Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice is:
"To connect the pursuit of the common good with growth of the whole person, through compassionate action and courageous reflection."
The programs of the Wesley Center bring together Catalyst Programs, Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, the Hancock-Hamline
Collaboration, the McVay Youth Partnership, and Religious and Spiritual
Life.
Wesley Center Areas
Civic Engagement and Service-Learning
The Civic Engagement and Service-Learning branch of the Wesley Center provides information, programs, and resources to encourage and empower Hamline University faculty, staff, and students to actively connect the Hamline experience with the issues and realities of our larger local and global communities.
Hancock-Hamline Collaboration
Since 1991, when it became the first University-elementary partnership of its kind in the nation, the Hancock-Hamline Collaboration has been working to create an integrated campus where College Begins in Kindergarten. 97.5% of Hancock students want to go on to higher education, and Hamline students and staff immerse themselves in an urban learning environment that helps them to be active members of their community.
McVay Youth Partnership
The McVay Youth Partnership, “Youth VOICE”, is an after-school program where select Hamline students serve as mentors and role models working with inner-city, middle school youth. McVay fellows work in teams and are responsible for planning and leading the programming. They are assisted by McVay interns who bring their own unique talents to the program. All staff receive training from the Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching and other organizations.
Religious and Spiritual Life
Religious and Spiritual Life is committed to building bridges connecting the sacred, academic, and social aspects of life on campus. The focus of RSL is on fostering spiritual exploration and growth, promoting compassion, justice, and concern for the common good, while providing personal, emotional, and spiritual support and referrals. RSL offers:
- Confidential personal, emotional, and spiritual support
- Services at critical times in the life of the Hamline University community and the world
- The annual multifaith Baccalaureate Service for graduating students
- The Annual Chocolate Seder and Latke Cook-Off
- Christian programs, including the annual Christmas Candlelight Service, Ash Wednesday services, Gospel Choir, and periodic bilingual masses
- Weekly events such as Buddhist meditation, Torah Study, Muslim Prayer, and Multifaith Alliance