United Campus Ministry: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice

Get Involved!

Get involved in programs promoting diversity, social change, and activism! Some of these programs are ongoing (Thursday Supper, Saturday Lunch, Interfaith Impact). Many of our programs are driven by the motivations and energies of our students and community members who regularly collaborate with UCM on a variety of religiously and socially progressive programs, events, and activism (including ecumenical and interfaith community-building and education, peace, economic justice, and initiatives to fight sexism, homophobia, racism and other forms of oppression). See calendar for details on current programs.

• Student Internship program

  UCM's student interns are at the center of our campus ministry. Student interns gain experience in all aspects of our nonprofit, community-based organization from coordinating programs to assisting in fundraising and outreach. UCM internships are unpaid, but may qualify for college credit (PR and Social Work in particular) or work-study. Current interns coordinate Thursday Supper and Saturday Lunch, run the Interfaith Impact student group, engage in outreach to local congregations, develop our social media presence, write press release and design program fliers, and assist with event planning and fundraising. UCM is thrilled to have an Interfaith Youth Core fellow placed with us this year (2010-11) who is working to foster religious pluralism on campus through community service. Check our calendar for upcoming events.

• Interfaith Impact Student Organization

  OU progressive student organization for interfaith dialogue and activities. Facilitated by Rev. Evan Young every Thursday evening (while OU is in session), 7:30pm - 9:00pm in the UCM lounge.

• Thursday Supper

  Student organization and weekly free meal program (year round). Volunteers and donations needed.

• Saturday Lunch

  UCM's second weekly free meal program. Volunteers and donations needed.

• A Girlfriend's Guide to Activism

  Intergenerational dialogue with women activists in the community and students at OU.

• Interfaith Worship Services

  TBA

• Women's Spirituality Workshops and Gatherings

  TBA

• Faith and Justice Speakers

  Past speakers include Mary Brave Bird (author of Lakota Woman), Majora Carter (environmental justice), Mandy Carter (founder of Southerners on New Ground), Medea Benjamin (CodePink) and Ron Buford (United Church of Christ's "God Is Still Speaking" campaign). UCM regularly collaborates with OU and community groups to co-sponsor speakers.

• Book and Video Discussions

  Topics have included a variety of interfaith, social justice and diversity themes.

• Saturday Work Trips

  Students volunteer in a variety of community service projects with organizations like Rural Action and the Multicultural Genealogical Center.

• Alternative Spring and Winter Break Trips for Ohio University Students

  Past trips include delegations to examine political, economic and social issues in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba and volunteer work trips to Pine Ridge Reservation, Appalachia, New Orleans and the US - Mexico border.

• Pastoral Care

  Contact Spiritual Director Evan Young, evan@ucmathens.org.

• Southeast Ohio Underground Railroad Tour

  Students and community members learn about the underground RR history in their area through visits to important sites including caves and hidden rooms in houses where escaped slaves hid. TBA.

© 2011 UCM