Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Integrated Justice & Social Change Collaborative?
We are an initiative of Southern’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused on creating space for people to be in community with each other. Whether virtually online or in person, we want to create opportunities and spaces where people are exposed to ideas and others that they may not have access to otherwise.
Who is it for?
Anyone interested in participating and, particularly, people from communities in Connecticut and beyond. Our events are going to explore topics that everyone can join. Some events may have a more narrow focus that appeals to certain people or groups, but our events are for everyone to come, talk and learn.
Why should/would I get involved?
We hope the interactions in our IJSC Collaborative spaces will help create better interpersonal relationships, understanding, empathy and knowledge. We believe we all can learn to communicate better with one another and a crucial step is to step out of our comfort zones to learn about and talk to people more deeply – to go beyond the surface. Our events are meant to be stepping stones. They will lead you to new people and ideas. They will lead to better communication and engagement. It is a personal choice whether to be involved or not, but we welcome you to the challenge of becoming better in some way and acknowledge that, at times, it might be scary or intimidating…or not. The goal is to be easy, free, and work toward connection and understanding.
In what ways can I collaborate with the IJSC Collaborative? What does involvement look like?
The collaborative invites you to participate in any of the following pathways that feels comfortable to you:
- Join our email list to catch up with the goings on at the IJSCC.
- Submit ideas that you would like to see realized but do not want to be the one to create or host – we will work to make it a reality.
- Suggest ideas and events that you would like to develop and host.
- Invite people or organizations you feel would benefit from connecting.
- Participate in our various events, or the resources on the website, and participate as it suits you.
You do not have to solely host events to collaborate with us. Your engagement can be as much or as little as you like.
What is the IJSC Collaborative Network and why join?
All types of individuals and organizations committed to the goals of justice and social change are part of the IJSC Collaborative Network: advocates, non-profits, for-profits, educators, researchers, foundations, students, affinity groups, and more. Joining this network is FREE and has a number of benefits such as giving you the opportunity to be the first to know about events, participate in networking events, and more. If you want to participate as a member, partner, or sponsor, there are tiered options and benefits. You can join the Network at this link!
Does it cost anything for me to participate in, suggest, or facilitate an event?
Most events will be free for those hosting or participating. They are not meant to be held for monetary gain but for deeper understanding between people. There may be certain events where a fee is charged. In those cases, we will be transparent about why we are charging a fee and where the monies will go.
What kinds of events does the IJSC Collaborative hold?
We are here to help host conversations, book clubs, language meets, panels, interviews, art events, etc. Let’s put it this way: If you have something you would like to take place or share, let us know and we will try to make it happen.
Where will these events be held?
Most of our events will be held virtually online via Zoom at first. Eventually we will be hosting virtual and face-to-face events. Face-to-face events may be held at Southern or off campus in community venues.
How do I set up an event?
You can email us or click this link that is on our Collaborative Conversations webpage. It will send you to a form were you can share your ideas. We will contact you as soon as we receive your request.
How do people learn about IJSC Collaborative Events?
We have an Event Calendar on our website (click here) that people can check. We will send out announcements to our network so that people know what is going on. We will also strive to get various events listed in local community calendars so that as many people as possible know about them.