Abstract:

International issues of access to vaccines and medical care for covid-19 have combined with existing poverty and immigration conflicts to bring the linked problems of social justice and social change to the forefront of public discussion. It is important to inspire students in high school or college, as well as adult learners to:
(a) define important social issues to which they can contribute in positive, practical ways,
(b) use talents and skills that they can accurately identify in themselves and
(c) find an employer that will encourage and support their goals.

This progression will be most productive if students actively choose a particular leadership style or combination of styles that will render them most effective as they take increasing ownership of their social justice involvement.

I will share two modules that enable the four steps listed below, using several activities that can be adjusted for the amount of time available for instruction plus the age levels of the students involved: either an Advocacy letter for younger students or a “Leadership for Change” progression for more advanced/older learners. Both include use of local and international news sources to identify a significant social problem. Students then learn to conduct a SWOT analysis both on themselves and the organization they would contact, either to sponsor change in the community change or to employ the student for change from within. For more advanced/older students, there is an additional leadership analysis activity featuring three models suited to different organizational situations. The three can be deployed separately or in combination. Finally, there is a visual presentation activity that can be used to share student projects, either virtually or in person.

Keywords:

Equity, social justice, SWOT analysis, situational leadership, inspirational leadership, transformational leadership, social change, core values.