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Messiah University
Messiah University

Social Justice and Advocacy

Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."— Micah 6:8

 This ancient call is as urgent today as ever. As Christians, we're called to do more than help individuals—we're called to transform the systems that create injustice. At Messiah University, you'll develop the knowledge, skills, and courage to advocate for lasting change.

Advocacy Day

Learn Advocacy in Action

Make Your Voice Heard at the State Capitol

Every year, our social work students attend the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Pennsylvania Chapter Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) in the State's capital, Harrisburg. You'll meet face-to-face with state legislators, speak up for policy changes that protect vulnerable communities, and discover that your voice has real power to create change.

 “Advocacy day was an empowering day to apply my learning in a real-world context! Being surrounded by Social Workers from all over Pennsylvania, meeting with representatives, advocating for bills to be passed, and exploring the capital with my classmates made the day memorable.” Ella, Class of 2027

Local agencies equip our students to address social justice by meeting people where they are — challenging systemic inequities, amplifying marginalized voices, and working to ensure that every person has access to the resources and dignity they deserve. Local student placements have included:

  • Bethany Village
  • Bethesda Women’s Shelter
  • Church World Service Harrisburg
  • Harrisburg School District
  • Life Choice Clinic
  • Logos Academy
  • Neighboring Academy
  • New Hope Ministries
  • The Bair Foundation
  • Catherine Hershey School
  • Cumberland County DA’s office for Victim Services
  • Dauphin County DA’s office for Child Abuse Prosecution Unit
  • Families United Network
  • County Children and Youth Offices
  • Living and Learning East Cost program (BUS)
  • Milton Hershey School
  • PA Counseling Services
  • Mennonite Disaster Services

 Global internship opportunities offer social work students the chance to bring their commitment to social justice into a global context — learning from communities around the world who are navigating poverty, human rights violations, and systemic barriers, and growing as practitioners with a broader view of justice. Global opportunities include:

Ecuador

Casa Mis Sueños: is a non-profit faith-based ministry to at risk youth, including youth in prostitution, special needs, incarcerated, and those in extreme poverty. Students engage with local government leaders to advance justice through restorative services.

Uganda

The Uganda Practicum is offered for students that want to complete their field work abroad, which gives students a first experience in international social work. At Uganda Christian University in Mukono, participants study and live with East African students and participate in homestays with Ugandan families. Lectures, research, worship, and a service project help students experience daily life as a member of Ugandan society. Placements include:

  • Health based placements- Mukono Hospital, rehab centers, hospice, mental health, and family services
  • Elder and Child services- ROTOM- Reach on touch one ministries- empowering older persons and the children under their care to attain a better life
  • Schools including special needs and after school programs and vocational training
  • Refugee organizations
  • Anti-Trafficking Organizations- Hope for Justice-bringing freedom from human trafficking and modern slavery by identifying victims, supporting survivors and preventing exploitation
  • Economic Empowerment Organizations
  • Child Empowerment- Compassion International- community based hubs provide vulnerable children with nutritious food, medical care, education, and spiritual mentorship to help them escape poverty

Your Journey Starts Here

 At Messiah, you won't just learn about social justice—you'll practice it. Through our curriculum, field placements, and local and global advocacy opportunities, you'll develop the skills to:

Act justly by analyzing systems of oppression and inequality

Love mercy by advocating effectively with policymakers and community leaders

Walk humbly by integrating Christian faith with professional social work values

Lead with courage and organize grassroots movements for change

Serve with compassion across diverse communities