Social Justice Immersions are extended community engagement and learning experiences that can last from 3 days - 1 week. Students learn about the historical and current context of critical social issues, enter into meaningful dialogue and deep reflection with each other and with community partners, and challenge themselves to manifest positive social change. While some immersions offer opportunities for direct service, the focus is on planting seeds of understanding while engaging meaningfully with communities impacted by the social justice issue topic of focus. Immersions are mainly located in and near North Portland (our campus community), and are led by student coordinators with the support of Moreau Center staff as well as a staff accompanier.
Students who participate in immersions must commit to attending an orientation seminar, prep session and additional pre-learning opportunity (in-group or self-guided), and commit to at least one follow-up engagement after their immersion experience. There is a cost to attend each immersion that covers food, travel and accommodations, but students are encouraged to request financial assistance if payment is a barrier to participate.
The Health Access & Equity Immersion is a local immersion (with a rural overnight stay) that allows students to explore and discuss the issues various communities face with accessing holistic and equitable healthcare. There will be a focus on rural and urban health access and the unique challenges each community faces. This immersion is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th - Wednesday, March 3rd.
The Urban Housing Justice Immersion is a local downtown immersion which allows students to experience and discuss issues surrounding the housing crisis, with a focus on health access and equity for unhoused women. This immersion is scheduled for the weekend before Fall Break, Friday, October 9th - Sunday, October 11th.
The Immigration Justice Immersion is a local immersion that allows students to explore and discuss the different experiences and history of migration and immigration to Portland, and compare this learning with a broader national and global context. There will be a focus on storytelling and memory activism as we amplify lived experiences across Portland's history. This immersion is scheduled for the weekend of Friday, November 13th - Sunday, November 15th.
The Environmental & Food Justice Immersion is a week-long immersion in Boston and Easton, MA (Stonehill College) that allows students to explore and discuss sustainable food access and equity with an environmental justice lens. This immersion is scheduled for the week after school ends (Tuesday, May 4th - Wednesday, May 12th) and is intended for 2027-2028 students.