Center for Social Concern

BreakOUTs are opportunities to "break out" of your everyday life to experience, learn and broaden your worldview. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, these experiences invite you into prayer and reflection that deepens your understanding of solidarity and human dignity, while discerning your role as an active citizen in the world around you.

Recent BreakOUTs have included:

• UDSAP: Salyersville, KY 
• REAL Dayton: Dayton, OH 
• LEAD with Mary: San Antonio, TX 
• Nazareth Farm: Salem, WV
• Tolton to Ferguson: St. Louis, MO 
• Ecuador
• El Salvador

We are all called to take action that upholds the common good. We offer a variety of programs where you can learn more about different social injustices and discern how you might be called to respond.

Table of Plenty

This monthly lunch and dialogue program invites people of all different perspectives to dialogue about difficult and complex topics. Dialogue norms help set the stage for open, honest, and respectful conversation, even when we disagree.

Advocacy

Practice how to advocate for the things you believe in at the local level through REAL Dayton, nationally through the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, and internationally through our Summer Immersions and BreakOuts.

Miryam Award

Since 1996, the Miryam Award has recognized an individual or group who has enhanced the climate for and support of women on the UD campus.

Before you begin your career or graduate studies, consider a year of full-time volunteering. The Center for Social Concern can help you:

• Explore reasons and benefits for taking a volunteer year.
• Discern your service and location preferences.
• Match you with organizations that align with your preferences and goals.
• Connect you with UD grads who have engaged in post-grad volunteering experiences.

Beyond UD Fair

At this fall event, you can meet with representatives from dozens of post-grad volunteer programs to gather information and see what options are out there.

Beyond UD Supper

Join current and former volunteers representing domestic and international post-graduate volunteer experiences. Share a meal and hear from a panel sharing diverse opportunities to live out your call to serve after graduation.

One person can make a difference; a group of people can make an even bigger difference! SERVICE Saturdays are:

• Social
• Enriching
• Rewarding
• Valuable
• Inspiring
• Community-oriented
• Effective

They are a way to make a difference in our local community while engaging with our Dayton neighbors and with other UD students and reflecting on the positive difference you are making in the world. Sample activities include preparing and serving lunches at area shelters, building a house, cleaning up a local park and sorting clothes at various clothing centers. A reflection lunch follows with free food and engaging conversation. Transportation is provided.

Participating in a cross-cultural summer immersion is a unique way to expand your education beyond the classroom, into a new culture, a new lifestyle and a new way of thinking.

Each trip offers a distinctive experience for students, involving elements of cultural immersion, study of government, social services, religion, family life, economics and everyday life in the host country.

Participants travel in a group with a reflection leader to help guide the group through the joys and struggles of encountering life outside your normal experience and to come to a better understanding of Global Solidarity as God’s children.

Recent immersions have taken place in:

• India
• Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya

Explore God in Creation through the Wilderness Retreat, a backpacking experience in Red River Gorge, KY. This unique retreat invites you to take only what you can carry on your back as you reflect on ways you can work for ecological justice that celebrates God in the natural world. All gear, supplies and transportation are provided.