About Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability (DJS) Community

  • Students looking at an iPad together with text next o them reading, "Students of Color."
    Taezha and Jamae (First Year Students, Residents of the DJS Community - Students of Color) “The SOC community offers us an opportunity to meet people who can relate to how we feel. We value the feeling of knowing each neighbor by name and being friends with everyone. Our hall is known for dancing to music, cooking, and playing games that bring us closer together ay. We love our hall because it gives us a home away from home with a community that feels like a second family.”
  • Student holding microphone and looking at text reading, "First in the Family Wing."
    Maddie (Resident of DJS Community - First in the Family Wing) “It is really inspiring to see others with similar struggles persevere despite the difficulties we have as the first in our family to go to college. We have a great community of shared support.”
  • Student holding cactus next to text that reads, "Environmental and Social Justice Wing."
    Rebecca (Resident of the DJS Community - Environmental and Social Justice) “I love living on the Environmental and Social Justice Floor of Ordal because I’m inspired to make a difference. I’m honored to hear the stories and struggles of my peers and love learning about their diverse backgrounds. I also love being encouraged to stay informed on what is happening in both this country and worldwide, and having discussions with people to find what we can do to make this world a better place.”
  • Student holding Pride Flag next to text that reads, "Lavender Community."
    Lilyana (First Year Student, Resident of Ordal Hall - Lavender Community) “At PLU, the Lavender wing has allowed me to open up and express myself in ways I’ve never been able to before, I can finally talk openly about my experiences as a queer mixed-race woman without facing ridicule. I feel like I’ve really found a community here and am excited to see what opportunities and experiences await me in the future.”

Explore Identity. Become an Advocate for Positive Social and Environmental Change.

The Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability (DJS) community seeks to create a safe, supportive, and diverse environment that challenges students to explore social justice issues and begin the work towards equity as engaged citizens on both local and global levels. The DJS community promotes opportunities for students to challenge themselves to learn and act in ways that make a difference in the lives of others. The DJS community is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, learn about yourself, explore issues of injustice, and serve as agents for change within your communities. Students will be able to have the added value of relationships with faculty/staff and collaboration with the Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability. The DJS community comprises three intersectional sub-communities:

  1. First in the Family Wings For students who are first in their families to attend college (first-generation students whose parents did not graduate from a four-year, degree granting institution in the U.S.) with support to connect them to resources for success in and out of the classroom.
  2. Students of Color Wings For students who identify as People of Color (or not White) who are interested in exploring their racial and ethnic social identities and cultures.
  3. Environmental & Social Justice Wings For students who are interested in exploring the intersection of social justice and environmental justice and translating this knowledge into positive social change through leadership and action.
  4. Lavender Community For students who identify with the LGBTQ+ community and its histories, communities, and activism.

Great For Students Who ...

  • are interested in gaining an increased understanding of their cultural identities through reflection on value
  • want to learn more about basic concepts of social justice
  • are interested in learning how to create positive change in their hall, PLU, the greater Tacoma community and beyond

Program + Learning Outcomes

By participating in Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability (DJS) community, students will:

  • develop an increased understanding of their own cultural identity through critical reflection of their beliefs, values, attitudes and emotions
  • be involved in discussions, programs, and leadership development around the concept of social action
  • recognize their voices as leaders
  • be able to identify ways to take action at PLU, our greater Tacoma community, and beyond to enact positive change

Linked Residence Hall(s)

Ordal Hall

Linked Course for First Year Residents

First-year Ordal residents will be enrolled in a linked PLUS 100: Transitions to PLU course connected with the Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability Community.

Example Programs

Below are a few examples of social justice programs that have occurred in the past! If you have an idea for a wing or hall program, contact your Resident Assistant or Community Advocate to see about planning it!

  • DJS Retreat at the Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability
  • Habitat for Humanity Volunteering
  • Staycation: Parkland Immersion Alternative Spring Break |  sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement and Service
  • My Culture is Not a Costume | Conversation with the Diversity Center about cultural appropriation in Halloween Costumes
  • Tunnel of Oppression

Contact

For more information about this Learning Community option you may contact:

Dream Gonzales, Community Director for Ordal and Stuen Halls | dgonzales@plu.edu