Social Justice Award

Application  |   Past Winners

Background
The Social Justice Award stemmed from wanting to enable chapters to identify and implement meaningful change as called for in AKD’s Statement on Racism in America (see below). In 2020-2021, we implemented the Anti-Racism Award Initiative. Chapters were eligible to submit proposals that would stimulate thoughtful discussions of racism and to pursue actions to improve the human condition while addressing some aspect of AKD’s anti-racism statement through this award program.

Alpha Kappa Delta has decided to keep this award line, however, we have renamed it to the Social Justice Award and chapters may submit for any theme they deem appropriate.

Proposals
Alpha Kappa Delta invites chapters to apply for funding to identify and implement meaningful change related to social justice. Successful proposals will stimulate thoughtful discussions articulate ways the chapter can pursue actions that will create lasting impacts that relate to diversity, equity, and inclusion for marginalized students.

Chapters must engage the community with actions such as working with other honor societies on campus and/or community-based nonprofit organizations. Funds cannot support guest lectures or expert invitations unless these events lead to sustained practices.

One other limitation on proposals is a prohibition against political activity on behalf or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office. AKD and its chapters are IRS 501 (c) (3) organizations and the IRS has an absolute prohibition against such activities. Voter education activities, public forums, a voting guides are permitted.

Award Amount
Awards of up to $1,500 each will be given to up to three chapters.

Deadline: October 15, 2023

  • Awards will be announced by November 15, 2023
  • Proposed initiatives will be carried out in Spring 2024
  • Chapters must provide a report on the initiative to AKD by May 31, 2024.

2023-2024 Social Justice Award Application

Statement on Racism in America

Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Honor Society for Sociology, condemns in the strongest possible terms, the acts of violence against people of color in America and around the world. This includes not only the horrific acts such as the public execution of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, but also the ongoing and systematic forms of institutional racism that pervade everyday life. As sociologists, we study and are all too aware that institutional discrimination is just as effective in elevating the life chances of people who benefit from white privilege as it is in shortening the lives of those who do not.

We believe that the only solution that can produce meaningful change is to adopt a firm policy of anti-racism and to pursue it vigorously. Anti-racism is a strategy of active resistance against not only blatant acts of individual racism but also those elements in society that systematically disadvantage people who are not in preferred categories. Strategies of active resistance are consistent with the Mission of Alpha Kappa Delta, which emphasizes engagement in social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition.