
In 2014, teams from 12 universities gathered at Seattle University for a two-day institute to create a community-inspired definition of place-based work. Since the initial convening, teams from over 25 universities have participated in three additional multi-day institutes organized by Seattle University and supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. In February 2018, leaders from several member universities met to clarify the purpose and structure of what has become known as the Place-Based Justice Network.
Focusing on a place-based community engagement strategy invites institutions of higher education and their communities into a deeper examination of how transformation and change occurs on campus and in communities. This exploration often leads to an analysis of how to address historic and current systems that disenfranchise people based upon race, gender, class, national origin and many other personal and communal identifiers.
Kent Koth and Erica Yamamura define place-based community engagement as “a long-term university-wide commitment to partner with local residents, organizations, and other leaders to focus equally on campus and community impact within a clearly defined geographic area." It is within a collaborative interpretation of community engagement that the Place-Based Justice Network is built.
Connect with other people invested in place-based community engagement across North America. Post relevant articles, videos, updates from your work and pose questions to the group for feedback. Open to all, PBJN membership not required: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8726536/
The Place-Based Justice Network is a coalition among universities and colleges and their communities committed to deconstructing systems of oppression through place-based community engagement. The Network is led by a group of member-leaders in a volunteer capacity. To learn more about how to get involved as a leader of the Network or how to become a member please contact the national staff lead, Erin Burrows at Seattle University.
Updated as of February 2021
Place-Based Justice Network Steering Committee
Next Generation Fellowship Leads
Learn more about the PBJN Next Generation Fellows
Continuous Learning Working Group
National Strategy Working Group
Sustainability Working Group
Summer Institute 2021 Working Group
The Place-Based Justice Network is a coalition among universities and colleges and their communities committed to deconstructing systems of oppression through place-based community engagement. The Network is led by a group of member-leaders in a volunteer capacity. To learn more about how to get involved as a leader of the Network or how to become a member please contact the national staff lead, Erin Burrows at Seattle University.
Updated as of June 2021
Place-Based Justice Network Steering Committee 2020-21
Next Generation Fellowship Leads
Learn more about the PBJN Next Generation Fellows
Continuous Learning Working Group
National Strategy Working Group
Sustainability Working Group
Summer Institute 2021 Working Group