Seattle Prep’s Global Justice Coalition (GJC) is at the forefront of fostering a culture of service and social justice within the school community. Its mission is rooted in modeling companionship, service, and advocacy for the marginalized, GJC is dedicated to creating avenues for students to engage with and address systems of injustice on both local and global scales. This mission is brought to life through the school’s annual Peace and Justice Week.
This year Peace & Justice week falls between April 15-19, Peace and Justice Week at Seattle Prep is more than just an event; it aims to educate, inspire, and instigate change both within the Seattle Prep community and beyond. This special week offers students a platform to grapple with social justice challenges, providing a variety of activities to deepen the community’s understanding of these issues and learn how to become an effective advocate.
According to Seattle Prep’s Global Justice Collation Leaders, Xana Roper ‘25 and Evelyn Maher ‘25, the primary goal of Peace and Justice Week is “to bring awareness about a social justice cause and leave students with takeaways on how they can be advocates for community.”
Maher ‘25 shared that her favorite part of Peace & Justice week is “seeing everyone getting involved in lunch workshops and see the change that guest speakers can effectuate.”
These activities allow students to explore different facets of social justice, encouraging students to reflect on how they can contribute to making a difference and seek action.
Last year’s theme, “Restoring Our Homes”, highlighted the importance of community, addressing houselessness, and the restoration of our common home. These themes emphasize the week’s aim to not only discuss issues of justice but also to promote a sense of responsibility and deepen bonds both within Seattle Prep and the outside community.
To prepare for Peace and Justice Week, GJC holds meetings every other Thursday throughout the school year. These meetings are essential for planning the week’s events and ensuring that each Peace and Justice Week is inspirational and motivational.
Peace and Justice Week’s success is accomplished through avid student involvement. Students participate in lunch workshops and assemblies to learn about advocacy and social justice. Students also have the opportunity to engage in leadership positions by attending weekly GJC meetings, allowing them to contribute to the week’s planning process. Information regarding meetings and events is announced during morning announcements and social media, making it easy for the entire student body to get involved.
While this year’s Peace & Justice week’s focus is still being decided, Roper ’25 revealed that, this year they are “planning to do a clothing swap to reduce fast fashion.”
Peace and Justice Week exemplifies the mission of Seattle Prep’s Global Justice Coalition club. Through education, advocacy, and action, it strives to create a community of informed, compassionate advocates ready to address the injustices of our world. As this year’s Peace and Justice Week approaches, the Seattle Prep community is determined to continue its tradition of making a meaningful impact, both within the school and in the broader community.
