Commitment to Social Change

Since its founding in 1970, Walden has attracted a community of students and scholars committed to leveraging knowledge to address the challenges in their community, profession and the world around them. The following are just some of the ways a Walden education is making a greater difference in the lives of students and others.

Walden University Mission
Walden University Vision 
Social Change at Walden University
Social Change Impact Report 
Social Change Conference
Global Day of Service
Walden Service Network
Scholars of Change
Perspectives on the World
Social Impact Speakers Series

Walden University Mission

Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change.

Walden University Vision

Walden University envisions a distinctively different 21st-century learning community where knowledge is judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good.

Social Change at Walden University

Walden’s mission of effecting positive social change is defined by a commitment to improve the human and social condition by creating and applying ideas, strategies and actions to promote the worth, dignity and development of society. These efforts are supported through a learning experience that emphasizes a scholar-practitioner model, built on the belief that knowledge is most valuable when it is put to use in the interest of the greater good. As a result, Walden students, alumni and faculty help bring the university’s mission to life by participating in and leading research, conferences and service initiatives and projects that are making a difference in communities around the world.

Social Change Impact Report

The Social Change Impact Report provides a detailed picture of the state of social change engagement in America: Americans’ beliefs about social change, the issues they care about, the motivations behind their engagement, the actions they are taking to further social change and the tools they use.

Social Change Conference

Since 2005, Walden’s annual Social Change Conference has been sharing real-world insights for Walden community members to use as change agents in their communities, careers and the larger world. The conference provides students, alumni, faculty members and staff the opportunity to learn from an exceptional group of leaders whose visions for social change are being realized through their innovation, collaboration and passion. This conference is designed to encourage and enable participants to stretch their thinking and motivate themselves to take action. Making a positive impact has never been more important than it is today. Experience past Social Change Conferences by viewing our archived conferences.

Global Day of Service

Walden’s annual Global Day of Service is an opportunity for the Walden community to make an impact in neighborhoods around the world and advance the university’s mission of positive social change. Members of the Walden community generously donate their time and expertise to serve their neighbors in need, as they  experience firsthand the impact they can make in the lives of others. Students, alumni, faculty and staff contribute to community projects serving schools, food banks, community centers and much more. Saturday, October 1, 2011

Walden Service Network

Every day, Walden students, alumni, faculty and staff are actively involved in service and other volunteer work. The Walden Service Network, launched in 2010, is an online resource for the Walden community, where they can find volunteer opportunities, recruit volunteers for community service events and record their volunteer hours. Learn more about the Walden Service Network and put your ideals into action by volunteering today.

Scholars of Change

In 2009, Walden University hosted its inaugural Scholars of Change video contest to provide students and alumni a platform to showcase the difference they are making in their communities and the ways they are making Walden's mission of positive social change a reality. This contest gives Walden community members the opportunity to share their inspiring stories, via video, and become eligible to win one of five $5,000 grand prizes. What’s more, each grand-prize winner can select a charity to receive an additional $2,500 prize. Honorable mention winners each receive a $500 prize. Watch how Walden students and alumni are advancing the greater global good.

Perspectives on the World

Through Walden’s Perspectives on the World series, distinguished scholars, journalists and social scientists share their diverse global views with doctoral students and faculty members at commencement ceremonies and academic residency programs.

Social Impact Speakers Series

Walden University’s College of Management and Technology sponsored the Social Impact Speakers Series in 2009 that offered the opportunity for students to learn from industry and thought leaders on topics such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility, leadership, ethics and innovation. The online series provides knowledge and insight to business professionals, students and academics around the world. Watch the archived presentations.