Roberto Valdes Volunteers in Washington, D.C. through Lebanon Valley's Social Justice Institute

2014 Mar 7

Roberto M. Valdes of Lebanon, Pa., participated in Lebanon Valley College's Social Justice Institute. Valdes is pursuing a bachelor of arts in political science and is a graduate of Lebanon High School.

The three-day leadership institute allows students to explore how oppression impacts true equality. It begins on campus, where students learn about social justice, envision liberation, and consider models of oppression/oppression and liberation. The students then traveled to Washington, D.C., where they completed service projects at a number of agencies around the city. Valdes had the opportunity to volunteer with Food & Friends.

Participants evolve from being appreciative of diversity to understanding systems that maintain oppression and privilege; develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills; and are eligible for membership in the Pallas Society, a campus-based social justice honor society.

As a result of their active engagement and participation in the Institute, students are able to:

• Understand and explain what racism, sexism, heterosexism, and classism are as well as how they are maintained by power and privilege.
• Understand and explain the interconnectedness of identity and the power/privilege given by their identity groups.
• Understand and explain the difference between prejudice, discrimination, and oppression as well as the difference between appreciation/celebration of diversity and working for social justice.
• Develop action plans to apply the knowledge gained at the institution and in the community.