, faith, or socioeconomic background.

One way we advocate for justice is by offering educational experiences to engage, motivate, and empower individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities to advance the common good.

Education and engagement opportunities

Experiential learning tools

Narrative-based tools provide great ways to explore issues in a conversational, interactive way. Catholic Charities team members can facilitate experiential scenarios informed by our expert program and research staff, and—most importantly—from the lives of real youth and families who have experienced homelessness. These simulations invite participants into the lived experiences of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and ask them to navigate the challenges that arise. If you’d prefer a self-guided experience, please contact us for resources and step-by-step instructions.

In-person workshops

Catholic Charities staff members facilitate a variety of customizable workshops tailored to your organization’s needs. Our staff can design sessions of varying lengths to accommodate different age groups and topics. Below are some examples of recent workshops we have facilitated.

Journeys in Racial Equity
This workshop consists of two parts focusing on implicit bias and power, privilege, and identity. It invites participants to explore how unconscious bias, discrimination, positions of power in society, and our own identities shape our experiences – and how we treat others.

Catholic Social Teaching
This workshop examines the Catholic Church’s principles that guide both our charity and social justice efforts. It focuses on the dignity of the human person, the importance of community, and the responsibility to promote justice and peace. It explores why these principles matter and how they inform our work for equity and justice in our own social contexts.

Education sessions

Education sessions offer the opportunity to engage more deeply and better understand poverty and homelessness. Participants learn critical facts, current research, and community trends that help to develop a fresh perspective. Sessions can be standalone if time is limited or paired with an interactive volunteer experience. Catholic Charities staff are available to run education sessions at workplaces, parishes, and other organizations.

Customize your learning experience

There are a variety of ways to design the right learning and engagement opportunity for your group or organization. We will work with you to develop a meaningful and impactful experience that aligns with your goals and needs.

Interested in an issue or experience not listed above?

Contact Mike Rios-Keating, our Director of Culture and Belonging, at Michael.Rios@cctwincities.org or (651) 647-2579 for more information.

 

Catholic Charities’ education and engagement services are made possible by critical philanthropic investments and a modest fee structure.