“The goal of social justice education is full and equal participation of all groups in a society that
is mutually shaped to meet their needs. Social justice includes a vision of society that is equitable
and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure.” -Lee Anne Bell
Lead The Change workshops will take place in-person in Spring 2023.
Registration is now open! Follow the link to apply: Lead the Change Application
Deadline to apply is March 17th at 5pm
We are excited to introduce you to this workshop series focused on social justice leadership development!This six-week program gives students of all identities the opportunity to develop skills related to beingan agent of change. Participants must attend at least 4 of the 6 workshops. Allies, Advocates, andActivists and Intent versus Impact are mandatory. Upon completion, all participants will receive acertificate of attendance and be recognized at the Student Excellence Awards. Lead the Changeis the recipient of the Board of Regents Diversity Award!
Sessions include…
Week 1
Allies, Advocates, and Activists: Unpacking Your Privilege and Carving Out Your Place in the Movement for Social Justice
How do you hope to engage with issues of social justice? From listening to and affirming the
experience of marginalized peers, to speaking out against injustice, to actively fighting for social change, come to this workshop and learn about the first steps of getting involved.
Week 2
Intent versus Impact: Engaging in Critical Conversations About Language
This workshop focuses on microaggressions—a term used to describe offensive/
hurtful actions and comments that perpetuate stereotypes of marginalized groups of people.
Participants will be able to identify microaggressions and develop strategies for discussing them.
Week 3
Responding to Resistance: Confronting Those Who Refuse to Challenge the Status Quo
Have you ever encouraged someone to reconsider the way they talk about something, only to be asked,
“Are you calling me a sexist?” or “Why do you always make this about race?” This workshop will break
down these responses and provide tools for addressing similar conversations in class, work, family, and friend groups.
Week 4
Organizing for Action: Coalition Building for Restoring Power to the People
If we want to effect change, we need to work together. This workshop focuses on strategies for building
strong, values-based relationships with people similarly invested in promoting social justice. Content will
center around articulating a story of the values and life experiences that shape your commitment to the movement.
Week 5
We the People: Holding Elected Officials Accountable Through Our Democracy
We pay our elected officials to represent our interests and have a right to ensure they do.
In this workshop, participants will practice strategies for putting pressure on their representatives
at all levels of government—from City Hall to Capitol Hill.
Week 6
Everyday Inclusion: Centering Folks of Marginalized Identities in Your Classroom,
Workplace, and Friend Group
In your classroom and workplace, who is heard and who isn’t? Whose perspective is encouraged,
and who is inappropriately silenced? Everyone benefits when a diverse array of voices are represented at the table and in the conversation. This workshop focuses on techniques for creating inclusive spaces in everyday life. At the end of the workshop, we will also celebrate the completion of the series and award certificates!