On a brisk spring morning, the Bowers Fieldhouse buzzed with energy as Elizabethtown College hosted its annual Social Justice Fair, a day dedicated to education, empowerment and community connection. With the goal of advancing peace and justice, the event brought together students, faculty and community members to reflect on societal challenges and explore ways to create meaningful change.
Rooted in its mission to educate, empower and inspire action, the Social Justice Fair featured a full day of interactive experiences, from a vibrant resource fair to thoughtful mini-conference sessions and community-building circles.
“Our goal is to provide a space where everyone feels heard and valued,” Director of Student Opportunity, Access, and Engagement Darcey Mills said. “We believe that real change begins with dialogue and shared responsibility.”
The day kicked off with a Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring more than 40 organizations and campus groups. Attendees browsed booths, spoke with community partners, and explored service opportunities, all while enjoying live music, snacks and prize giveaways.
In the afternoon, the mini conference offered three rounds of breakout sessions, each highlighting key issues related to social justice, including immigration, community belonging, youth care models and campus climate.
Dr. Steve Nolt, professor of history and director of the Young Center, opened the first session with a presentation on U.S. immigration policy.
“It’s essential to understand where we’ve been to better shape where we’re going,” Nolt said.
He encouraged attendees to view immigration through a historical lens to better advocate for policy improvements.
At the same time, Franklin & Marshall staff members Christopher Raab and Dr. Gretchel Hathaway shared insights from their institution’s IDEA course on inclusion and belonging, providing strategies that could be adapted at other colleges.
The fair’s second session highlighted the importance of trauma-informed care with a talk on the Sanctuary Model by Asia Lewis, J.D., Area Coordinator for Residence Life. Across the hall, students gathered for a panel discussion on climate and belonging at Elizabethtown, led by student moderator Jada Makar, freshman political science major. The panelists shared personal experiences and offered ideas to improve campus inclusion.
In the final session, student presenter Aleah Martin a senior neuroscience major explored how current political and social climates have influenced her life, while students Kalen Tendo a sophomore legal studies major and Jordyn Dutko a junior history and political science double major unveiled research on the history of BIPOC students at Etown. Their findings, displayed in the High Library IDEA Lab, include oral histories, alumni activism and an examination of Elizabethtown’s legacy as a former “sundown town.”
The day concluded with CommUNITY Circles—small group conversations on well-being, sustainability and inclusive dialogue.
In a circle led by Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Clinical Training Mike Shook, students explored emotional resilience and strategies for handling life’s challenges.
“Supporting each other’s well-being is a critical piece of building a peaceful and respectful community,” Shook said.
Meanwhile, Chaplain Amy Shorner-Johnson and student Jurial Diaz, a junior environmental science, facilitated a conversation on sustainability and equitable access to resources, encouraging attendees to consider the long-term impact of their everyday choices.
In another circle, Admissions Counselor Anna Tartline guided participants through techniques for facilitating meaningful conversations around difficult topics. The session emphasized using “I” statements and fostering empathy in group settings.
The Social Justice Fair is more than just a one-day event. It reflects Etown’s broader vision—to be a campus where human dignity and peace are central to learning, and where education leads to action.
This year’s expanded focus embraced key themes such as non-violence, ethical leadership, environmental stewardship and education as a path to understanding. These pillars guided every aspect of the fair, aiming to spark curiosity, inspire compassion and fuel advocacy.
As attendees left with resources, ideas, and a sense of renewed purpose, organizers expressed hope that the fair would encourage continued engagement beyond the event.
“Change doesn’t happen in isolation,” Julia Ivery, a sophomore majoring in biology with a concentration in health professions said. “It happens when people come together, listen to one another, and take action.”
For more information about the Social Justice Fair and ongoing social change initiatives at Elizabethtown College, visit etown.edu/socialjustice.
