Here’s How to Get Involved in Social Justice Week 2025

Key events are planned across SHU to help students foster unity in their community

Sacred Heart University, in partnership with community engagement, the multicultural center, the La Hispanidad student club and other organizations, will host this year’s annual Social Justice Week from March 23 to 28.

The week encapsulates the University’s mission, which includes embracing social justice and educating students in mind, body and spirit to prepare them to be leading professionals beyond their collegiate years.

This year’s programming is geared toward promoting belonging and unity in the local community. The week offers students and staff a chance to reflect, make meaningful contributions to their community and embrace unity across campus.

Arlete Perez Paez, assistant director of community engagement at SHU, spoke to the value of this year’s programming.

“I’m so happy that our University has the opportunity to come together for Social Justice Week,” she said. “With 'unity' as our theme, this is a time to stand together more than ever.”

“La Hispanidad has worked tirelessly to bring this week to life, and we encourage everyone to participate in the events planned,” she added. “We’ll conclude the week with our traditional Unity Walk, celebrating our commitment to justice, inclusivity and togetherness."

Schedule of Highlighted Events

Social Justice Week Mass

Sunday, March 23, 7 p.m., Chapel of the Holy Spirit 
  
The community will gather for a prayer and worship service to celebrate the spirit of giving back and helping others.

Social Justice Week Kickoff

Monday, March 24, noon to 2 p.m., Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts Atrium

This year’s weeklong event begins with a welcome and offers attendees a chance to learn more about the schedule for the week ahead and to enjoy free food, music and other activities. The event will also feature a guest speaker to help attendees support and foster unity throughout the week on campus. Those in attendance will have a chance to win a SHU bookstore shopping spree! This event is key for anyone who wants to be involved throughout the week.

Hunger Project

Friday, March 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Toussaint Hall lobby

For the first time since 2019, this event is back on campus as a part of Social Justice Week. It’s co-sponsored by mission & culture, first-year programs and graduate student life. This transformative experience allows students, faculty and staff to give back to their local community and support a charitable cause. Attendees will help pack 20,000 healthy meals for nOURish Bridgeport, a food-centered nonprofit geared toward eliminating food insecurity in the local community. Students, faculty and staff can sign up to volunteer on the SHU Give Pulse platform.

Unity Walk

Friday, March 28, 2 p.m., Chapel of the Holy Spirit, lower quad

This event has long been the cornerstone of Social Justice Week at SHU, demonstrating the value of diversity and commemorating the University’s ongoing educating of students in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The walk is sponsored by the University’s La Hispanidad student club and celebrates the hard work done by all who contributed to making the community more inclusive throughout the week.

View Full Schedule

Interested in learning more about this year’s programming and how you can participate?

Visit the Social Justice Week website or contact the community engagement department by emailing or calling 203-365-4710.