Seedworks Social Justice in Nursing Symposium

Fostering dialogue and action around issues of equity, justice, and inclusivity since 2015.

The Seedworks Social Justice in Nursing symposium has been a cornerstone of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing's commitment to fostering dialogue and action around issues of equity, justice, and inclusivity within the healthcare field. Since its inception in 2015, the symposium has served as a platform for bringing together scholars, practitioners, activists, and community members to explore pressing social justice issues in nursing and beyond.

2024: Strategic Use of Power and Voice in Uncertain Times for Nurses and Other Health Professions

Register now for the 2024 Seedworks Symposium. This year, we will explore the challenges and opportunities left in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with keynote speakers and faculty experts.

This is an extension of the Our Voices 1 event that took place last year and is part of the Seedworks Social Justice initiative spearheaded by Dr. Susan Hagedorn ’77. This was a virtual event and featured three short documentary films, with speakers, and breakout rooms for discussion. The work of social justice and racial equity needs to be ongoing, where we can build on previous settings and events to grow in this space.

We hosted a dialogue and discussion that was inspired by first person interviews and shown through the compelling stories of Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other nurses of color. It featured nurses from the “Overdue Reckoning on Racism in Nursing” project.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Seedworks Symposium adapted to a virtual format in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by remote engagement, the event remained a vibrant hub of dialogue and innovation. Virtual panels, presentations, and networking opportunities allowed participants to continue their exploration of social justice issues in nursing while navigating the complexities of the pandemic.

Building on the success of the first symposium, the 2017 event delved deeper into intersectional approaches to social justice in nursing. Speakers and workshops explored the interconnectedness of race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status in shaping health outcomes and healthcare delivery. Attendees engaged in lively discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at driving meaningful change within the nursing profession and healthcare system.

The inaugural symposium, held in 2015, set the stage for what would become an annual tradition. Keynote speakers and panel discussions focused on topics such as racial disparities in healthcare access, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in nursing practice, and the role of nurses in advocating for marginalized communities.