About
“We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The will to change, to envision a better future for our community and ourselves, begins with a step toward justice. At the Volunteer Action Center, we believe those steps are strongest when taken together. That is why we intentionally create spaces where students, staff, and faculty can learn about the challenges facing our community and collaborate on meaningful solutions.
The VAC’s commitment to justice is why we are excited to invite you to the 2026 Envisioning Justice Conference, taking place February 25–27 across the Arkansas Union. Over three days, attendees will engage in critical dialogues, interactive workshops, and community-building with some of the brightest and most decorated professors, politicians, CEOs, organizations, and student leaders in sessions designed to equip students with the tools to make change now—even if they are unsure where to begin.
Also, attendees will be entered in a raffle to receive a high-quality 2026 Envisioning Justice Conference hoodie as well as some incredible EJC merch!
This year’s conference is grounded in three core pillars:
Ethical, Justice-Centered Service
We move beyond viewing service as a transactional exchange of hours for credit. This theme explores how authentic, ethical service can function as a strategic tool for redistributing power and advancing systemic justice. We center community needs, voices, and expertise, working collaboratively with nonprofit partners in innovative and justice-oriented ways.
Leadership Reimagined in a Changing World
In an evolving political and social landscape, the stakes and responsibilities of leadership have shifted. This theme highlights the renewed purpose of student and community stewardship. Participants will learn from faculty, organizers, and peer leaders who are responding with resilience to complex challenges and forging effective pathways for change.
The Many Faces of Social Change
Social change is not limited to traditional forms of volunteering. While those contributions remain vital, sustainable justice requires a diverse ecosystem of skills. This theme recognizes the wide range of contributions that strengthen our communities—from data analysis and event planning to communications, design, advocacy, and institutional leadership.
Each session below will be labelled with the room location, time, speakers, pillar(s) focused, and if there will be food provided. See you at Envisioning Justice!
Registration
Registration Closed
Registration Closes
Any time before each shift ends or when space runs out.
A few people you will meet... View All
Shifts (13)
1 - 1 of 1 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAC Trail Cleanup | 10:00am (CT) | 11:00am (CT) | Meet at the VAC office (ARKU 241) to walk to and cleanup the VAC's trail on campus! EJC Pillar: Ethical, Justice Centered Service | Over |
1 - 4 of 4 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJC Welcome Drop-In Event | 11:30am (CT) | 12:15pm (CT) | Are you interested in the Envisioning Justice Conference, but want to learn more information about the conference before the sessions begin? Join us from 11:30AM to 12:15PM for a relaxed, drop and go welcome session where we can answer any question you have about EJC while learning all about the... | Over |
| Lunch & Learn: Food Resources on Campus | 12:15pm (CT) | 1:00pm (CT) | Join us to learn about campus food resources like Razorback Food Recovery and the Full Circle Food Pantry—programs designed to support students and reduce food waste. Lunch provided! Location: Arkansas Union Room 507-AU508 Food Provided: Yes EJC Pillar: Ethical, Justice-Centered Service | Over |
| Science as a Justice: Dr. Najja Baptist and Dr. Dara Gaines Panel | 1:00pm (CT) | 2:00pm (CT) | Join the UARK Volunteer Action Center at the 2026 Envisioning Justice Conference for a panel with Dr. Dara Gaines and Dr. Najja Baptist on how research can be used to advance justice, organizing, and community engagement. Dr. Dara Gaines is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas, State Organizing... | Over |
| Envisioning Justice at Home and Abroad: The Arkansas Global Changemakers Initiative | 3:30pm (CT) | 4:30pm (CT) | Join Dr. Laurence Hare in an extremely compelling session that's meant to student's to the unique model behind the Arkansas Global Changemakers Initiative. Dr. Hare will talk about the ways that global engagement can transform Arkansas communities and address new ways that we approach community-based global learning. Location: MC Gallery... | Over |
1 - 3 of 3 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You’re Already Civically Engaged (And Here’s How to Do More) | 1:00pm (CT) | 2:00pm (CT) | Civic engagement is all around us, but many students struggle to see it. Through this session, the VOICE executive team will help attendees work through different aspects of civic engagement and find how it overlaps with their specific interests. Participants will work through various exercises to highlight their current civic... | Over |
| First-Gen Voices: A Photo Gallery | 2:00pm (CT) | 3:00pm (CT) | First-Gen Voices: A Photo Gallery is a visual storytelling exhibit featuring photographs and written reflections submitted by first-generation college students at the University of Arkansas that capture their lived experiences, challenges, successes, and journeys through higher education. Using a photovoice approach, this gallery centers student perspectives and amplifies first-gen voices,... | Over |
| Community Leaders Panel - Service Engagement | 3:30pm (CT) | 4:30pm (CT) | Join SE for a dynamic conversation with local leaders who are advancing justice, service, and community impact across Northwest Arkansas. This panel brings together voices from the nonprofit sector, immigrant advocacy organizations, and local political spheres work to explore how community partnerships create meaningful change. Confirmed panelists include Alexa Roldan... | Over |
1 - 5 of 5 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Student Association - Resistance through Art | 11:30am (CT) | 12:15pm (CT) | Throughout history art has been used as both a means of expression and resistance. In this demonstration we aim to talk through both conventional means of storytelling such as music and means that are less conventional such as braid-work. Via a brief walkthrough impactful pieces throughout black history and a... | Over |
| Creating Belonging: The Imperative of DEI on College Campuses | 12:15pm (CT) | 1:00pm (CT) | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are essential to higher education because they enhance student success, improve campus climate, and prepare graduates for a diverse, interconnected world. Research shows that institutions with strong DEI efforts experience higher student retention, reduced disparities in academic outcomes, and foster inclusive environments where all... | Over |
| AIRE - Know Your Rights: Students and Allies | 1:00pm (CT) | 2:00pm (CT) | A presentation led by incredible student leaders Alexa Roldan and Angelina Garcia that teaches students and allies of the immigrant community how to protect themselves and their community members. This will also be a great opportunity to connect with AIRE for anyone who is interested in our work and would... | Over |
| Bridge USA - Bridge the Gap | 2:00pm (CT) | 3:00pm (CT) | The UARK chapter of Bridge USA invites students to a conversation centered on the core themes of the 2026 Envisioning Justice Conference and what they mean for political participation and engagement. Bridge USA members will lead a facilitated discussion on how students can stay politically engaged, build understanding across divides,... | Over |
| Kathy Webb: From Passion to Progress: Navigating the Political Process | 3:30pm (CT) | 4:30pm (CT) | Join Kathy Webb, Vice Mayor of Little Rock and longtime Arkansas public servant, for a conversation centered on community building and justice-oriented leadership. With decades of experience spanning local government, state politics, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots advocacy, Webb brings a deep commitment to public service rooted in care for people... | Over |
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