Social Responsibility is Wheaton shorthand for civic engagement, specifically informed and inclusive political activism
The Center for Social Justice and Community Impact encourages and supports passionate and informed political activism, creative approaches to social justice work, and respectful bi-partisan dialogue on issues of importance to our community, country and world through speakers, dialogues, film, art and spoken word events, and other programs.
The Center of Social Justice & Community Impact and the Center for Religious & Spiritual Life are located in the basement of the Cole Memorial Chapel (The Base) on Wheaton College’s campus. Together, the Centers collaborate with campus and community partners to leverage our resources to foster equity, service and solidarity at Wheaton, in Bristol County, and in the global community.
In the past, the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact has worked with the Hungry Lyons Theme House to bring attention to food insecurity. We brought in youth organizers from the March for Our Lives Boston Chapter to speak about their organizing against gun violence. We’ve hosted “Elephant Room” talks to speak about important, but uncomfortable social issues. These are just a few examples of our work.
“If you leave me to myself alone, I shall try to succeed alone. But if we try it together, the task will not be easier, but it will be deeper and richer.”
~ N. Kazantzakis
Support Services
Community Service
The Center for Social Justice and Community Impact encourages students, faculty and staff to move beyond a charity-based model of service to one of full and sustainable partnerships in which all participants benefit in significant ways.
LGBTQ+ Engagement
The Center for Social Justice & Community Impact is dedicated to providing programs and opportunities that promote and celebrate the LGBTQ+ experience. We strive to make our campus an inclusive space for all students.
First-Generation and Low Income Students
Wheaton dedicates staff and resources to support first-gen and low-income students with their individual needs one-on-one. This work is done through collaboration with the Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging.