About the Urban Action Institute (UAI)

1. What is the Urban Action Institute

a. The Urban Action Institute is a branch of the Urban Studies
Department that specializes in student development and addresses
social, political and economic unfairness in our society.
2. What programs can you volunteer in?
a. Garden project- working in Worcester State University Teaching
Garden with students from Chandler Magnet Elementary.
b. SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program)- which is
participating in campaigns to raise hunger awareness on campus and
in the local community.
c. English Language Learning- learning opportunity to work with
Worcester immigrants and refugee population to learn English.
d. Youth Leadership- after school program at the offices of African
Communication Education.
3. What other groups are involved?
a. WRAP- Worcester Refugee Action Program, which consists of
refugees from Worcester that create art to raffle off at the events.
4. What is the UAI mission?
a. We aim to enable students and community members of different ages
and backgrounds to work together to help make the world a better
place. We focus on:
i. Social justice- students work with community partners on
tasks that defend human rights across Worcester area.
ii. Collective good- efforts focused on the protection and
expansion of collective resources that are maintained by urban
residents to benefit communities.
iii. Inclusive communities- initiatives that support refugee and
immigrant communities efforts to get a sense of belonging in
the city
Events

1. What events are coming up?

a. Empty Bowl Event on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2. Who is the event open to?
a. The event is open to WSU students, faculty and Worcester
community members.
3. How do people get involved?
a. We encourage students and faculty to purchase soup and dessert for
different prices as well as donate for the raffle.
4. How much does tickets for the event cost>
a. It costs $3 for students, $10 for faculty/public and an extra $2 for the
dessert table
5. Where does this event take place?
 a. Takes place in the Worcester State University Student Center in the
blue lounge on November 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6. Why is it taking place during this time?
a. The National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week takes place
during that time.
7. Where do the proceeds go?
a. This year the proceeds will go to: St. Paul’s food pantry, Pernet Food
Pantry, Worcester County Food Bank, Chandler Magnet Elementary
School Food Pantry, and St. John’s Food Program.