Texas A&M Bush School Center Launches Social Justice Leadership Certificate

The Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service has announced a new Certificate in Social Justice Leadership.

The certificate is designed for nonprofit leaders committed to accelerating racial equity within nonprofit organizations. The goal of this innovative offering is to support public service professionals interested in addressing inequities within leadership roles at nonprofits, equip them to identify and advocate regarding systemic and structural barriers within, and positively contribute to the health of the sector.

The online program is a non-credit-bearing professional education opportunity  for nonprofit practitioners that uses an asynchronous design to offer the flexibility required by today’s professionals. It consists of five three-week courses that can be completed in approximately four months.

Today’s leaders and those in the future need to be ready and willing to address equity issues for the continued vibrancy of  the sector at-large, especially when one considers the economic uncertainties and general fragility these organizations face. The Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Bush School is proud to offer this program for those across the world who are ready to take action-oriented steps toward increasing the quality of services provided by nonprofits via enhanced diversity of thought by an array of leaders.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations have a rich history of being resilient, but will likely face steep challenges to advancing their missions without higher levels of cultural diversity in decision-making roles.

“Though the racial events of 2020 may have focused a shining light on the lack of people of color who lead nonprofits, whether executive or board member, leader demographics within remain and have steadily been homogenous for decades,” said Kenneth Anderson Taylor, who led development of the program.

Though this educational offering is primarily designed for nonprofit professionals, it will also attract leaders in the for-profit sector who serve on charitable boards or work in corporate social responsibility, foundation leaders and donors, and a variety of educators who may seek to generally incorporate social justice pedagogy into their instruction. Course topics include an introduction to social justice, leading social and racial justice within public service organizations, cultural competency, diversity in the workplace to benefit justice issues within, and a social justice policy and advocacy course designed to prepare learners to lead an issue-based social justice campaign.

“We are very excited about the Certificate in Social Justice Leadership program,” said Lori Taylor, professor and head of the Bush School’s Department of Public Service and Administration. “This new program perfectly aligns with the Bush School’s vision to inspire excellence in the noble calling of public service, with the faculty’s longstanding interest in equity issues, and with the Center’s mission to support a vibrant nonprofit and philanthropic sector in Texas and beyond.”

For additional information or to enroll in the program, please visit the Bush School website or contact Program Coordinator Jasmine Walia at jasminewalia@tamu.edu.