Student Leadership and Service (SLS)

Our Mission

With a focus on racial equity and social justice, Student Leadership and Service (SLS) connects students and community partners for service-learning and community engagement.

College Land Acknowledgement

Lewis & Clark College purposefully reflects on the history of the land it occupies. Prior to the newcomers arriving in this area, the indigenous land of what would later be called Multnomah County was home to many tribal people. We honor the indigenous people on whose traditional and ancestral homelands we stand: the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, and Watalala bands of the Chinook; the Tualatin Kalapuya; and many other indigenous nations of the Columbia River.

It is important to acknowledge the ancestors of this place and recognize that we are here because of the sacrifices forced upon them. In remembering these communities, we honor their legacy, their lives, and their descendants.

Our Theoretical Foundations

SLS utilizes the Leadership Model for Social Change as a guide for our work. Through this model we understand leadership to be values-based, collaborative action toward positive social change. The primary themes of this model are shown below.

 

Diagram of various values, including group, individual, societal/community values.

In our work, we utilize asset-based and trauma-informed practices

SLS’ work is also informed by the scholarship of bell hooks and Tania Mitchell, as well as the Division of Student Life’s strategic direction and the college’s strategic plan (goals 1 & 4 are especially relevant).