By Dr. Page Morahan
On February 4, the Social Justice Committee sponsored “Service and Justice: Organizing for Change in Our Communities,” a virtual workshop led by Jackson Malkus of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL).
The workshop challenged the participants to examine the critical distinction between Service and Justice work. While service projects like food pantries and community gardens address immediate needs, they often perpetuate existing systems and maintain a giver-versus-receiver dynamic. Justice work, by contrast, requires systemic change–addressing root causes through public action rather than private charity. Both matter, but recognizing the difference helps us be more strategic in our advocacy.
Malkus introduced George Lakey’s framework for roles in social activism, emphasizing that all contributions–from organizers to helpers to advocates–are essential. Effective community organizing always begins with one-on-one conversations that build into group action, followed by careful reflection on what worked and what didn’t.
The group worked through a planning worksheet that integrated both service project elements and campaign organizing strategies to influence policy decisions. Using issues like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention as an example, the exercise reinforced that even seemingly small steps–like writing personalized letters to legislators or requesting face-to-face meetings–can create meaningful change when done strategically and in community.
Take Action: FCNL provided a worksheet that addressed both the elements of Service Project Planning and justice elements in Campaign Planning that can influence policy decisions. Access the basic worksheet at https://tinyurl.com/586m4au8. Learn more at www.fcnl.org or contact Jackson Malkus at jmalkus@friendsplacedc.org.
Read the full issue of the March Messenger.
Meet Page Morahan
Dr. Page S. Morahan, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita, Drexel University College of Medicine, and Founding Director of Drexel’s ELAM® and Founding Co-Director Emerita, International FAIMER Institute (IFI®). Her current passions focus on: advancement of women; social justice; voting rights; and inspirational photography to connect people around the world. She started Page’s Pages Around the World ™ to support FAIMER. She hosts the Home Church in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania and is active in Deborah’s Tree activities.
