Making a difference as an Olson Scholar  

While the Olson Scholars Program encourages making a difference in the community through social activism, it’s not about adopting Olson’s philosophy or social issues – it’s about the passion you have for your own causes and agenda. Read more about social activism and social justice, and determine if leaving a positive impact is a calling for you.

Social activism

Social activism is an intentional action with the goal of bringing about social change. If you feel strongly about a cause and are working towards a change, you are an activist. An activist can be:

• a student attending a rally against tuition increase
• a politician fighting against international human rights abuses
• a mother of a child killed by a drunk driver talking to students about the dangers of drinking and driving

Social justice

If we define social justice as the belief in an equitable, compassionate world where difference is understood, valued, and respected, then we can see that social activism and social justice are two sides of the same coin. Social activists consider the larger picture – how they can find ways to end injustice and to create strong communities which encourage economic, social, and psychological health. This work is a way to attain social justice.

Social activism, social justice, and the Olson Scholars