Help Us Grow
A better world is possible. We’re working to make it happen.
Social transformation is a collective process that promotes systemic change in institutions, social relationships, and values. It’s a powerful and effective strategy for tackling the toughest global challenges, even when those efforts might otherwise feel like an uphill battle.
Successful social transformation requires consistent, collaborative work, based on deep insight into both problems and solutions. And ultimately, it relies upon people from all walks of life deciding to take part in the effort to improve our shared future. Will you join us?
How to get involved
There are many ways to become part of our community at the Institute for Social Transformation. Together, we can make a difference. Find the involvement option below that’s right for you, and let’s get started today.
Learn with us
Are you interested in making positive change in your community? The Institute for Social Transformation shares inspirational success stories from our work across the state and around the world, along with crucial insights and resources that can help advocates maximize their effectiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or someone who’s looking for ideas on how to get started, we’d love to share what we are learning with you.
Partner with us
If you’re part of an organization that is leading social change, we want to hear from you! We regularly partner with nonprofits, government agencies, and more to help design useful research and apply promising findings toward specific advocacy efforts and general capacity-building. There may be opportunities for you to join an existing project, or for us to start a new one together. Our affiliated Campus + Community center also provides general resources for community partners.
Support transformative scholarship
Your donation to the Institute for Social Transformation helps fund innovative scholarship that applies cutting-edge research methods to answer questions of critical importance to society. You’ll also be funding comprehensive research support services that allow us to advance major projects and ensure ethical community engagement. Your support helps produce research with real-world impact, both locally and globally.
Empower student changemakers
UC Santa Cruz students are emerging leaders who are passionate about building a better world and bring valuable perspectives and strengths to the table. Your support can remove financial barriers for key experiences that help these students find their paths as changemakers. Our Building Belonging program offers paid research experiences alongside a faculty mentor, while the Transforming Futures program provides funding for summer internships.
