Service & Social Justice

At the institutional level, Georgetown is deeply committed to service and social justice. As the University’s mission statement states, “Georgetown educates men and women to be reflective lifelong learners, to be responsible and active participants in civic life and to live generously in service to others.” Students are strongly encouraged to take part in exploring social justice issues both inside and outside of the classroom. Below are just a few campus departments through which you can engage in service and social justice work during your years at Georgetown. These offices, as well as the Women’s Center, the LGBTQ Resource Center, the Berkley Center for Peace, Religion & World Affairs, and many other departments across campus, contribute to the university’s mission of serving others.

Campus Ministry

As the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit University, Georgetown lives out John Carroll’s legacy by calling all members of the university community — regardless of religious tradition — to integrate their faith and learning, and to share their gifts with all of the world, especially the materially poor and the marginalized. Through international and domestic immersion experiences, as well as solidarity and advocacy efforts, Georgetown’s Campus Ministry creates opportunities for undergraduates to live what they believe.

Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching & Service

The Center for Social Justice (CSJ) is a hub through which students, faculty and staff engage in Washington, DC through activism, advocacy, service, volunteer projects and community-based learning and research opportunities. Whether a student wants to get involved for a day of service, for a week-long Alternative Break trip, for a full semester through one of CSJ’s signature programs, by taking a course, or as a member of a student organization, CSJ offers diverse opportunities for students to engage in communities through social justice and service work.

Center for Multicultural Equity & Access

The Center for Multicultural Equity & Access (CMEA) provides mentoring, multicultural programming, diversity education, and academic support to undergraduates, while enhancing the education of students historically denied access to Georgetown because of their race or ethnicity. GU students  serve through CMEA’s Institute for College Preparation (ICP), a pre-college academic enrichment program for DC area public middle and high school students.

Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor

Georgetown University’s Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor develops creative strategies and innovative public policy to improve workers’ lives in a changing economy. GU undergraduates can directly work with the Washington, DC day laborer community through the Student-Day Laborer Exchange, a community-based education and organizing program that fosters collaboration among students and day laborers.