Georgia State University Launches Social Action Alliance

On January 15, 2022, the Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies launched an interdisciplinary, experiential undergraduate initiative, the Social Action Alliance (SAA), designed to train future community leaders in public service, advocacy, philanthropy, and civic engagement. The Social Action Alliance joins the Next Generation Service Corps, a national initiative that draws diverse, talented young people into government careers. 

The Social Action Alliance launch took place outside of Atlanta, Georgia during a weekend retreat that lasted from Saturday, January 15th to Monday, January 17th. The retreat was timed to coincide with the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr with the goal of inspiring students to consider how their futures in public service could one day influence their communities and our nation.

The Social Action Alliance seeks to prepare students with the skills needed to recognize and address the problems most prevalent in their own communities. The program offers a curriculum focused on social action and requires collaboration beyond the classroom and experiential learning in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The inaugural cohort of thirteen students will begin by taking a course called the Social Action Incubator, led by the Social Action Alliance director, Tammie Green. 

Brett Hunt, Next Generation Service Corps Director for the Volcker Alliance remarked: “The Social Action Alliance launched on a highly positive note with a busy, fun and substantive retreat and an incredible first cohort of students. I am confident these future leaders are going to be able to solve our most complex challenges and serve their communities effectively. It is so inspiring to me that on the holiday that commemorates slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Social Action Alliance students were hard at work crafting their own plans to make their communities and our country a better and more just place.”