Student to Receive Oxfam Training for Social Justice

Colleen Kinsella is going to spend part of her summer learning, but it’s not going to be the typical things you learn in a classroom. In late July, Kinsella and 49 other students from across the country will be traveling to Boston as part of Oxfam’s Change Initiative.

According to Oxfam, the purpose of the initiative is to “develop capable leaders, who are informed voices for positive social change, and who inspire greater global awareness in others.”

The goal is to teach each student leadership and advocacy skills that will prepare them for leadership roles in their campus organizations

For Kinsella, that organization is VOICES for Justice.

“Over the years, I know that I have made social justice a priority in my life here at Rockhurst,” she said. “The members of VOICES for Justice have been really supportive and excited for me to have this opportunity.­ I’m going to bring back what I learn to help make VOICES for Justice even better.”

For one week, Kinsella is going to be learning about a subject that is close to her heart: hunger and poverty. She will be attending intensive workshops and listening to guest speakers who will discuss social justice and what college students can do about it.

Kinsella was accepted into this highly competitive program after submitting an application and letter of recommendation from Bill Kriege, assistant director of campus ministry, and a phone interview.

“This is a good opportunity for me, but with the knowledge I’m going to bring back, this is going to be a great opportunity for Rockhurst,” she said.